A special visit!

The evening after Christmas, Daddy went on a special trip with Andro to Scotland for four days. They went to see Andro's family and to enjoy a soccer match. Of course, we all know that we are surrounded by the best family imaginable. Grandma and Nana offered to come stay while Daddy was away. I must say that we are so lucky to have such giving and caring parents/grandparents - we are truly grateful for what they all do for us. Those couple of days Papa actually took off work and came to visit with Grandma. Needless to say I think the kids wore Papa out and Papa wore the boys out.

Here are the kids relaxing outside of LL Bean. Of course, they went bowling and needed a rest after shopping in one store.

How grown up does Connor look? It is hard to believe you are only five.

Emily kept Grandma and Papa in check. She held on tight and walked the whole parking lot holding their hands. Emily made everyone join her party in the clubhouse.

During their four day visit, we got a lot of odds and ends done around the house. Papa helped inspect the humidifier, put up curtain rods in the living room, got many pictures hung up and overall did a lot of handyman tune ups around the house. In between doing all these tasks, he managed to play football, lacrosse and soccer with the kids. I am sure a nap was a priority once he returned home with Grandma. Thank you for the visit - I think you will agree that a good time was had by all.

Christmas Time is Here!

Our household was full of excitement for the impending visit of Santa and our Christmas traditions. The kids counted down the days and were extra good for Zachy the elf. Christmas Eve arrived and we headed off for our usual Japanese meal and then to look at Christmas lights around town. We had a fun evening that was capped off with us getting into our Christmas red pajamas and getting to sleep hoping to hear Santa come down the chimney.

The boys patiently waited for Emily to wake up on Christmas morning. We actually had to wake Emily up at 8am because we thought the boys were going to combust. Finally, they tore down the stairs into the living room and were so excited with their stockings that were stuffed with toys.

Emily was thrilled with a toothbrush in her stocking. A girl with simple taste.

The kids posing in front of their Christmas tree.

After opening up the presents under the kid's tree, they ran into the family room to find more presents waiting for them.
Emily ran into her new clubhouse and basically never came out for the rest of the day. The boys had received Bruins pillow pets but Emily carried one around and hugged it all day long.

The boys were psyched to receive a practice football game. They were throwing balls with great accuracy in minutes.

Garrett posing in front of his pile of presents.

The boys were such good teammates in opening presents. They helped each other and were so excited to see all the exciting gifts that they received.

Since we couldn't get Emily out of her clubhouse, we had to join her inside.

We had such an amazing Christmas because we were all happy and healthy which is what we are truly thankful for every day. As a family, we played games, ate a delicious Christmas dinner and just had fun being together. We were all very thankful for such an amazing holiday.

Basketball & Birthday Fun

December is always busy...it marks the start of the boys basketball season and of course, we are getting ready for the holiday festivities. Garrett and Connor played so well this year in their first game. They are both very efficient dribblers and made shots that made the crowd cheer for them. I will be sure to get more photos before the end of basketball season.

We even managed to get to Brendan's birthday party at Pump-It Up. The kids love this place and were exhausted by the time we left. They ran around in every obstacle and inflatable arena. Emily even got in on the action by going into the bouncy castle and heading down the big slide on Mom's lap.

Nana came for a visit the weekend of Brendan's party and it was so nice to have Nana visiting. She even helped Brian and I get some important errands done which would have been impossible for us with out her help. Thank you Nana!

Thanksgiving Weekend

We traveled to Long Island for Thanksgiving and we managed to jam pack the four days. We woke up early on Thanksgiving and headed down to the school field for the annual football game. It is amazing to watch all the young cousins with the athleticism of their fathers. The guys were running so fast, leaping and even a few tough hits. After the game, they organized a kids game in which the boys were able to participate. Garrett made a spectacular running play and Connor caught a pass and ran the rest of the way for a touchdown. They were both happy with their football performance.

On the way home, Connor asked if the family meets and does this every year. When I told him yes, he informed me that he was coming back next year to play. (Somehow I forgot my camera.)

