New York

Heading out our first day on my much anticipated trip to see Shelly in NYC

The castle in Central Park



The Metropolitan Museum

A bronze statue of mother and child that I loved

A bamboo creation on top of the musuem

A cavalier spaniel that I wanted for Noah

A chihuahua that Shelly almost brought home until I convinced her that 2 pooping animals was too much for her tiny studio apartment

The view from the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking the Brooklyn bridge

A cute little candy shop we found in Dumbo

Yoda--Shelly's rare feline that has quite a personality

A cafe we found bearing Ella Joy's initials

Our last day out we went to the MOMA

Thank you Shelly for a wonderful trip. It was so much fun! It is amazing how a few days away really can recharge you. I was happy to get back to the kids and feel like I have so much more patience after a short break. David said he had a great time taking care of the kids. He said, "it was relaxing." I said, "I can take a trip whenever you would like to relax again."
And just in case you are wondering--no I didn't eat too many NY hotdogs, baby #4 is on the way.

Talent Show

Noah was chosen to participate in the school talent show.
He played "The Cuckoo."
He did a great job.
I wish I would have taped some of the acts--some serious entertainment.
My favorites, besides Noah of course, was the girl who sang "Tomorrow"--she did awesome, the bellydancer--Ella Joy thought her outfit was sooo cool, and two 5 year old boys doing Michael Jackson numbers--they were amazing!

EJ kept asking when the girls were coming out.
She liked all the awesome clothes.
JuJu danced to every act--even the boy who played Metallic on the guitar.

It was a fun night.

Milestone

The first time you watched a movie.
I don't think this is one of the milestones usually listed in baby books.
But for me this is an important one.
It means that naptime is not the only time I can do those things that just can't be done with the wee one underfoot.

Surprise visit to Disney

We surprised the kids with a stop at the Magic Kingdom on the way home.
Pat and Melissa were so kind to let us crash their honeymoon for a night.
We had a great day.
David raced through each area finding the shortest lines and then guiding us to them.
He also had system down so he could optimize our use of Fastpasses.
We never waited more than 10 minutes.
The honeymooners met up with us half way through the day.
Favorites:
Noah--Mickey's Orchestra, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Carribean
EJ--Peter Pan, Alladin's Magic Carpet
JuJu--Tomorrowland Transit Authority Tour, which she tried to jump out of several times

Just one of the Family

Our family gathering would not be complete without a "guest" family member in the mix.
The latest new Stier family member--Reeve.
Reeve grew up across the street from us in Columbia.
Her and Becky have been best friends since they were 6.
Reeve also comes from a large family so she knows how it goes.
If you want to eat--find some food.
If you want a bed--get there first.
It was wonderful to have her around--she is great with the kids and so much fun to talk with.
So glad you could join us!

Pat and Melissa's Wedding

May 8, 2010
Finally arrived.
I have been hoping and waiting for the day when Melissa would officially join the family.
She has been part of our family for years.
But I wanted her to be an official sister.
And it finally happened.
It was a beautiful wedding.
The weather was perfect--blue sky, warm.
They got married in a small historic church in downtown Beaufort.
It was packed with family and friends.
Ella Joy was a flower girl and she performed her duty with exactness--step, drop a petal, step, drop a petal, all the way down the aisle.
Melissa's uncle performed the ceremony which gave it a nice personal touch since he knows them both so well.
After the wedding we walked 3 blocks to the Beaufort Inn where the reception took place.
It was magazine worthy--huge white tent, beautiful centerpieces, cool sofas set up for sitting, delicious food, fun band, and the best wedding cake I have ever tasted.
The feeling of love was definitely in the air.
Congratulations Pat and Melissa! We love you!!

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner was at the Port Royal Landing and Marina.
It was a beautiful location overlooking the water.
It was great to have the 2 families meet.
Hopefully our very large family didn't overwhelm Melissa's family.
The night was beautiful. The food-- delicious!