Happy 4th Birthday to Our Sweet Girl

Julia turned four last week.

I was looking through old photos and can't believe how much she's changed in so many ways. The stories that she tells, the songs that she sings, the compassion she shows, the happiness she shares, her curiosity, her love for her family, her frustration when her brother doesn't understand sharing, her love for him, all of the wonderful things that make her so special to us. It's too much to list.

So I'll post some photos from her actual birthday. She had fallen earlier in the week and scraped her lip. She was so excited to come home after school on her birthday to find a brand new Dora bike, just for her. She had her first fall off the bike today and was "blooding" but got right back up and rode her bike home. That's our girl! Happy Birthday Sweet Julia!

Julia's Birthday Party

Julia's party was last Sunday at our beach. She had a great time and was so happy that so many of her friends could celebrate with her. The kids played in the lake, ate pizza, cake and blew bubbles. Thanks to all who celebrated with us!

We Love the Sprayground!

My Husband & My Camera Are in Greece

So I have no new photos to post but I've been trying to remember to write down funny things the kids say. These are really just for me, not necessarily to entertain.

When bleeding - Julia will say "I'm blooding."
Waking up last Sunday, on my day to sleep in, Julia runs out to Andy at 6:50am and proudly says "I sleeped in!!"
Brendan loves trucks and cars and says, "Guck" for each.
Brendan also says, "hot!" for anything that is not room temperature."
Julia called a rhinoceros "Serocerous" and helicopter "kelihopter."
Julia calls her new harmonica a "moronica."

I will post more as I remember them.

Helping Daddy Make the Eggrolls

Uh, Brendan, there's something on your head...

Goalia Loves Soccer

Here she is in the green shirt, in the front, doing jumping jacks to warm up for her first soccer class. Since it had been 2-3 weeks since she was last sick it was no surprise that we ended up leaving 15 minutes into the class because she developed a fever and her tummy hurt. But it was fun while she was there and she loved going the following week.

Julia's First Day

At her new school with her new teacher, the wonderful Miss Jessica.

He Loves Homemade Eggrolls

Much Better (I Think)

I am finally happier with the look of this blog. I have to say that Michelle of the "Irving Family" inspired me to dedicate some time to customizing this a bit. Between the fresh look of her blog and her reassurance that it wouldn't be too difficult, I took on the challenge and I'm happy that I did. Thanks Michelle!!!

It's something that will continue to evolve but for now I'm happy with it.

Our new camera requires the Ni-MH batteries so I have been out of commission for a bit but I now have what I need, but I just don't have anything new to upload. Hopefully after this weekend, including my cousin's wedding, I'll have some good ones to post.

P.S. I know that there's a "De-Lurking Week" but I dont know when it is exactly, so if you are reading, please say a quick hello in the comments section. Thanks!

Spring Play in the Backyard

Friday Trail Ride

Last Friday I went riding at Morven Park with my friend, Leslie. Because of the big US/England polo match in honor of the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, the Virginia Horse Council sponsored a Legislative Trail Ride and needed quiet horses to put legislators and their families on. Since Leslie is a fabulous horse trainer she had four of her own horses well-behaved enough to offer for the ride. I went to help out because no matter how good you are with horses, it's hard to keep four of them in the right place, behaving all at the same time.

We ended up riding out a few times, once with just two other riders and then later with about 23 other horses and riders.

It was the first time putting all four in the trailer together so a bit of thought was put into who to load first and what order would be best. By the time we were about a quarter of the way there I could tell, from driving behind her that the horse we'd loaded last was not last anymore.

So what would we find when we opened the doors? At least the banging around in there sounded normal as we drove, no one was coming through the roof, and they're all field-mates so I figured they'd be ok. Here's what it looked like when we opened the doors. Keep in mind, they were slant-loaded and Swaps, the lightest colored horse, was loaded last.

Oh! And the best part was that while we rode that morning the band, Journey, was practicing for their gig after the polo match on Saturday.

Tumblng Class

A few photos from Julia's tumbling class. Though she's not really actually tumbling in any of these.

New Camera - No Time

We've been busy, but not busy downloading photos or updating this blog. When the weather is good we come out of hibernation and spend as much time outside as possible. Thus no updates. I'll get some new ones up by the end of the weekend. Bye.

I HAVE A MOHAWK!!!!

Chillin' in the Crib

They have discovered the fun of rolling around together, until someone's hair gets pulled. ;-)

Meet Princesses Riley & Julia

It's so fun to dress up with your oldest friend!!!

Another Wizards Game

Julia and Andy went to see the Wizards play Golden State last Sunday. They had a great time. Here are some photos from when they returned home.

Making Snow Angels