The Best 30 Minutes of Today

The house is a disaster.  Partially-unpacked bags, remnants of Easter baskets, books of all sorts clutter nearly every horizontal surface and threaten to wage war on my sanity.  Our builder is coming tomorrow to check on a leak.  We have a First Communion happening in 13 days.  We need to make serious progress in math in the next 5 weeks if we want any kind of a break this summer

Just as I was kicking into high gear for evening clean-up bonanza, Yoyo had a tummy ache.  Baby really wanted mommy.   I wanted them to be happy playing on their own.  They needed some TLC.  

So, we settled into the comfy recliner, snuggled up, and sang songs.  We sang about 25 rounds and variations of Wheels on the Bus, This Old Man, All the Pretty Horses, Scarborough Fair...  We rocked and snuggled and giggled and after 20 minutes or so, nobody was fussy.  In fact, Yoyo was asleep.  

The contented smiles and warm, relaxed bodies of my babies.  The pure fun, happy melodies without interruption.  They weren't on my to-do list.  I might have been tempted to consider it wasted time...

But Grace intervened, and for half an hour I knew there was nothing else more important in the world than comforting those 2 precious children.  What a gift.  

Road Trip

We have returned!! 

Actually, we've been home for 3 days, but we're just now beginning to recover from a wild week. 

You see, we had 2 major events last week, both out of town...

1.  Our godson's confirmation.  Since I didn't actually make the trip due to a conflict (see below), I, unfortunately, am lacking in pictures...  Perhaps I may at some point lift them off my husband's phone.  He was our godson's sponsor and was very happy to be present with him for this sacrament!!  So, last Wednesday, Dad and the girls traveled 3 hours one direction, and the boys and I traveled 4 hours in another...

Road Warrior

Another Road Warrior

2.  Why were we traveling?  For Spike's basketball tournament!  The last one of the season!  The Nationals!!  Sadly, my camera's battery died after only 6 pictures.  Shucks.  But, here are a couple shots, anyway...

The competition... isn't she cute?  This was the first team we played and defeated.

 

Warming up before game 2, which we lost at the buzzer.  What a great game.

The Flyers ended up taking 3rd overall.  Not bad. 

 

 

After the confirmation Dad and girls joined us for one game, then had to head home for other activities (ie. ballet, ballet, and more ballet).  The boys and I stayed an extra night for the last game and then we all collapsed in a heap upon returning home.  

Now we're doing nothing but rubbing each other's feet and hanging out in the hot tub.  I wish.  :)

Have a great day!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today's my dad's birthday!!

We went out for Mexican!!

Then, he came to our house for a sleepover!! (We're all very excited about that, as you can probably tell!)

My mom just left the country to help out with the new baby in our family, so Pada (aka my dad) came over and brought his doggies.

Baby loves having them here!!

It's all fun and games until you get licked in the face.

Something about this picture is not quite right...

Baby!!!

I'm an aunt!!  For the 15th time!!!  It never gets old...

Congrats to my brother and sister-in-law on their sweet, precious newborn who entered the world on april 7, 11.55p.m.  Hong Kong time.  His name is Noah. 

Can't wait to kiss those little cheeks!!!

Easter 2013

Warning: This post is picture-heavy!!

Our Easter celebration began on Holy Saturday with an egg hunt at Grandma and Pada's house!

Grandma Bunny hides her eggs in a super-organized fashion with equal numbers of name-imprinted eggs for each child.  Only one remains hidden, sure to become dog or raccoon food...

Mr. Peaches supervised from the roof.

Baby's eggs were 'hidden' in the family room.  What was inside?  Cheerios!!  His own bucketful!  Heaven...

Grandma always has a pretty table of thoughtfully-arranged appetizers at every occasion.

The Grandma and Pada Bunny also brought Baby a piano.  What a hit!

Sunday morning, we got up early and trekked to Columbus, OH, for a day with some of our very favorite people. 

Attempts at a family picture after Mass...

Is there anything sweeter than little girls in their Easter best?  The one in pink is one of my Godchildren.

 

Monday, we travelled on to another former hometown: Pittsburgh!!  We love this city in no small part because of the dear friends who still live there.  And the great food.  But friends first, of course!!

We visited the National Aviary.

 On display are 2 rescued Bald Eagles.

Neither rescued nor bald are my buddy Amy and I.  Here are attempts at a group shot of our 8 squirmy children...

We also visited Phipps conservatory - such a beautiful place!!

Since we were there last, they've added a new display on India!  Gorgeous!

Two more of my dear friends and I.

Now we're back home getting ready to clean out our garage in preparation for a First Communion party in a few weeks.  But first, a dip in the pool!  (air temp. = 40 degrees, water = 100 degrees)

 

A Blessed Easter Season to all!!  We are so grateful to our friends and family for their generous hospitality and faithfulness over the years!