Birthday Celebrations

As most of you know, I have the honor of sharing my birthday with Bradley. Well, it's one day later than mine but I might as well share the day because a 3 year old's birthday is FAR more fun than a 33 year old. I do think otherwise but it is hard to convince some adults. sigh. . .

Alas, we had a great birthday weekend and were treated to a visit from my mom, sister, niece (Bradley's hero) and nephew (who is almost 7 months!). Had a little party, a little cake and a celebratory trip to the beach! We are LOVING that warm, beach weather IS HERE!!!

Easter

We hope everyone had a fabulous Easter weekend. I love the imagery that spring offers us each year as winter turns to spring and presents us with pictures everywhere of new life and new hope. The same life & hope that we celebrate during Easter that we receive through Christ. Spring is my absolute FAVORITE time of the year. I feel like a butterfly coming out of her fleece blanket cocoon! Being outside and soaking up the warm sunshine is like medicine for my long winter illness -- that illness being cold weather! We spent Easter morning at church in Norfolk and then scooted up to Richmond for the Easter On Parade which is my ALL TIME favorite event in Richmond. It is a photographer's dream on Monument Ave., but unfortunately, with 2 kids in tow I was unable to explore my inner photographer lest my children get lost or kidnapped! Here are a few pics from our day:

(pictures that Henry drew us for Easter. the things on the right are eggs that he drew and cut out)

(traditional posed picture of the kids dolled up for Easter. have I mentioned before how unwilling my kids are to pose for me? I had to put 2 jellybeans in my nostrils for a bribe and a smile - CLICK!)

(Bradley clinging to me for dear life while she watches a puppet show. This girl is petrified of puppets and especially adult sized costumed cartoon characters)

(Kids watching the biggest bunny I have ever seen in my life with Hayden Sadler)

(bumped into John's college roommate Patrick & family)

Bye bye training wheels!

Chain Reaction

Here's what Henry has been up to lately. Setting up this "chain reaction" in his room everyday at rest time. Dominoes are cool.

SNOW - (a bit late)

We got about 1/2 an inch of snow a few weeks ago when everyone else on the East Coast got the white stuff. Apparently, it was the first time in 4 years that Norfolk has seen snow! We didn't have much but we managed to make some snowmen. Can you see them on the steps in the second picture? HA!

It's OFFICIAL!

We are sticking around Norfolk indefinitely! John finally solidified his contract with Sentara Hospital here in Norfolk last week. We are excited about staying in the area, and John is thrilled to join this great group in town. John has worked extremely hard for the past TEN YEARS to get to this point in his career and deserves some big congrats. Way to go Dr. Malcolm!

On with the house hunting. . .

Making Cinnamon Pizza

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, doesn't that sound good? That's what my kids are serving up these days in their play kitchen. Here's Bradley on a typical afternoon: playing with her pizza, wearing 1 earring, a scarf and the cutest smile on earth.