Grad Party

We went to my sister Mary's graduation party last night. It was nice to see our family and friends and hang out on a warm, summer night. (Food was GREAT too PK!) About 10 of Mary's Immaculata friends came from wherever they live to come to the festivities. It was nice to see them make the trip for the party. Katie partied until about 10pm but Marin left early with Chad but not before she devoured the taco dip.

Congrats Mary!

Memorial Day Weekend

We really needed this long weekend (I know I'm a week+ behind but I don't feel like re-writing this). It's been very hectic lately so we were looking forward to three days off. Plus, with all of the rain over the past couple weeks we were hoping for some nice weather. We continued our annual tradition of hanging out with the Herolds on Memorial Day weekend. They recently moved into a new house with a pool so it was great to hang out with them on a beautiful, warm day. I didn't have my camera but Jess recapped it nicely on her blog. There are some great pics of Chad and his spectacular diving abilities. Katie enjoyed it as well which made me happy that we've enrolled her swimming lessons again. On Sunday, we went to my niece Ella's 5th birthday party. I can't believe it. 5 years old! She is growing up to be a beautiful, smart and caring little girl. And she seemed so happy at her party. As Ella and Katie get older, they have more in common and seem to really enjoy playing together. Ella come over to Marin during the party and tried to include her in the festivities. I thought it was the sweetest gesture. Happy Birthday Ella! We love you! On Monday, the day started off rainy. Katie and I went to the local Memorial Day parade while Marin took her morning nap. I don't know if I'm becoming weepier as I age but the past few years I tear up when the veteran go by. They look a little all over the place because some are wearing their dress uniforms and some are wearing jeans and a t-shirt but they all look proud. I made such a big deal to Katie about "clapping really hard" when the veterans marched by that Katie poked herself in the eye with her flag. Ooops. It kind of looked like she was crying after that so we were quite a pair! After the rainy morning, it turned into a muggy and hot afternoon. Chad told Katie that they could plant a flower and herb garden. At first, I was wondering why are we planting a garden when we have a giant garden we continue to neglect for years and years. Chad's mowed it over and cleared it with a weed whacker and that sucker continues to grow like crazy and produce some beautiful flowers. Regardless, we have a beautiful little flower and herb garden next to the deck so maybe this year we'll give some love to it's nearby abandoned neighbor. Stay tuned for photos of the new garden. Unfortunately we now have to retrain Abby to not sleep in the flower bed/new garden as she's been doing for the past few years.

Eureka! She Walks!

At 14 months and 2 days, Marin takes her first steps. Yay! I think her second steps may be in July. Every time we stand her up, she goes boneless and folds to the ground like a cheap suit. I couldn't capture the moment but here she is getting a I-took-my-first-steps snack.


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Marin Was Here

Marin was here.... and here...

...and if I had my phone close by today I would have a picture of her standing in the refrigerator door with a container of blueberries scattered all over the floor. She was stepping into the container and squishing the blueberries with her shoe while simultaneously bending over to eat them off our dog-haired covered floor. Yuck and yuck.

I thought I was safe since she wasn't halfway up the stairs or hanging out in the bathroom. I was wrong. I find myself whispering "Marin" in the same way Jerry Seinfeld used to whisper "Newman."

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Happy Head Trauma!

I wanted to share our official Mother's Day photos. Me taking Marin off the table. She likes to climb on everything. I pull Marin off the table and in anger she thrashes back and headbutts Katie.

Marin crying in anger. Katie crying due to a head trauma.

Happy Mother's Day!

Immaculata

Katie and I took a trip to Pennsylvania with my brother Jeff to see my sister Mary graduate from Immaculata University. Here are a few picture of the new graduate. Congratulations Mary!





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Mini Minnows

Introducing the Mini Minnows Spring Class of 2011. Katie graduated from the Little Nemos swim class to the Mini Minnows. She informed me that no parents are allowed in the pool, unlike the Nemos. I pretended I was surprised by that news but the hassle I went through to get her signed up for this highly-coveted Saturday morning class was burned in my brain. I wasn't sure if Katie would get into swimming lessons again. The first few dance/gym classes in the Fall had a slow start. This class was an immediate success. She went right over to the edge of the pool and listened intently. I was alarmed at the number of kids but just before the class started 3 more instructors jumped in. It was about a 3-to-1 ratio. Phew. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone