Chocolate Covered Strawberries

PLUS +

EQUALS =

End result- Priceless!

Strawberry Picking

On the way to Addie's preschool, I pass produce stand that has been closed all winter. On Tues, they put out a sign that the U-Pick Strawberry patch would open today, from 8-5. Some of our friends joined us in picking (and eating a lot) of berries! It was SSSOOOOO much fun this time since Alden could walk, we were with friends, and the weather was perfect!

All the big kids ready to go! Aren't they the cutest bunch?

A group shot with the Mommies and Madelyn! Can you tell it was windy?

Addie reaching for just the right berry- you can see Alden doing the same thing! The major difference- Addie's ended up in her bucket, Alden's, in his mouth.

Quality control!

Attempting to keep some berries in his bucket- it didn't last long....

Yes, he's eating it stem, leaves and all!

Addie was super proud of her bucket- that she filled herself. She carried it all the way to the check-out!

Not so sure he wants to leave the strawberry field... Notice the empty bucket....

Modeling

Here are some pics of the girls modeling the shirts Karen and I made them!

Richmond Fun

Over the weekend, Al and his long-time college friend, Mike, went dirt-biking in West Virginia. Thankfully, Mike's wife, Karen, is a good friend of mine, and her daughter, Hannah, is Addie's latest obsession! While the guys were dirt-biking all over the hills of WV, Karen, the kids and I, were having fun in Richmond. We visited Short Pump Shopping Center and rode the train there, we played at Huguenot Park with old friends, went to our old-wonderful church- Spring Run Pres, got pictures taken of the girls together, and of course, spent lots of time playing with Baby Hannah's toys (Thanks, Hannah for sharing so sweetly!). While the kids slept, Karen and I whipped out several cute dresses/shirts for the girls. Lots of fun was had by all as you can see in the pictures.

Our trip was actually extended as Al's truck broke it's serpentine belt, and then his dirt bike broke as well. But that is a totally riveting story that will have it's own post- once Al makes his way back to Richmond to retrieve his family.... Stay tuned for that!

Alden loved Hannah's car

Working together

Riding the train together- Why is it that the youngest is the only one looking at the camera?

Karen sewing up a storm! She learned in no time and took to it like duck to water!

Our masterpieces! Hannah's are on the left- a pheasant top, pillowcase dress, dress; Addie's pile is on the right- pillowcase dress and pheasant top.

Colin and Addie try to keep hydrated at the park. I'm not sure they remembered each other but they did enjoy playing together!

Amy giving Daniel and Addie pushes on the swings- wheeeeeee!

The Jack-In-Box was a favorite!

Alden's new laugh- covering his mouth- so cute!

Bathing beauties!

Climbing on the inside playground at Short Pump

Yes, Hannah is giving Alden a ride! While I taught this morning, Karen and Hannah played with my kids.

Who needs a playground when you have carseats to play in?

A taste of Al's future post....

Addie's Special Time with MarMar & PopPop

On Sunday, Alden, Al and I left NY, leaving Addie with her MarMar and PopPop. We had talked about this for weeks and she was PUMPED about it! She didn't even give us a backwards glance as we left. She's no dummy- she knows how much fun MarMar and PopPop are!

She had a very busy 3 days with her MarMar and PopPop. The visited the Natural History Museum in Manhattan as well as a special burger joint. Tuesday was filled with a trip to the Bronx Zoo where she was enamored with all the animals. Wednesday was laid back with pancakes in the morning and then the trip home.

Alden didn't act like he missed her, but when she walked in the door, he squealed her name, ran to her and hugged her- so sweet!

Here are some pictures from her special trip.

Enjoying a chocolate milkshake- yummmm!

Checking out the dinosaur bones- she even called me to tell me about what she was seeing!

Posing next to the animals

Who's having more fun here? She loved the Bug Carousel so much she rode it 3 times!

Cutest butterfly!!

Checking each other out!

Wiped out

Weekend in NY

This weekend, our whole family went to NY. Al helped his Dad rebuild their front steps and walkway. While the men worked, the kids, MarMar, Jen, Nate and I went to the NY Aquarium. It was perfect weather for the Aquarium and the kids enjoyed themselves as did the adults!

Ready to help!

Addie putting in her 2 cents worth

Addie LOVED the penguins

Checking out the stingray and shark exhibit

Touching a dead starfish

Waiting for the Sea Lion show to start

A rare picture of me and my boy! He wanted to run around and couldn't....

Watching the show

Addie was totally into the show


Once the show stared, Alden was intrigued, too!

Addie, relaxing after we returned home

Momma Duck

Addie was pretending to be a Momma Duck sitting on her eggs (trains). She sat patiently for a bit (at least 5 min) and then started "quacking" loudly,"They're cracking! They're cracking! My babies are coming! My babies are coming!" I guess all our stories and talking about spring and new baby animals are sinking in...