Let it Snow

Before we left for warmer weather, we had a Sabbath snow. Andrew and Aaron could barely contain themselves. This was the first snow that was enough to go play in and play they did. Last year Andrew did not want anything to do with the sled. This year he has named it slippery and can't wait for more snow. So here are a couple of pictures from the sled riding.

Child Blessing

We had a child blessing for Aaron when he came home and wanted to have one for Andrew when he came home. We initially waited until he could understand what was happening better. Then we procrastinated but we finally did it. A child blessing is simply a prayer for the child for protection, guidance and encouragement as he grows. The same day Mr Ed was practicing his baritone and Andrew was quite fascinated. Mr Ed kindly let him try to push the valves. All in All a very good day.

Perry's Birthday Weekend

Gabe and I had wanted to give Perry an opportunity to enjoy some football for his birthday. However with a birthday in April there wasn't any football. So this is Perry's birthday present but in the fall with the Knicks game thrown in with the help of his friend Esau.

Here are a couple basketball game pictures.

Esau also gave Perry the New York City tour. Perry rode the train in to meet him and then got the tour.

Here are the pictures from the Rutgers game. Gabe and Perry got to see the game from up high but said the view was pretty good. This was Perry's first college game and it was televised on ESPN.

Overall a very nice weekend. Thanks Gabe.

Thanksgiving

Yes this is a national holiday but it is also an important reminder to give thanks and most importantly to give thanks to the one who gives us life. We have had a very nice thanksgiving; I failed to take any pictures. We enjoyed thanksgiving with Gabe, Mama(Nanna), Papa, Aunt Laura, Uncle Joel, Dad, Mom, Aunt Cindi, and Uncle Jim. Andrew had a great time playing with Uncle Joel. Sabbath the Choraleers gave us a lovely concert and we enjoyed a fellowship meal afterwards. A good time was had by all.

So I will take a moment to give thanks
1. That God has given me each day and an opportunity to have a relationship with him.
2. For my kind and helpful husband
3 For my 2 boys - I only had one last year
4. The encouragement of friends and family
5. For the teenagers in my life - they keep me young
6. For a few moments to read
7. Sleep
8. When I get to go on a date with my hubby
9. Swimming lessons and Story time at the library that bring variety to my life
10. For basements where boys can be crazy
11. For a job with a boss who is flexible with the schedule.
12....

You get the idea I have a lot to be thankful for today.

Virginia Beach Part 2

While we were in Virginia Beach we went to the zoo. We had a great time and David and Kim's Double stroller made it much easier. Why this picture on this trip we discovered that Andrew is good at reading maps. He used the signs and the map to tell us where we were going and where we had been. It was cool...at least one of us wasn't lost.

Yes we actually saw live animals at the zoo. This was one of the boys favorites. They said dog but it is really a fox.

Riding the rhinoceros.

Andrew and the turtle.

Just gotta smile

As I have mentioned before we are in potty training world. Well tonight Aaron did not want to part with his big boy Grover underwear. Mom is envisioning wet sheets in the middle of the night but is not wanting to discourage big boy underwearing(yes I know this is not a word but it describes it so well). So the solution on the fly - Diaper with Grover underwear over top. Aaron is thrilled mom is not changing sheets. About five minutes later he has unzipped pajamas to show his underwear to mom. You just gotta smile.

Virginia Beach

Mom let the boys and I come down with her to watch Anthony and Sophie. I am sure it would have been quieter and simpler without us but the boys had a great time. I enjoy having the boys and Sophie all together. The first day we didn't do so well getting pictures but this the lone picture from the farm we went to see. The boys played and had a hayride and chased the animals and petted a few. So it was a great time had by all. This is Anthony on the tractor.

The next day was spent at the beach. The boys played and played. In the sand and on the little dunes. Sophie was an amazing sport in her carrier. We used a blanket as a hat and got sand in everything. We even saw some dolphins in the ocean. I have never been a sit at the beach person but as much fun as they had I might become one. So here are a couple of pictures.

Sophie with her blanket hat.

I had brought freezer containers and shovels from home in anticipation of some beach time.

I think this picture is so cute. Anthony played in the sand, went up and down the stairs and generally kept an eye on everyone.

We never quite made a sandcastle but a great time was had by all.