Welcome Marta K!

My newest niece decided last Thursday night to make her 'Late but worth the wait' appearance into the world.  We're so thrilled she's here safe and sound!  And can't wait to get some snugs in!

Welcome Marta Katherine!

DC Whirlwind!

I knew I needed a bit of a vacation, when an overnight trip to Ohio was getting me REALLY excited.  Good thing we had a quick trip to DC on the books! We were hoping to be able to meet my new niece, but she has decided to bake a little longer in her momma. We did get to spend Saturday with Sam and Ellen and Sunday at Monticello with my mom and dad. We had the most glorious weather, which made for fabulous sight seeing and an overall enjoyable break.

Second breakfast and coloring before heading out

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. Once we explained the symbolism, Sam really got it and it made sense to him. Ellen was more interested in making eyes at Pete-o, her BOYfriend :)

 There I am!

After the Pentagon Memorial, we hopped across the street to see the WW1 Air Force memorial.

Then we decided that rather than fighting traffic in DC it would be better to Metro in from the Pentagon. Such a thrill! Neither had been on the Metro before! Can you believe their dad gets to have this much fun everyday?! They loved watching the trains come and go, following our train's arrival, reading the signs, and riding of course!

We got off the Metro and walked down toward the Tidal Basin. So beautiful! It was well worth fighting the crowds. The trees were at their peak and looked like puffs of cotton candy around the basin!

We had lunch from a food truck and then took the Metro back. From there it was off to the Zoo! We focused mostly on the petting area, big cats, and the boys looked at the reptiles, yuck! Then it was off to dinner at Five Guys and Sweet Frogs for dessert since popsicles had been promised nearly all day, but none had been seen!

Kisses for all!

The next morning we headed down to Charlottesville to see Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. We ate on the indoor/outdoor patio of a little tavern that serves in a 'time period' way and with those foods too. It was tasty and a very pleasant atmosphere.

After, we toured the house and grounds. Just lovely. Everything was in bloom and the air felt nearly perfect.

There was no hello for the new baby girl, but there was a goodbye old friend. The White Sword has been put out to pasture. He'll be doing Metro duty for the next 10 or so years! :)

Bring on the baby! Bring on the adventures!

A lovely occasion

Last weekend we had the pleasure of joining in a celebration of ordination for friends of ours.  It was really a wonderful celebration to be part of.  Quite a number of others from church journeyed as well, so it was a double bonus weekend away with friends!

Congratulations Mark! and Darcie!

No Foolin'

It was mom's bday recently. Which means a trip to the local Catholic Parish for a fish pick up.  

I'll have 16 meals please. 

It was like another fish miracle right in the ol' kitchen on Cherrywood!  

So much Walleye! and so much fun with family and friends!

Ta daaaa! Cake! Thanks Becca!

William and Harry playing together - too sweet

Tuesday night dad took us out for dinner to celebrate on the actual day.

First Fran begged, then she celebrated. #spoiled

 Another birthday in the record books, fish in the belly, and cake on the hips! :)

Magic Eye

Do you see it?

Here's what I was (Hopp)ing for:

Hoppy Easter!

Turns out

So as it turns out our kitty niece is the laziest of all felines.  I mean truly.  I've never met such a lazy little one!  I think she has picked up on her mother's desire for max comfort. Fran takes cat napping to a whole new level, 'Cat Passing-Outs' perhaps is a better descriptor for her naps. I really cant even get an alert Fran photo.

One night before heading out to dinner on the other side of town with friends, I flopped the blanket over Fran just to see what she'd do. I know what Regina would do, and that is freak out, spring off the couch, and run away!
Fran stayed. We left. We returned. We couldnt find Fran. I flipped the blanket back. I found Fran. Unmoved. 3 hours.

This is how we found her Sunday after church.  I asked Peter if he had covered her before we left. No. She burrowed for max comfort.

Be jealous feline community. Be jealous.
And the best news of all?  We're looking at having her for quite some time!

The Butterflies!

The butterflies have bloomed at the Meijer Gardens!

Peter and I are thoroughly enjoying our membership.  We've been 3 times in the last 2 weeks!

Great gift from my honey love.