going to school.

Our house is a little chaotic in the mornings. I find myself reviewing my mental checklist as I'm filling up a thermos of organic milk or cramming a foot in a shoe. Teeth... check, mascara... check, Kona's breakfast... check. Somehow I actually managed to get a photo this morning of my cute little gems all ready for school and get to work not totally disshelved. Aren't my kids the cutest in the whole world? OK, you don't have to answer that.

a day at the jersey shore.

We didn't have any Snooki sightings but we sure did a lot of people watching.  Natalie was especially interested in tasting the sand. 

maisie turns 3.

We celebrated Maisie's 3rd birthday with a cupcake decorating party at school.  Her true virgo personality was shining through as she led the group in making sprinkle mustaches.

 

Then, a party with her besties on her actual birthday ...

 

 

Nice cake, eh?  It's a Kim Brokaw original.

 

 

 

And, a beach day at Island Beach State Park.  We ate some sand and did some people watching.  It was a good day, overall.

  

 

the endless summer.

The summer ended with a trip to the Outer Banks.  It was an unforgettable week in our "castle."  Mr. Snyder kept us well-fed, the dogs and kids kept us entertained and the ocean left us with memories that we'll hold on to forever. 

What better way to end the summer?

 

Here are the kiddos in their Hokie dresses (thank you littlepinkmonster.com for the inspiration to make these).

 

... and here's our new tradition ... outfit ourselves in glow sticks and run amock on the beach at night! 

 

Until next year ...

fun in mexico.

I love telling people that I'm going to Mexico.  Here's a picture taken at Cherry's in Mexico, NY, right before our ice cream was served (please note Maisie's physical excitement over the opportunity to eat ice cream). 

We also took a trip to the beach...

And, to Old McDonald's Farm.  We actually got to feed animals from the hayride.  OK, maybe this was more exciting for me than anyone else.

just another day.

While Kim and Colin were in the hospital tending to their new son, the girls and I had some fun painting.  Natalie chose to paint her mouth, Chloe opted for the house siding and Maisie was all about the birdhouse.  Thank god for washable paint! 

a trip to paradise.

Sorry for the long overdue post.  A vacation to Florida was just what we all needed and now it seems like a distant memory.  The girls traveled like champs and Grammy and Grandpa were such gracious hosts.  We spent the week playing in water, eating sand, visiting with the Disney princesses, feeding giraffes and relaxing.  The vacation was a success.

egg hunt champions.

We were very successful in our back-to-back egg hunts over Easter weekend.  This year, Maisie decided to keep some of her eggs instead of giving them all away. 

 

natalie is one.

We recently celebrated Natalie's first birthday.  We threw her a bash complete with family, friends, good food and a balloon artist.  It was a blast!  Here's the day in photos.

hang ten.

The girls have been loving the warmer weather! Here they are enjoying an afternoon wagon ride.

natalie's two cents.

This is what Natalie has to say about the Republican candidates.

water babes.

Maisie had her first swim lesson and Natalie cheered her on. I'm happy to report that she can kick, blow bubbles and she's starting the paddling motion with her hands.

a merry christmas for all.

Christmas was a blast. Maisie showed Natalie how to unwrap gifts. Note her special technique of throwing the paper over head.



Here's the day in photos.









And, no, Kona didn't get coal in her stocking.

a happy halloween.

We may have not had power, but that didn't stop us from enjoying Halloween at our temporary residence. The Chester's neighbors were thrilled to see us on their doorstep in costume. Maisie was having a blast ringing doorbells and getting candy. Here's the wild pair looking ready to call it a night.

just when you thought life couldn't get crazier.

It does! We're loving our little angels but they sure keep us on our toes! Since our last post, we celebrated a 2nd birthday, took our first family vacation to the outer banks and went back to work full-time. Life is flying by but we do stop to snuggle with our girls as much as we can because there's really nothing better in life.

nothing beats a sister

The only scary thing about this photo is the fact that Natalie looks about the size of Maisie (I assure you though, it's an optical illusion).

sleeping beauty

Maybe I was boring her ...

making room for little sis.

Maisie really enjoys seeing (and playing) with familiar toys. Here's a pic from this morning when Maisie made Natalie move over so she could join her for some fun in her gym.



She also enjoys tight spaces like her infant car seat!

the bookworm.

Nothing stops Maisie's love for books.