Of course, Grandma cooked up the most delicious Thanksgiving dinner and we all ate until we were stuffed. As always, the kids loved playing with Papa, Uncle Eric, Grandma and all their cousins. They really love all the attention from their older cousins.

Emily kept herself busy playing rings and then of course downward dog.

The next day we arranged to meet up with Andro, Luka and Aidan for a New York Islanders game. Unfortunately, the Islanders lost but there was an exciting kids event after the game. They were able to go on the actual ice and shoot pucks into the net.

Garrett shoots and scores.

Saturday, Daddy headed off with Grandpa for the annual Montauk fishing trip. Saturday afternoon, the kids and I headed off to Joe and Deb's house for the LI kids get together. Look at all these kids. They all played together so well and even put on a rock show for the adults.

Of course, Petro got in on the action and dressed up for the kids concert.

We headed back to MA on the ferry which completed a fun filled trip. I think I can honestly say we all had a blast. Daddy even caught tons of fish which he brought home.

Around the Rink We Go

Sunday, Connor and I went on a little excursion of our own to try out a new adventure. We went ice skating. Since we are New Englanders and all New Englanders love their winter sports, it is time for the family to learn to skate and ski. So our first step was to set off to the local rink and give it a shot.

Connor was a little unsure at first but who wouldn't be. He got onto the ice without hesitation and soon learned it was a little different than walking. With pure determination, he made it around the entire rink and only fell three times which is pretty amazing in my book. After a quick hot chocolate break, we were back on the ice and he made it around a second time in half the amount of time and only one fall.

While the zamboni freshened up the ice and Connor had a little snack, we rested for a little bit. Connor got back on the ice and completed two more times around the rink in record breaking speed and never fell. He is definitely getting the hang of it and a couple more times on the ice, he will be ready to get a hockey stick in hand.

Emily's First Hair Cut

My birthday present to myself was getting Emily a haircut. Emily was rockin' a pretty good mullet so we had to get a handle on it. Now Daddy is calling Emily "Petey" because he thinks her new haircut looks like Pete Rose. Too Funny!

The back is so clean cut.

Look at how cute I am!

Trip to the Dentist

November brought a trip to the dentist. It was Garrett's first trip and he handled it like a champ - thanks to his supportive big brother who showed him how it's done.

Quote of the Day

Garrett's school takes time out to write down funny things that the kids say. The school creates a book called "Quotes of the Day" and sends home copies of quotes from your child.

The first week of November Garrett must have been on a roll because we received two quotes in one week and he only goes to school for three days out of the week. Since Garrett was out the previous week due to being sick, I guess he was saving his best material. Here are his quotes:

1) After being out several days due to illness, Garrett raced over to his friend and said "I'm back! Did you miss me?"

2) At Lunch Bunch, the children were talking about Halloween. Garrett exclaimed, "I'm a fan of Halloween! I have a sweet tooth!"

This is just a small sample of how funny our little man can be.

Trick-Or-Treat

As always, we were so excited for Halloween and we did it right. First stop, our neighbors who all had specifically gone out to get candy for our kids- just in case we stopped by.
Then, it was off to Walaween at Kristen's house. Her neighborhood is so fun and Kristen pulls out all the stops with food and fun.

Our little lady bug was ready for action.

This might be the kids favorite holiday - they were loving how much candy they were able to collect.

By the end of the night, Emily had managed to follow the boys to every house and said "thank you" when she was given candy - maybe it sounded a little bit more like "tan oo". She also learned the phrase trick or treat but that sounded like "tickle tickle tickle".

It was a great Halloween and we were exhausted at the end of the Monday night. The next morning they sorted through their candy and made a huge bag of candy that Connor brought to school - the school is going to send it over to the troops in Afghanistan. We are very proud of them because giving up their candy at this age can't be easy.

