Happy Easter!!!

Ahhhhhh.... what a welcome spring weekend after a LONG, LONG, LONG cold winter!  The past couple of months have been pretty blah waiting for spring to arrive.  We've gotten a bit of housework done inside, but haven't had much excitement beyond that, as you've probably noticed from lack of blog posts.  Simone has been getting more grown up week by week, and resumed her swimming lessons and started piano lessons over the past few months to try to chase away the winter doldrums. We're all anxious to start getting outside more and to begin the gardening and outdoor fun.

We spent Easter weekend at home with visits from Simone's cousins.  Simone spent all week making plans for an "Easter festival" for all the kids, and believe me, she executed on just about all of it.  Friday thru Sunday was non-stop Easter fun--coloring eggs, pottery, playgrounds, hiking, games, a sack race, an egg hunt, sweets -- you name it, we did it.  The kids had a fabulous time.  The grown ups are completely exhausted.  It is all I can do to just lounge on the sofa and post these few pictures. 

coloring the eggs

We brought our basket to church to be blessed on Saturday.

Nothing like looking into the sun for your photo--lol!  Jack and Sam joined all the girls on Saturday for some of the festivities. They've gotten so big!! and  terribly cute.

sack race!!! or shall i say the first of about two dozen of them...

some game time

at the playground

Easter morning before Mass

Before you know it the school year will be winding down and we'll be jumping into summer, but for now we'll savor the blossoms and warming temperatures even if it comes with pollen and yard work!

WINTERFEST

Last night was Simone's annual winter carnival at her school -- Winterfest 2014.  Everyone converged on the school for games, food, music, and an array of contests. 

The evening started out normally, a few snacks... lots of games...

A few rides on the giant inflatable slide....

Pretty normal until the end... and then a remarkable turn of events.  In the last half hour of the carnival Simone begun a major winning streak by winning the cakewalk game.  And it didn't stop there... Simone then went on to win 5 jars of goodies in the prize jar raffle.  It actually started to get awkward to hear her name every few draws.  But she made us so proud when she turned to her friends who hadn't won anything and gave away some of her jars.  Such a little sweetheart!

Here she is on the phone with grammy in the music room --she had to tell her about incredibly lucky night right away!

Visit to Ohio

 This weekend we drove out to Ohio to visit Grandad and the whole Dotson family.  We had a little bit of a rough start with some snow on the drive out there, but after a delayed arrival, the trip was a great success.  We had such a terrific time seeing everyone.

No trip to Warren would be complete without a stop at the locally legendary Hot Dog Shoppe, so that's where we started.  Simone enjoyed her first Hot Dog Shoppe hot dog and fries--yum!

 We had another perfectly delicious meal at the Sunrise Inn.  All of the food was excellent, but Tony's burger was OUTSTANDING.  We'll all remember this cross between a burger and reuben.  Seriously, someone's got to import this sandwich to northern Virginia!

 The very best part of the trip, of course, was enjoying some quality time with family.  We had a really special visit with Tony's great aunt --making her Simone's only living great great aunt--who is an amazing 95 years old, and just about THE sweetest, most impressive woman I've ever met.  It was an honor and a blessing to spend some time with her and listen to her memories.

Who could not cherish this photo forever? So special.

Simone with Grandad and his brother.  Yes, they get mistaken for twins all the time!

Simone had a blast dancing with Nailah and staying up WAAAAAAY too late for a six year old little girl.  I can just hear her 30 years from now, "Nailah, remember that time when we danced to all those Michael Jackson songs until 2 am at Grandad's house?  ... and we were allowed to use that cool foot relaxer?"  lol!

Tony and his best friend Rob -- another great reunion.

We also made sure to hit the mall for some requisite Cleveland Browns apparel, catch a little bit of football on Sunday, and enjoyed some awesome pound cake that Miss Linda whipped up lickity split -- oh so good!!  The visit went by all to quickly, as they often do, and Simone cried when we had to leave. I'm sure however, that she made memories on this visit that will last her lifetime.

Christmas: Part Deux

Cousins, cousins, cousins everywhere. 

Simone played hard with all of her cousins all holiday long.  From gift exchanging to building a clubhouse to sleepovers to yoga to making homemade cotton candy.  The fun just went on and on...

The gang of girls, all getting so grown up!!

Posing in dad's Christmas present.

Christmas morning -- Simone definitely made it onto Santa's nice list!

Watching a movie with cousin Jack.

 After lots of hours playing at the house, we all set out to the local bowling alley for an afternoon of bowling.  It was actually Simone's first time bowling and she told me, "mommy, this is my favorite place EVER!"  ha! so much for Disney World!

It took us over two hours to play just a single game with all the kids, but we had a terrific time.  And they just loved playing together so much! Even though we live far away, we are so happy Simone gets this time to make these memories with her cousins.

Christmas Time Again!!!

We're still in the midst of Christmas fun, but wanted to wish everyone happy holidays!  Simone is loving being with her cousins for all the traditional festivities.

With Santa at pre-Christmas brunch.

On Christmas Eve before Mass.

 A pose before Holy Night supper.

Opening gifts after dinner.

A hug with mommy before bed.

Two Pieces of Cuteness

Just a quick post to share two adorable Simone moments.  First, we visited some friends on Saturday night who just had a little girl.  Simone was like a little mommy and totally loved that the baby sat quietly on her lap for at least 15 minutes.  She was proud of herself for being able to hold her alone.

 And then, mommy and daddy's proud moment (warning: brag alert!).  Today we had Simone's first parent teacher conference.  Her teacher gave us an outstanding report.  She said Simone is reading and writing well above her grade level and is super creative and considerate.  We were so proud!



But here's where our hearts really melted.  Outside of the classroom, the different grades had some of their work on display in the hallway.  Simone's class had turtles and "friendly letters".  Here was Simone's letter...

And again, easier to read...

Happy Halloween!

Well, we had our second Halloween in the neighborhood, and after we carved our pumpkin and got all the candy ready we joined the neighbors' annual pre-trick or treat party. Then daddy and Simone hit the street while mommy stayed home to hand out candy.  Here's a little taste of our evening...

Our family jack-o-lantern -- a happy face this year.  Sadly, he only lasted one night.  We woke up this morning to find him smashed on the street.  (Yep, there are still jerks in the world. )

Simone decided that she wanted to be a witch for Halloween.

We added some pizzaz to her costume with glitter eyeshadow and dramatic black lipstick.  When she saw herself in the mirror she said, "wow, I never looked like this before!"

It was astounding to see just how many kids there are on our few blocks of the community.

Simone and Hanna were trick or treat buddies all night.

Daddy's costume was low key this year. 

 Next up... Thanksgiving.  We can't wait for the holiday season to begin, so MUCH fun in store!!!