Stawberry Picking in Pungo

This morning Kaitlin and I went with our moms group to Pungo, the reason for driving so far?? Stawberries!! It was about 50 miles into the southern part of VA Beach. We had a great time picking them. It was over fast but she really got the hang of it. At first she wanted to pick the green ones. Then I'd pick them, hand them to her and she'd put them in the basket. Or rather she threw them in the basket. In the end we had about 6.5 lbs of stawberries and it cost us $8. What a steal. Here are some pictures of our day.

Welcome Brody Joseph Huhtala

Yesterday at 8:27am CT Patrick and Alison welcomed new son Brody Joseph to the world! He weighed in at 7 lbs. 13 oz and was 20 inches long. Mom and baby are doing great . They are at Region's Hospital in St. Paul, MN.

He's so cute and we can't wait to intoduce him to his cousins Ryan and Kaitlin in June/July. You did a great job guys, Congratulations.

Also new to the world this week - Josephine O'Rourke Lines!! She was born May 4th to my cousin David and his wife Sheila in Brooklyn, NY. And since I'm at it, my cousin Karen and her husband Paul also had a baby a few weeks ago, another boy - Andrew James on April 4th. So many new cousins.

Kindergarten Field Trip to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk

Today I went as a chaperone on Ryan's school field trip. We went to the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. It was a nice day, not too hot, actually a little chilly in the shade. The kids enjoyed seeing all the animals. After the zoo we went over to the park for lunch and playtime, then it was back to school. I had to try and keep track of 5 non-listening little boys which was stressfull, not sure if I'll go along again. Kaitlin had a good time too. She's just now knowing some of those different animals. They have a petting zoo w/ pigs, goats, cows, lamas, donkeys etc... Her favorite part was the duck pond where we also saw a lot of geese and turtles sunning themselves. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Beach Stroll and Lunch

Friday I met my mom's group (SAHM's of Hampton Roads) and we went for a stroller walk up and down the boardwalk. We went about 40 total blocks (20 up and 20 back). It was quite the workout. It looked like a mob of strollers with about 20 of us. A few people asked if we were part of the new stroller workout fad. They have horses on the beach now that you can "rent" to ride. We just liked to pet them for a few mins. Kaitlin says "neigh" very well. After the walk we all sat and had lunch. You can see the king neptune statue in the background (behind Kaity). We had a good day, it was overcast but I prefer it that way since if it was a hot sunny day I wouldn't have been able to go.

Day at the Park

Thursday Kaitlin and I met some friends at the park and had a picnic lunch too. She's really starting to get adventurous and fearless which is good and bad. She loves to climb all the way to the highest spot and just sit there and not go down the slide. She was showing her neatness at the park by trying to pick up even the smallest piece of trash and throw it away. She can't stand a mess or clutter! I guess I've taught her well - I'm always straightening things up. We had such a nice day it was near 80! Here are some pics we took.

Happy Easter

Easter Sunday went by very fast! We had so much to do and not much time to do it! Ryan dyed eggs with Aunt Stacey and Uncle Bob on Saturday night so they were ready for the Easter Bunny to hide! When he got up in the morning he could hunt for his basket and the plastic eggs in the house. To his surprise there was money in some of the eggs! Then we all got ready and went to church. When we got home we had discovered that the Easter Bunny had also hidden the real eggs outside! As soon as Nonnie and Jack came Ryan could go out and find them. While we were waiting for them to get there the girls got to hunt for their eggs. To my surprise Meagan and Kaitlin knew exactly what to do! They found the eggs, shook them and put them right into their baskets. The girls also got baskets filled with all kinds of goodies but their eggs were filled with goldfish crackers and teddy grahams... We needed to leave Aunt Stacey's by 2pm to get home at a decent time for Ryan to be able to go to school on Monday. We did leave about 2:30pm and got home at 6pm to see daddy. Kaitlin and Ryan hadn't seen him since the Monday morning before. Chris grilled cheeseburgers on the grill and we had a nice dinner and some time to relax after the long trip. Then it was time to get unpacking and reorganized!!

