Big Snow Day... Dec 19

We had a big, huge record setting snow today. Not sure what the totals will be but already a foot has fallen and they're predicting more to come. We were outside early this morning for some shoveling, sledding, and general play in the snow. The kids had a blast, although Nathan grew cold quickly and his boot kept falling off. Meghan loved her new saucer in the snow. It was a fun day passed mostly indoors with fires, hot chocolate, movies, games, books and of course the mandated tantrums. But, mostly it was just good fun!

There's a new baby on the way...

The cat's finally out of the bag. Today we got to see our newest addition on ultrasound. Yep, at almost 13 weeks along, this little one is scheduled to debut sometime towards the end of May, give or take a week or two. We are all thrilled. We've just told the kids and I know they will both make a great big brother and sister. So far these 13 weeks have been uneventful, although tiring. Thankfully Meghan is in school all day and Nathan takes a substantial nap allowing me to nap as well. Otherwise the time is flying by and we are all anticipating the holidays with friends and family. Here is a pic from the ultrasound.

Pumpkins and Hay

While my mom was visiting we went to the pumpkin farm and that included animals, hayrides and of course a lot of pumpkins. The kids had a blast.

Akumal and Tulum Mexico

Finally back! We have been without a computer for the last 6 weeks! Now I am back and ready to catch up. Most recently we spent a week in Tulum and Akumal Mexico, just south of Cancun. We spent the first day in Cancun before deciding to head south to check out the Mayan Riviera. I was there 20 years ago and while there is a lot of 'ecotourism' places that were not there 20 years ago, the beaches by and large remain unchanged.

We checked out the ruins at Tulum which were very hot and the kids were not too thrilled with it all, but Coba graced us with a pouring down rainshower. The kids were horrified at first... We're getting soaked, but Michael and I just started to laugh about it all and they ended up having a great time. Meghan climbed the big tower in the middle of the rain.

OK, I have more pictures but I can't seem to find the time or energy to get them up at this moment, so I'm posting this... so as to end the lack of posts on my BLOG. When I get more time, I'll post some more.

Go Meghan, Go! First Swim Meet

Tonight was Meghan's first swim meet. She has been swimming in pre-team for 4 weeks now with her peers, but based on her skill-level she was able to swim in the last B-meet of the season. We were all very excited and without trying to talk it up too much encouraged Meghan just to do her best. Not only did she swim the Freestyle, she also entered and swam backstroke, the only 4 year old to do so in today's meet! She did awesome. Placed 3rd in freestyle, not sure of the results for backstroke. We are so proud of her and she had a great time, but when asked at home how she was feeling she said, "Mom, I'm tired!" This, after a 2 hour nap this afternoon, too! With the end of swim season this Friday, we are eagerly anticipating the fun swim meets of next summer! Look out for Meghan!



Warm-ups with the team


Nathan passing the time in the little pool
Take your Mark...




Meghan's swim coach (and favorite babysitter, I m ight add...) Christine has been super instrumental in helping Meghan to swim and we are going to miss her as she goes off to college this fall!!!

Meghan and her pre-team coach Kara. There were so many 'older girls' holding Meghan's hand through every step, it was great to see such comraderie amongst the team.
Meghan and Christine after she swam. Note, Meghan wore Christine's cap, even!




Meghan even entered in backstroke. She came in first place, although a little crooked at time, but as the only 4 year old, what can you expect???

The meet results, for 6 and under, Meghan placed 3rd!!! Way to Go. I have to admit, tonight opened a new world in parenting... the pride you feel when your child works so hard and completes a race. It was a thrill!!!

4th of July

We had a great 4th this year. Our pool has a big party kicked off by the kids riding their bicycles around the pool all decorated. Then they have activities throughout the day such as this one where Meghan is capturing a goldfish (yes we now have 2 goldfish to care for). Meghan also got to dive for money. After those festivities were over we headed home where we hosted a casual bbq with many of our friends. We had a lot of kids and they played in the sprinkler, with bubbles and just plain had fun. It was a great day

Dutch Wonderland

We've been heading up to Lancaster, PA a lot lately to partake in the fun times at Dutch Wonderland. The kids love the rides and we love the sheer simple joy just watching them have so much fun!

Mothers Day

I had the privilege of attending a Mothers Day lunch at Meghan's preschool. They read us a story, sang a song and made us a present. It was lots of fun!

Air Show

we took the kids to an air show last weekend and while it was loud, they enjoyed most of it until they started getting a bit too tired. Here are a few highlights.

it's Salad time!

we have a bowl of greens growing on our porch and the kids LOVE to go and pick the greens and make a salad. Here's a few pics and an interview about the salad from Meghan.

Super Spinach

I was recently passing time in a pediatrician's office and picked up a ToddlerMag to flip through the pages. I found an intriguing recipe that I've now tried two times and loved. The kids love it too. So, thought I'd share it.

Pasta with Spinach Pesto
Cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package directions. I have been using vegetable shells but you could use your child's favorite, whole wheat, etc. In a food processor puree 3 cups packed baby spinach leaves, 1 cup packed basil leaves, 2 peeled garlic cloves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 4 tsp lemon juice (I have not had this so added a little orange juice instead) and 1 Tablespoon honey. While the processor is running pour in 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Process until combined. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto and fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped grape tomatoes (I think that red pepper would be yummy too!)

Hope your family enjoys it like we have.

Here's the link to their recipe
http://toddlermag.com/recipes/wagon-wheels-with-spinach-pesto/

Deep Creek Lake

We decided to take a long weekend last weekend and went to check out Deep Creek Lake. It's on the border of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio up in the mountains (or so they call them). It only took us about 3 hours to get up there and we had a great room at the Wisp Resort. Anyway, they have a nice small little beach on the lake which the kids LOVED, and nearby there is another park with some fabulous waterfalls. We had a great time.