Grandma's Birthday

October 23 and it was time to celebrate Grandma's birthday. There will never be a present big enough to give Grandma for everything that she does for the family, so the least we can do is make the day special. It was time to throw Grandma a little party. Despite being terribly sick, the boys helped decorate the house for Grandma's arrival from NY while I cooked up a little dinner. Grandma came home and she was greeted with tons of hugs, kisses and sniffles (from their colds). After dinner, it was cake time. Everyone was ready to sing...
Look at the crew
Then after many attempts to blow out the candles, causing lots of amusement, we had to all help to extinguish the magic candles.

Present time - I am not sure Grandma opened one present because she had little helper hands coming from every direction.

Birthday hug time.

Of course, hug time turned into tackle Grandma time. I don't know any other Grandma who can handle being tackled by three kids.

Yes, that is Grandma under that pile of children.

And of course, a hug from her big boy.

I must admit that I have posted these pictures without the consent of Grandma which means I will be in a lot of trouble. I personally think you look fantastic in these pictures so please don't get mad - I love you! And Happy Birthday!!!

Fishkill Wedding Fun

October 15th - It was the first time the whole family was invited to a wedding and I was really looking forward to the whole family getting dressed up and having fun. It definitely didn't disappoint.
Look at Mary Ellen and Uncle Jack during their father-daughter dance - this dance brings a whole new meaning to Brian now. I am not sure he will ever let Emily go.

Look at our adorable family.

Adorableness can only last for so long - every one's tongue is out including Emily.

My handsome young man.

Garrett is stylin'.

Our princess stole the show - couldn't be cuter.

Boys will be boys. By the end of the night, all the boys were gathered around a DS watching games being played. I am glad some things don't change.

We had a blast being able to go to a wedding with the whole family although it is a lot more work. I was hoping to have a picture of the whole family but we had a few mishaps occur before getting to the wedding which caused a disruption to the plan.

Let me explain. Nana, Grandpa and Ellen left early so they could pick up Aunt Patsy for the wedding. Leaving our family and Kevin and Meredith to get ready. When we were leaving, I asked Brian to bring the Paisley diaper bag which contained all the essentials for myself and kids for the day. I was loading the kids up in the car and Brian came back out without the diaper bag. I asked him were it was and he went back up to get it but realized he locked the door. So Meredith tried the back door but it was locked too. I went to the garage door but didn't open it the right way so when I pulled up the handle I ended up turning the handle which locked the garage door. So we basically locked ourselves out...for the next fifteen minutes we circled the house and even tried to pop a screen out with our car keys. Funny thing is we bent the car key but managed to not do enough damage that we couldn't get it in the car. Long story short, we went to the wedding but Brian and Grandpa missed all of cocktail hour to return home for the diaper bag. It was quite a debacle that only we could cause. Even with this problem, we still had a good time and a funny memory.

Garrett's 4th Birthday

Last year after Garrett's birthday, I promised him a party so we started planning at the beginning of September for his big day. He decided to have a sports party and we had it at Boston Sports Club where all of the counselors know and love our boys.

All of his class was there and Garrett was very excited to be the center of attention.

Everyone loved participating - including Emily.

All these kids can definitely make a lot of noise.

Parachute time was a big hit.

Where did everyone go?

Ready for a race!

Say Cheese and smile for the camera.

Staying with the sports theme, Garrett picked out a hockey cake made out of cupcakes. It was delicious.

I think Izzy enjoyed the party and the cake.

Garrett's birthday brought in everyone - Grandpa, Grandma and Papa, and all the way from Chicago Uncle Scott, Aunt Laura and Izzy. Emily and Izzy really like playing with each other. Look at Emily pushing Izzy.

The next day we headed out to enjoy the beautiful weather and Connor wanted us to play a big football game. We all managed to get out there and play - Papa and Uncle Scott took no prisoners.

How cute - although Uncle Scott, Connor and Garrett are a little hot.
Garrett - I hope you had a fantastic birthday weekend. You are such a special little man - you have endless charm and personality. You make us laugh and incredibly happy everyday.

We love you!