Spring Break Fun!

Last week Alyssa had Spring Break. It started off by celebrating Mason's birthday Party on Saturday. He had a Disney Cars party. He loves Cars. Then on Saturday night Rob, my big brother, came down from New York City for the weekend. He treated us to a nice dinner in Center City. Bryan tried octopus and LOVED it. Alyssa felt special because the ambiance was so "romantic". She loved the pianist, who also sang vocals, and the waterfalls. On Sunday's the Philadelphia Museum of Art (famous in "Rocky") is free. Bryan, Rob, and Alyssa went to see the exhibits there. It was a short visit, but we had a great time, as always. On Monday we went to the zoo. Alyssa loved
getting her face painted. It was a beautiful day and we jump at the chance to get out in the sun. Friday we took another trip to the Crayola Factory with a group of friends to see how all the magic works! Thanks to Emily and Ryan Anderson for the recommendation. We loved it! Here are some pics of our great times this past week!

The Birthday Boy! 2 years old!


The Cake! Mason was so excited!


Alyssa with Randy and Hailey Hamilton


The Petting Zoo had goats and sheep. Mason would run toward them. They were very sweet animals and ever so patient!


Alyssa transformed into a beautiful butterfly!!!

Happy Easter!

It is a nice sunny day today here in Philadelphia. We are happy to be with great friends and are missing and thinking of our family and friends away from us! Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthday Mason!

Our little guy is two years old today. I remember how excited we were when we found out he was coming to us. He is a perfect piece to our family. Mason is such a sweet and fun little boy. Here are a few things that make Mason, Mason:

-He mimics much of what he hears
-He loves Disney Cars and Thomas the Train
-He folds his arms and closes his eyes to pray at dinner
-He runs really, really fast, many can't believe how quick he is
-His best friend is "Snowman"
-He likes to hide by covering his eyes
-He has beautiful curly dark hair and is often mistaken for a girl..sorry bud.
-He grabs for your face to get your attention
-He will "scretch"! A twist between a yell and a screetch. It's aweful. But when he
gets our attention he may simply smile, or try to hand you something.
-He has a contagious laugh!

We love Mason and are so happy he is part of our family! Happy Birthday big guy!

His eyes were always WIDE open!

Great smile......a little mischievous

"I've got my binki, my sippy, and my Snowman......let's go Mom!"

Growing fast.....peek-a-boo, I love you!

Good Ride Cowboy!

Mason loves his zebra! It is real entertaining to watch, so I thought I'd share! Enjoy

Oh, how times have changed!

In Alyssa's class at school, the children come from several different cultures. Some of them include Russian, German, and all parts of the Middle East. Her teacher makes sure to include each culture in her lessons. The result: Alyssa can count to ten in Swahili, Spanish, and English. She forgot how to say the Russian version, however she can write it down on paper. Bryan and I were discussing how we could barely write to ten in English in the first grade! I am amazed by the things she learns and retains everyday. Children are sponges and never cease to amaze me.

The Kristal Column

This one is special for you Kris- "Beverly" is an enigma.

Enigma: mystery: something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained; "how it got out is a mystery"; "it remains one of nature's secrets".

...................and I couldn't agree more.

My advice, Kristal: Steer clear of "BEVERLY" and keep a close watch over those most dear to you. Good Luck.

Advice for Cally

It's time to give up on "Beverly"! Let her GO!!!!! It's time to move forward home-slice. Good Luck!
Love ya, Miss ya, Hug ya, Tricia!