Christmas on the River

Another fabulous fun holiday on the Pamlico. We had a great visit with Gran and Papa Gus. Andrew and Cameron were best buddies, and enjoyed throwing snowballs into the river and chasing dogs. Most exciting was seeing a giant sea-doo in Gran's front yard. That will be super awesome this summer. We also got a telephone call from the Navy detailer, who informed us that we are moving to Norfolk/Virginia Beach! After the initial shock and surprise that we have to leave paradise, we got excited about living much closer to family and getting to party it up this summer on the river!

There is so much about this picture that cracks me up. I'm not sure what is funnier... Andrew about to whack the ball right into Cameron--- or the snowball Cameron is eating and the three dogs (not pictured) peeing in the background??

It's exhausting partying with Gran

Not Quite Ready for the Ice Capades

The herd of cousins hit the ice for an ice skating adventure. It was Andrew's first time on skates, and after a quick pep talk, we were on the ice. Ten seconds later, Andrew said, "let's go faster!" Not surprisingly, he was frustrated that he wasn't an Olympic skater two seconds after lacing up his skates. (I can't imagine where he gets that from?!?) It was lots of fun, and by the end of the session, he could skate about 10 feet by himself.

Is Santa Here Yet?

Andrew and Melissa kept a close watch just in case there was a reindeer sighting.

Wesołych świąt!

Dinner at Granny's house. A longstanding holiday tradition filled with roast beef, four kinds of potatoes, spicy kielbasa and sauerkraut, loads of veggies, and ten kinds of dessert. The best part is squooshing 50 people into Granny's dining room and then coordinating passing the dishes around the table. Great food and a great family. Gotta love the holidays.

Cousins

Cousins Miriam and Naomi came up for a fun visit. It was really nice to spend some quality time with family we so rarely get to see. The kids had so much fun together, and it made me want to move back east so badly. Living in Hawaii has so many benefits, but the one giant negative is being so far from family we love spending time with. So very happy that we made the trek east for the holidays.

College Roomies

The kids and I made a stop in Severna Park to say hello to Pam and her son, Logan. It was fun to catch up and let the kiddos play together. Hard to believe that we've known each other fifteen years.

Where are the volcanoes on this island?

Flying into DC, Andrew asks the flight attendant, "Where are the volcanoes on this island?" Dearest son, you aren't in Hawaii anymore. Not everyone lives on an island. This is the mainland, and all that white stuff is not sand. Lucy didn't seem to mind the cold weather.

Mommy - Daughter Photo Shoot

Does this bathing suit make my thighs look chubby?

Eight Crazy Nights

Andrew's 4th Birthday Bounce-a-thon

Andrew and Jacob's fabulous fourth birthday party was at the youth fitness center. We bounced and jumped and did obstacle courses. The kiddos had so much fun.

The party was completely and totally exhausting. Andrew was asleep before we even left the parking lot. He must have had fun--he is smiling in his sleep.

Peace, Love & Aloha

Lil' Lucy is 3 months old today,
though she doesn't look too sure about that

First Camp Out

Andrew has been begging to camp out, so Daddy pitched the tent (thanks Grandma and Papa!) for Andrew's very first camp out.

Daddy and Andrew got tons of quality bonding time during the tent party. There were marshmallows, books, and lots of stories. Andrew finally fell asleep around 10 (which we thought was pretty good) and only woke up a few times to ask Daddy, "What was that sound??"