Party Girls

The Preschool girls got together for Maggie's birthday and they had so much fun at Plaster Fun Time.

Emily was definitely not going to let that cupcake win the battle.  They all had a great time together.

Happy Easter Everybody

During all the craziness this week, we still had to make sure Easter was a major deal.  So Saturday, we all sat down to make our Easter eggs.

They were all quick to get to work and Garrett had an efficient system going as soon as we started.

Connor was very methodical and made sure perfection was achieved on each egg.

Izzy was loving the craziness and was a very patient egg dyer.

Emily loved making all the colors but pink was her favorite.

The kids woke up to the Easter bunny leaving them all baskets of goodies.

The kids were all excited to open them.

Izzy was busy watching the mad brothers demolish the basket.

Then, our pretend Easter bunny came hopping in...of course Papa couldn't resist.

Oh Boy - jewelry.

The Easter bunny brought the magic sand which Connor has wanted for months.  You don't see a smile like that one very often.  He was a very surprised and happy boy.

All dressed up for Easter Sunday.

Look at my beautiful family.

All the cousins together.

Mr. Saunders was nice enough to invite the whole family over to see Uncle Mervyn's impressive work at his home.  This is the golf cart which he purchased to enable Uncle Mervyn to zoom around the property.  After walking the property I totally understand the necessity.

This is the Japanese garden complete with koi pond.  It is beautiful.

The land is like living in a fairy tale.

This is the back of the main house.  We could definitely play baseball in that backyard.

At the daughters house, we were led to the stone work on their patio - this would be our dream fireplace for our backyard.

It was an amazing way to end the weekend with the opportunity to see Uncle Mervyn's labor of love which  was beyond beautiful.  Absolutely gorgeous!

How many cousins?

Our family arrived in Long Island for Uncle Mervyn's wake and funeral and the kids were treated to seeing how the Conn family sticks together.  All of your cousins were there and made a point to play and have fun with you.  Actually, I think they had just as much fun as you did.  

We managed to find time to play sports and you got everyone into the act, including Malcolm, Sharon and Clyde all the way from Ireland.

It was a sad time but we all helped each other through it.

Emily named Shane "Frostenzo" and I am wondering if it is going to stick.

For Uncle Mervyn, we all learned to stick together and be there for each other.  Although we may not have been the best behaved, we definitely all love each other.

Head of the Class

Due to staying home for two days, I was able to attend Kung Fu which I rarely can do.  

As we were watching, Master Tom picked Garrett up in the air and moved him to the front of the class to demonstrate.  

Apparently all the Ninjago and Kung Fu Panda Garrett watches has taught him his proper technique.   

Uncle Mervyn

Uncle Mervyn passed away this morning with Aunt Ann, Dad and Grandma by his side.  Yes, he joined Aunt Daph up in heaven and now they are both watching over us and keeping us in line.  

It is a rare situation when you can grow up with a set of Aunt and Uncles across the street and a set a couple houses down the road.  No matter what day or time, I knew I would always be welcome to stop in.  But Uncle Mervyn was a hard man to find because of his work ethic.  From Monday to Saturday, Uncle Mervyn was off to work from 6:30 am to 7pm and I could always count on seeing his green pickup truck coming down the street around 7.  Then, Uncle Mervyn would head down to his office and not reemerge until all the book work was complete.  I believe this is what set the tone for all of us kids who watched who now have a very strong work ethic...you don't leave until the job is done.  However, to every strong man there is a softer side.  If at anytime you wanted to talk or just visit Uncle Mervyn, he always welcomed you with open arms.

Uncle Mervyn also embodied the motto of keep your family close.  We all came to visit no matter what because he would make you feel special and always take an interest in you.  Thank you for being a life long supporter and you will be deeply missed.    

The best way to keep Uncle Mervyn's memory alive is to remember all the great stories about him.  Also, to keep our family close and to remember that hard work always pays off.  

So Silly

These are my favorite moments and I wish I could capture them all.  I turned around when I  got into the car to see these mischievous kids.  They are cute and funny - who wouldn't laugh. The mustaches were part of a party gift bag Connor received recently.  Too funny!

Garrett's First Baseball Team

The beginning of April brings us to a new baseball season and Garrett is excited for his first team with his buddies.   Unfortunately, the weather is not being cooperative and it is so cold for his first day.  

Here is the team, the Black Panthers with their coaches, including the head Coach Brian.  That's right - Daddy is Garrett's coach.   Garrett is excited to have several good friends on the team and after their first clinic it looks like there are some big hitters. 

Great start to a new season!

Our Princess Ballerina

Picture day at Emily's dance company is today and Emily was excited to wear makeup for the first time.  Look at our beautiful dancer. 

Looking picture perfect sweetheart - kisses to you too!