Spring Break

Wednesday, April 12th we drove up to Aunt Stacey's house in Ashburn, VA. We stayed there until Sunday. Wednesday we had "girls night" and went out to do some shopping - what girls do best!! Thursday we joined Aunt Stacey and Meagan at their weekly playgroup at our friend Robin's house. Friday we went to visit Pop Pop and Grandma Gail and Ryan stayed the night w/ Nonnie and they went to see Ice Age 2. Saturday we went over to mom's for easter dinner and to see Gi Gi. We had to split Easter up into 2 days so I could leave at a decent time to get home on Sunday. The kids had fun playing at the park at Nonnie's. It was a beautiful day - was suppose to rain and didn't - that's always nice. Here are some of the pics we took at Nonnie's park.

Jessie

Many of you have been asking how Jessie is doing. Well she will be one next month on May 20th. She has been getting better. I'd say she's 75% house broken. We can't leave her alone in a room for long or she'll find something to chew up. She doesn't really know the difference between her toys and the kids toys. She has figured out how to go up and down the stairs and will do that any chance she gets (she use to be afraid of the steps). She whines when she doesn't have her doggie bed to lay on. When we wash it she goes crazy until she get's it back. Her last visit to the vet she was just over 20lbs. We have been told that she's not going to get much bigger, which is fine w/ us. Here's a picture I took of her last week.

Ryan the Pilot

Ryan attended a birthday party at the Air and Space Museum in Hampton, VA on Sunday. They got to have a science demonstration w/ liquid Nitrogen - very cool, and a flight simulation ride - which ended up being just a motion simulator - like you were on a roller coaster. He thought that was the best part! He also got to make a kite to take home. Here he is as Ryan the pilot! This was also the first time I was away from Kaitlin for any extended period of time. We left the house about 12:30 and got home about 4pm!! She was sleeping most of the time we were gone but still good b/c I got to get out and have some much needed one on one time with Ryan.

Signs of Spring - Finally

It finally has arrived. Spring is here! My flowers are in bloom and I am all congested...and so is Kaitlin. We seem to be the only ones that suffer from allergies. Ryan use to but not so bad down here. Mine seem to only last about a week instead of a month like they did in DC. Here are some pictures of our yard. While I was at mom's last weekend Chris was putting the wood timbers around the flower beds. Looks nice!

Happy Birthday Jack

This past Wednesday was Jack's birthday. Mom had a party for him on Saturday at her house. Ryan, Kaitlin and I went up on Friday to help set up for the party and celebrate. I think he was shocked to see so many people there! Surprise!

We had a good visit, although it is always too short. When we came home Chris had done some landscaping in the yard and it looks beautiful. A little at a time and before you know it our back yard will be done too! I can't wait for that fence to be up.

This week is looking good. Kaitlin and I have Babygarten on Wednesday and playdates Tues and Friday. This weekend Ryan has a b-day party at the Air and Space Museum. It really sounds like a lot of fun, they get to go on a flight simulator ride! He is counting down the days.

We are warming up this week low 60's to start and 70's by the weekend and next week. Has spring finally arrived? I hope so. We want everything to bloom so that our allergies will go away. Kaitlin and I have really been suffering the past week.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hope everyone has had a great St. Patrick's Day so far. Kaitlin and I went to a playgroup that had a "green" theme this morning. She is wearing a kilt that was mine...held up pretty good for being 30 years old! I have been told that my grandparents got in when they were visiting Scottland/England so it's authenic. Other than that nothing eventfull. Too bad we can't go out tonight and celebrate, we'd need a sitter for that (and a child that would be ok w/ being left with one). Ryan would be ok but Kaity on the other hand.... and we just never know if she's going to sleep all night or not.

Spring is here!

We have had beautiful weather the past few days. Starting Thursday w/ low 70's and today and tomorrow in the low 80's. This week we got a visit from Aunt Stacey and cousin Meagan on wednesday and they left on saturday morning. I can't believe how big she's getting. She's walking now and has 5 teeth!! She is also talking and signing a lot. Kaitlin had fun having a playmate for a few days. They get along well but each have certain things they are possesive of. Ryan had fun watching and playing with Meagan too, she really loves on him a lot!

