New York

There are 5 children 6 and under running around my house screaming, a kitchen that needs to be cleaned and laundry that needs to be folded. This always seems to be my excuse for not blogging (which like many of you is my only means of journaling). So here I sit . . .

My husband (aka: world's best gift giver (never forgets what I have mentioned I might want)) gave me a trip to New York to see Wicked for my birthday. And the lucky trip partner, Anika! The two of us took a red eye flight, made it to our hotel, visited the Empire State Building, and were on our way back from the Statue of Liberty when we called Jason as he was waking up in the morning. Time is so weird that way.

Can you spy me and Anika on the megatron in Times Square?

I had seen Wicked once before and Anika was dying to see it. She had become familiar with the musical when her production company did a medley of Wicked songs. It was a fantastic show!

I don't know, however, which won over her heart more . . . Wicked or the American Girl store. A little girls paradise!
After bussing, taxying, subwaying, and walking and walking all over Manhattan in chilly weather I heard no complaints from Anika. Then, we made it over to New Jersey.

If you know the show

This was our next stop, and the wait in line ended up being totally worth it. The best pastry (canolli) I have had. We also brought home a delicious cake to share with the boys while watching an episode. . .

She was a terrific travel buddy and we had such a great time! Thanks Jasy!!

Merry Christmas!!

This really should be a picture of my darling husband, but he had a little helper. With our anniversary a day away Jason took Trey on some errands. When they came home Trey jumped out of the car and with the most sincere smile said, "I am not even going to tell you that Dad and I got you a chocolate cake and flowers." Trying to stifle my laugh I said, "You're not going to tell me, huh?" Trey resolutely said, "Never!" ~ That is what you get when a 3 year old keeps your secrets!

Family "Staycation"

A highlight of our family vacation, "A Minute to Win It"! Ha! Ha! Thanks for coming out guys!

One of these things is not like the others . . .

Did you guess correctly?

Trey loves a tub full of toys. Religiously, after dumping all the toys the "little guy" would come flying out. Funny! I finally asked him "why?" Trey told me, " I don't like him, he doesn't have any powers!" Who knew!

Best of "what's up with us!"

Conner - lifting weights and loving it ~ crazy!

Anika - turning into an Oompa Loompa ~ Draper Theatre!
Lucas - has his wife picked out- they are going to be superheros when they get married!

Trey - staying dry at night!

Greta - sleeping 10 hours at a time ~ loving her Momma!

Life with Brothers!

Sweet, sweet, sweet is all we have to say about this little Greta! She puts up with all the big brothers put her through!

This one gave us a good laugh when we turned around and Trey had turned her into a clown!

What blog?

I don't know if there will ever be a "back to normal", but our little angel is here and what a blessing she is. We were a little nervous that we might have a high maintenace baby on our hands when all she wanted was to be held for the first few weeks or she would let you know what developed lungs she had. . . Greta has now leveled out and decided that she will be a patient #5, ready to smile at anyone who will look at her! Now if I can figure how to manage it all . . . advice welcome here.

Random info: For those of you who know Jason well - he just bought a fire truck (a real one). More to come on that . . .