First and Only Snow

Well our first and only snow happened on a Friday this year and luckily Sydney had a half day so we could go enjoy it. I knew I was packing too much in with trying to sled after school but in hindsight of that being the only snow of the year I am sure glad I did. I bought Julia new boots that week because we were expecting 6 inches or so and she couldn't fit into any of Sydney's old ones.
We had a blast sledding at the hill over off Knoxville by where mom lives. The Cheng's joined us and the joy and smiles from the kids faces of pure enjoyment makes dealing with the cold worth it. I did realize I need warmer boots because my toes are cold as soon as I step out of the car.
Saturday we headed out to the farm to have dad pull us on the toboggan. We had never done this before and it was a blast. Sydney was laughing so hard and Julia enjoyed it too as long as no snow came flying in her face. We got thrown off several times and once Grandpa didn't notice we were gone for a while. Julia rode with us for a while but then choose to sit in the gator with Grandpa while Sydney and I rode the toboggan behind.
The snow rocks but that was it for this year. It was very strange this year and we have 70

degree weather now in April so we will see what the summer brings.

April 1st 2012

Well another Birthday has arrived and I am 38 years old this year. This means I have been a mom for almost 8 years, I have been a nurse for 16 years and I graduated from Peoria Notre Dame high school 20 years ago.
I has been a wild ride and I was treated like royalty this birthday. Harry and I went to St.Louis on Saturday the 31st for an over night. Kayleigh stayed with the girls and they had a very busy but fun weekend. Harry and I arrived and after washing the car and filling it up we took Sue's car out of the garage for a joy ride. We went to Mcqurk's for lunch and enjoyed the beautiful weather sitting out on the patio. We got back in the car, put the top down and heading out to the Galleria to do some birthday shopping. We found some new stuff for me at Banana Republic and Harry did an excellent job or waiting for me to try things on and help me find the right outfits! Next on the agenda was Plaza Frontenac to do some shopping there and we found some stuff at J Crew. We headed back to Sue's to change then walked to the Central West End for drinks and dinner. We enjoyed italian food at Bar Italia, then got some Fro yo (frozen yogurt), then found outside seating available at the Sub-zero Vodka bar and sat there the rest of the night enjoying vodka drinks. It was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday.
Sunday we had coffee and walked the Central West End and headed home to see the girls. The entire afternoon was spent in the Cheng's back yard playing under the sprinkler and relaxing in the beautiful weather. I actually got sunburnt.
Dinner was Firehouse Pizza with Dad and Sarah joining us.
What a delightful day!

Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas! It wasn't a white Christmas this year but it was a nice Christmas. The actual holiday was on a Sunday this year so Sydney was done with school on the tuesday before and Julia didn't even have school the week before Christmas. It has been quite a minor winter this year and we still haven't gotten any snow(it is January 8th today). I didn't do all the baking that I normally do for christmas this year because I usually eat most of what I make so I was eliminating the temptation. I started working out at Club Fitness in November and am trying to get in better shape and shake this 20 lbs that gives me trouble. Anyway I made Caramel corn for the neighbors and delivered that the week before Christmas. Julia and I did enjoy a day with Deborah and George Hanna making some yummy cookies. It was fun and I hope we do it again next year.
The girls were so excited for Christmas this year and we went to Mt. Hawley with the Chengs to see santa and have brunch. It was a fun time. Julia got to the car and started to cry because Santa didn't give her the ballet slippers she asked for. We had to explain that Santa will bring stuff on christmas Eve not give it to her that day. Sydney asked for a battery operated car. The kids enjoyed watching the movie on the TV and talking to the vantriliquist and the parents enjoyed a nice lunch.
All of my Christmas shopping was done online this year and it was so much more relaxing than fighting the crowds at the store. When I tried to go out for just grocery shopping I got frustrated with the crowds so luckily I didn't need to find that special something for that special someone. Sydney had her Christmas sing at the beginning of december and sang the songs An angel came from heaven, Silent Night, Joy to the World, We wish you a Merry Christmas. It was a quick and fun evening. The lynch's sat with us and Jules and Will enjoyed watching the show.

Sydney's first sleepover!

Well it finally happened, Sydney was invited to a sleepover at one of her friends house. She was invited to Molly I's house to spend the night with 6 girls. They spent the night doing crafts, dancing and telling stories. I didn't sleep well at all because I was worried about her all night. She was so tired today but they did get to bed at 1115 and woke up a little after 7. I think tomorrow will be bad but at least she will be at school for most of it.
Julia sure missed Sydney while she was gone and it was weird with just one child to get ready in the morning. We missed her but I am also so proud of her to go and have fun with her friends. I think there will be many more sleepovers in her future.
While Sydney was away we had Dad and Margie over for dinner last night. Dad needed to get out of the house after his TURP procedure last Tuesday and some complications that landed him in the ER on Wednesday night. He is doing much better now but this little episode in his health really took a tole on him and he was upset by the complications he had. It was a nice dinner of steaks on the grill and it was fun.

Sydney and 2nd grade!

Sydney is loving 2nd grade and has grown up so much this year. She is reading at a 3rd grade reading level and enjoys reading so much. I love to watch her enjoy a new book and spend time relaxing on the weekend reading. She received her first Reconciliation on November 17th. She did a great job and wasn't even nervous. We celebrated with a dinner beforehand with Grandpa and Margie at Paparazzi's. It was a very special evening.

She is very busy with school and gymnastics. She still takes from Ms. Angie's Playground and loves to work on her skills on the bar. She is doing a great job learning her walkover's and working hard on backbends. she enjoys trying back handsprings but still needs to practice that one.

She is growing up so fast and doing such great things every day. Tonight she actually lost her 5th tooth and was just as excited as when she lost her first.

Julia's 4th Birthday

Happy Birthday Julia! The day started with Julia so excited to get her morning presents. She received star war's pjs, a barbie razor scooter and squinkies! We had a full day planned of lunch with friends and then an evening dinner with family to celebrate. Julia invited Ana cheng, will Lynch and Emily Arnold to her lunch and they all had fun and enjoyed the cupcakes. Then for dinner we had spagetti and meatballs with Margie, Grandpa, Uncle Mike, Aunt Hattie and Molly. She received cupcake clothes from Margie and grandpa, and Hello Kitty squinkies from the Moon's.
I can't believe that this little girl is 4. She is growing up way too fast and very quick witted for a four year old. She also has a great burping talent that will come in handy in her school age years.

Julia starts school!

Julia has started school at Northminster Church by our house. She is in afternoon preschool 4 days a week from 12:15-3pm. She just loves it and tells everyone where she goes to school. She still can't wait to take the bus to St. Thomas with Sydney but she is enjoying this school and learning a lot. She has neighbors in the class with her Sydney and Sienna Hopkins so that is good.
Julia has had a tough time adjusting to the new school hours. She has been moody and whiny in the mornings and by Thursday I am for sure driving her someplace after 1030 in the morning so that she gets a little nap. Julia has become quite a character. One day at Dad's office she was spinning around in his desk chair then stopped and said" I am Dr. Watts". It was very funny. She keeps coming up with these funny things.
Fridays Julia is taking Ms. Angie's gymnastics with Ana Cheng, Emily Arnold and Will Lynch so it is a lot of fun.