Saturday afternoon we had some excitement in the neighborhood. Almost in our back yard. A neighbor thought they had put out a small fire in their back yard and well it wasn't quite out!! It lead to a huge brush fire and the fire department had to be called. Chris and other neighbors rushed to put it out w/ hoses, bucket, coolers you name it, full of water. It took about 2 1/2 hours to get it out. They even had to bring in a ladder truck to battle it from the field behind us. Here are some pics -

A new week

Kaitlin is getting over her cold she's had since Thursday morning. We had a little scare on Sat (very early morning about 1:30am) - she was weazing a bit and I was scared she had croup again. But she must have just had a dry throat. She seems ok today, nose is still running a little. Hopefully we will be able to go to our 2 playdates this week. Tomorrow is Ocean Tumblers, a lot of fun! Ryan has informed us that he's ready for the training wheels to be taken off of his bike! We'll see what happens. In a few weeks when the weather gets warm and stays warm he'll be able to get out a lot more. Thursday we were almost 80 and he had a great time on his scooter and bike.

Signs of spring are here! We have a ton of Robins in the back yard and all of our trees are flowering. My tulips and daffodils are almost all the way up, can't wait to see what they end up looking like!

Kaitlin's Stats

Today Kaitlin had her 18 month well check up. Here are her stats: Weight 23.8 lbs (less than 50%), Height 32 1/4 inches (over 50%), head 19 inches (right at 90 %). Her head did not grow which is good - it's back on the curve again. Last time it had taken a jump. Her diagnosis is healthy and she's off the charts as far as motor skills for 18 mos.

After her appt. we went to the grocery store to pick up the order I placed online last night, well it wasn't ready. So to make it up to me I got a large caramel macchiato on them! I'm glad they have a starbucks inside. Kaitlin also got a pink balloon, she was very happy about it. It only took about 5 mins and my order was ready. They had 3 people shopping for me...I felt so important!

Tomorrow is our first Babygarten class and we are looking forward to it. Hopefully Kaitlin will be able to sit still through it all. Wish us luck.

Getting Ready for a Busy Week

This past week was kind of busy but this week we are going to be busy every day. Kaitlin and I have a playgroup everyday and she has her 18 month appt. on Tues. Sometime this week we are going to have to squeeze in the grocery store!

My dad was here this past weekend. We had a nice visit. Gail and I went into "downtown" Suffolk. She didn't know there was one. I showed her all of the old victorian houses and the old chruches. We then went to an antique shop that was going out of business. I could have bought a lot of things but we just don't have room in the house for things to just sit out and look pretty. Everything needs to have a function. We went out to dinner and then they went to stay at the beach. They came buy this morning before driving home and we went to lunch.

We are still having very weird weather. Saturday it was 65 then Sunday barely 40. I hope it warms up a little this week.

I'll post and update to Kaitlin's dr. appt on Tues....

Happy President's Day

We started our day waking up to SNOW! Not much just a dusting. I put some in my hand to show Kaitlin and she wouldn't even touch it! I don't blame her, it's cold. Today Ryan is home from school and we are going to the mall to get his hair cut - he needs it bad. Then I'm going to let the kids run around in the play area and have some lunch. Hopefully Kaitlin will fall asleep in the car on the way home. Then it's laundry time and getting the house back in shape after the weekend.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!! Hope everyone is having or has had a good day. Kaitlin and I went to Ryan's class for his Valentine party at 2pm. She had a really good time hanging out with the big kids. Ryan also had a good time showing her off to his classmates. Tonight Chris is coaching Ryan's last basketball practice. Romantic huh? Thanks to everyone who sent cards/gifts to the kids. They love getting things in the mail.

Burrrr it's cold outside

Well that early spring is gone!! It was definately winter this weekend. Sat it got up into the 40's and Sunday never made it to 40!! This morning when I got up it was only 21! At least we only got snow flurries yesterday. My family in NoVA got about 10 inches. Jessie had fun trying to catch the flakes. I like a little snow only over the weekend (b/c I don't want to have to drive in it) for the kids to play in but other than that it can stay away! I did hear on the news this morning that we are going to be in the 60's again by Wed. I hope it sticks around for a while. With temps this cold I don't want to leave the house.

More Warm Weather

Well it was 72 yesterday!! I'm loving this winter - if you can call it that. Today is the last day of another warm streek. It's going to be about 68 or so but rainy. Yesterday we had a playgroup at our house and it was nice to go out and play. We put up Kaitlin's new swing on the playset and she had a blast watching the older kids run around. All she wants to do is run out of our yard to go see the dog 2 houses over! Next week is cold again (40's 50's) and then who knows. Maybe some snow showers on Sunday...we haven't seen any snow yet. I wonder if we can make a whole season w/o it?? I'm so ready for Spring (minus the alergies). My tulips and daffodils are already starting to sprout from it being so warm!

