Baby Blessing

A little late, but here's pictures from John's baby blessing out in Utah:

Dad's Scouting Moments

Dad was recently awarded the Silver Beaver Award for scouting -- it's one of the highest honors given for service in scouting. We were lucky enough to be in Utah for the event.

He also recently attended a scouting event with Pres. Eyring:

Go Dad!

Pictures of the kids

Many of you know, I was lusting after a camera for months. I wanted a big digital SLR camera to take pictures of the kids and all our life. I waited and waited and waited. Many tears were shed waiting for this camera. I spent time embezzeling money from our family saving for it, only to have it be used for some other, admittedly more important need.

When my birthday came around, Jared made me cry by giving me my camera. Now, I spend many hours taking pictures of our kids. Thousands more than you see here. But, since I'm finally getting better at it, I thought I'd share some that I put together this week. We put my white bedspread on the baby's crib, put all kinds of crazy lamps in the room and a table top inside the crib to keep stuff stable. It was fun for me, but by the end, Maddie said it was getting too hard and wanted to stop.

Here are the results:

Beluga Whale Experience

Maddie has been attending pre-school at a special school in the Mystic Aquarium. This week she got to have a chance to get up close with a beluga whale. They teach the kids all about the whale, and then take them down to see it. They put a whole squid in the water where the kids can watch the whale grab it and swallow it whole. Fun! Also, they do the cute stuff with the wagging of the flukes and fins to say good-bye to the waving kids.

SuperBowl

We had a fun time the night of the Superbowl. I'm surprised at how much football I've watched this year. Maybe it's having a baby boy. Who knows? Maybe it's because we live in New England and the Patriots were doing so well. Sad, sad, sad ending. But since I'm enamored with the Manning family, I had joy as well. We had great food -- shrimp, veggies & dip, popcorn, cookies and fruit. YUM! It was just our family, but I honestly don't remember an evening we've all sat together and enjoyed watching the TV like this one. Happy memory.

Visiting friends in New York

Today we drove a couple of hours to meet with Lindsay, Sam, Jack and Lindsay's family -- her mom, dad and brother McKenzie. We met at a Chuck E Cheese in Nyack, NY.

It was fun to get the girls together and watch them run off to play just like any ol' day in Rockville. This is the second time we've gotten them together since we moved. It's a great stabilizer for Maddie -- helps her know we can keep the old and welcome the new as well. I love getting to see Lindsay. The only problem is that we have such a short time together, I never get the update of what's going on in Maryland!

The Slow Progression of Intelligence

Today little John discovered that he has a body. It's been so fun to watch him try to move his arms where he wants them to go and get so frustrated. As part of this new step, he clutched onto a toy and tried to bring it to his mouth. Mostly unsuccessful attempts, but found great surprise in the whole experience.

Sunshine and shadow

So, since most of you don't get to see our son on a regular basis, I thought I'd give you a glimpse at the sunshine and shadow aspects of his personality. I'd like to say as his proud mama that it's mostly sunshine with this happy boy!

Maddie Seeks the Spotlight

Not wanting to be outshined by her brother, Maddie's been capturing our attention with all her reading, writing, attending pre-school and just all around good fun. She's so sweet with her brother. It's fun to listen to her explain things like vitamins, clothing, and car seats to him.

Christmas in Connecticut

What a happy holiday it has been for our family. We spent the holiday relaxing at home, enjoying our fireplace and our beautiful tree. We missed all of our extended family this year, but hope to catch up with all of them during the next few months. By the way, this Christmas tree is the tree that love built. Jared and Maddie took the time to go and find a tree and decorate it while little John and I looked on. Our dear friend Carolyn Colton made us the beautiful tree skirt -- a hand quilted true labor of love!

We also were lucky enough to see Lindsay, Sam and little Jack on Christmas Eve. The kids were all so cute together! What changes have happened in our two families this year!

I'm giving in!

I've been caught in the whirlwind that is the blogernacle. My dear
husband has contributed daily to this phenomenon for years now, and that's
probably why I've resisted so strongly. But, today is the day of
my capitulation -- it's all for the children though (such a convenient
excuse).

I'm honestly in love with my children, and I want
everyone to know everything they can about them. By blogging about them, I can force you
to glimpse at pictures every once in a while too.

So, here it
goes.......