Diagnosis: Healthy

Ryan went to the doctor on Thursday for his late 6 year well check up. He is 52 lbs and 46 inches tall. He is now in the 75% for each. He use to be tall for his age but now he's just slightly taller than average. We noticed he was no longer the tallest in his class once he entered Kindergarten. He doesn't need any "pinches" until he's 11 and he's very happy about that! Except for the annual flu shot of course. The doctor always asks him a series of questions to answer. Here are some of his responses: his favorite food is still sweet potatoes, his favorite fruits are bananas and cherries, his favorite thing to do at school is to go outside and play, he does drink milk but likes juice and water too. He can jump on one foot and walk on his heels and then on his toes.

Gifted and Talented

Ryan's teacher called us last night and told me that she was going to reccomend him for the KIND program at their school. It's a gifted and talented program for Kindergartners. He has to take a test and be accepted but she has no doubt he will do fine. We are so proud of him and he's pretty excited too! He's already been doing 1st grade work along with one other classmate. This new program will hopefully challenge him even more. Way to go Ryan.

Happy Birthday Nonnie!!

Thursday afternoon we went to visit Nonnie (my mom) to help celebrate her birthday that was on Jan. 24th. Ryan had a half day of school and was off on Friday so we got an early start for a nice extended stay. Since Jack is recovering from knee joint replacement surgery we took the party to him. So the kids and I, Stacey and Meagan, mom and Jack were there. We had cake, ice cream presents and entertainment from the kids. Here are some pictures we took this weekend.

Blowing Bubbles

Well Kaitlin can finally blow bubbles. After days and days of trying to get it right! Here's a picture of our determined 17 month old. That's right, she turned 17 months this week!

Since Chris says absolutely no cutting her hair, I've been trying to get those bangs out of her face. She pulls out bows and barretts so we've resorted to real rubber bands - much harder to get out. She actually sat still and let me put her hair into two pig tails yesterday! we still have a little section of hair that won't quite reach, but almost. I had a barrett in it and she of course took it out!

Another Warm Week

It's nice again today! Suppose to be 63 and I'll take it for January. No sun so a little cold to go for a walk with Kaitlin but nice not to be bundled up! Friday it is suppose to be 66! Last week it was warm too. Ryan got to try out the scooter he got for Christmas 3 seperate days with his friend Samuel. He's getting better, just needs to work on his balance.

Ryan had his second basketball game last Friday and the team did much better. Can't wait to see how they do this friday. He also made 2 baskets in practice last tuesday. I hope he makes some tonight.

Kaitlin learned so much last week! She knows all of her face - nose, eyes, ears, mouth and then she knows "button" for belly button, diapy for diapers. She can say trash or "ech" is the noise she makes when she finds something she thinks is trash. She can go up and down the stairs but we still standby... We are starting to teach her some "potty" words in hopes to start potty training in the next few months. She is 17 months old today so we aren't far off from entering that stage.

Go Hornets!!

Friday night Ryan had his first basketball game. They are the Hornets and they played the Warriors. They don't keep score at this level, but lets just say that the other team did really well. Chris did a great job coaching his first game ever! Ryan did a good job but wasn't too sure of the aggressiveness that the other team had. He'll get use to it. Now he will know what to expect next week.

Kaity likes Bananas

Here's Kaitlin's picture of the week. She was being so cute eating her breakfast this morning. She really likes banana's again this week :) . Good for me. Eating time is very stressfull in our house. She is so picky. It changes from week to week what she'll eat. Use to be cheese sandwiches and grapes. Not any more.

Getting back on schedule

Well, life is getting back to normal this week. It was nice having Chris and Ryan home for 9 full days. Now I'm so bored with just me and Kaity. This week we have taken down the tree and put away all the Christmas things - they are just waiting to be put back in the attic. I've also been doing some "winter cleaning". Getting rid of toys/clothes whatever we don't need anymore. I have found something online that is great - www.freecycle.com . I can go on there and post what I'm getting rid of and someone will just come and get it. We've even gotten a few things ourselves. They have online communities all over so check them out! Next week is shopping week, time to use those gift cards! Friday Ryan has his first basketball game - wish him luck!

How was Christmas?

We had a great Christmas. Ryan and Kaitlin got a lot of toys from Santa!! Later Christmas Day my mom, Jack, Stacey , Bob and Meagan came to visit for a few days. We got to open presents all over again! The picture is what our tree looked like after my mom and sister arrived. We had opened all of our things before they came....see what I mean about plenty of toys?? Ryan got so many games he didn't know what to play with first. We've been having lots of fun playing the new games and with Kaitlin's new toys. Mom and Jack left on Tuesday and then Stacey and Bob left on Wednesday morning. Now we have a few days to ourselves before we head up to NoVA on Friday to celebrate Meagan's 1st b-day on Sat. We are also going to have Christmas with my dad on Friday too! What a busy time of year! We will ring in the new year in Leesburg with friends! Hope everyone has a great New Year's Eve and be safe!

This Week in Review 12/12-12/17

Monday was pretty uneventful. Tuesday Ryan had basketball practice again and did much better than last week. He's doing very well with his dribbling. Did I ever mention that Chris is the coach of the team? They are the Hornets! Wednesday we got our new dishwasher and Chris spent the evening installing it. It is so nice and quiet compared to the "builders special" that came with the house! Thursday Chris stayed home sick. He now had a sinus problem, if it's not one thing it's another. Friday we had watched Robots as a family. Kaitlin loves popcorn. It was also my grandma's 92nd bday!! I attempted to take pics of the kids for Christmas - here's what I got....We finally sent out our Christmas cards this week and our packages to family we can't spend Christmas with. Oh yeah, and Tuesday I declared myself officially done w/ Christmas shopping! YEAH!! Now it's time to start baking!

Pictures of the Week - 12/4-12/10

Here are some pics we took last week. Kaitlin and Ryan AKA Spiderman. Everytime he puts on that mask Kaitlin roars at him! And then we also have Kaitlin playing with her new little people farm. Daddy took this picture and she smiled nice for the camera. She will actually bring you the camera and have a huge smile on her face. If you say cheese that's what you get from her!

This Week in Review

Well we had a very interesting week. My sister came to visit on Monday evening and was suppose to go home on Tuesday but that didn't happen. Ryan and I had been sick the end of last week, Chris came home sick on Monday and somehow Meagan got sick Tuesday night and then Stacey first thing Wednesday morning. Good thing it is just a 24 hour thing but then it takes about 24 hours to recover from it. Stacey and Meagan finally made it home on Thursday. I got to disinfect the house again! It's nice and clean now. Friday I officially started my Christmas shopping and am actually almost done. Today we went back out to get more things. Only a few things left to buy now - for those difficult people - you know who you are! We are also working on getting the cards out. We are way behind on those. I've usually got them ready to go by the 1st of December.

Ryan came home on Wednesday from school and told us that he is going to be doing 1st grade work, I later found out it is 1st grade reading and math. He and one other classmate are ahead of the others and are going to be pulled aside and given different books.

Kaitlin is walking like crazy and sometimes almost running. She's doing better not to fall down when she really gets going. Her bangs are always in her face because she won't keep her bows in! Oh well, a few more months and we'll be able to do a full pony tail. Everything is still a puppy to her. We've been working on animals and sounds but all the puppys say "woof".

The Wizard of Oz is almost over and then it's bed time. Will post more later.

Our Star Student

Congratulations Ryan!! He was named the Star Student for his class for the month of December. Unfortunately he was sick and missed the awards ceremony on Friday... He got a gift certificate for free dinner at Appleby's. We are very proud of him. He also got his report card a few weeks ago and got a very good review. His teacher loves having him in her class. He's a little more advanced thant he other kids so he is asked to help them. He is also going to be in a small group (Ryan and about 3 others) that are going to start reading and writing short stories. I can't believe how much they learn in kindergarten these days.

Under the Weather

Sorry I haven't posted anything in the past few days. Ryan and I got some sort of 24 hour bug Thurs/Fri. We are finally feeling almost back to normal. I spent last night disinfecting the house!

We have started our Christmas shopping finally and even have one person done. A lot more to go... Hope everyone one is doing well and that you are not going to crazy fighting for parking at the mall. I swear next year I'm going to start earlier (I know I say that every year!)