Good Days

picnics in the backyard, sewing projects, grandparents coming to visit in a few days, spring cleaning, and birthday planning for the boy

Brooklyn Bridge

Sometimes I almost forget that we live in NYC, especially since we now live in the more suburban Staten Island. But when we get to do things like walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for our weekly playgroup, I remember how cool it is that we live here! Here are a few of my favorite shots we've taken of the Brooklyn Bridge.

all the large size pictures were taken by sis Robin

April

We've had a wonderful April so far. It was a very happy Easter, with beautiful weather, picnics, coloring eggs, General Conference, and handmade rag dolls for the kids from the Easter Bunny.

All the snow is gone and it has been in the 70s a few times already. We love having our own backyard to play in and explore. Joseph is in the middle of his busiest semester ever, Anna is in the middle of learning how to crawl, Matthew is in the middle of potty training, and I am in the middle of it all. Happy Spring!

Our Home: Kid Room

I just finished putting together the kid's bedroom. We moved Anna in with Matthew a couple of months ago, so it has been fun seeing them share this space.

I bought these printable number and alphabet cards to hang on the walls. If you look close enough you will see that their names are spelled out with the cards in the frames. I love that it is personalized, but not too obvious.

I made their blankets using this technique from Katie (who is one of the most talented people I know) and I appliqued their names on the back just for fun.

Next (and last!) task: our bedroom!

Spring Break: Washington DC

We spent some time in Washington DC last week during Joseph's spring break. We stayed with Joseph's aunt & uncle in Virginia. The weather wasn't the best, but the sights, food, and company were wonderful.

: national archives - where the declaration of independence and constitution are kept :
: smithsonian museum of natural history :

: arlington national cemetery : the vietnam memorial :

: washington monument : lincoln memorial :

: the white house :


: the capitol :

We only scratched the surface of the things we would like to see in Washington DC, but what we did see we loved. It was a beautiful city and you can't help but feel an increase in gratitude and loyalty toward our great country and its founders after you visit.

Outside & Inside

Outside: over a foot of snow and our car is completely covered

Inside: staying warm and having fun

Making It Through The Winter

• Joseph and I got to go to Bye Bye Birdie on Broadway at the end of December. We always enjoy a night in the city on our own, especially when we know the kids are at home and asleep! It was a cute show and we had a good time.
• Anna will be 6 months old tomorrow! She rolls over and scoots around in circles, eats carrots and avocados, squeals and squawks all the time, loves her brother who can make her laugh like crazy, and is a very sweet baby.
• I had a fun "Girls Night Out" in Manhattan with some of the girls in our ward. Mmmmmm, Rice to Riches is yummy.
• Matthew is always busy with his train sets, dinosaurs, and rubber ducks - when he's not hiding in the cupboards or running around in circles. He's a great boy.
  

M&K

Sis Megan & brother-in-law Kyle came to NYC for a visit last week. We hadn't seen them since the day they got married last June, so we were really excited! They had big plans for hanging out in the city, and I got to tag along with them a little bit.

Matthew loved having "the guys" here, and it was fun to have them meet Anna for the first time. We ate at a super nice Mexican restaurant, fed the ducks in the FREEZING cold, visited the pet store at the mall, and laughed a lot. We love them so much and miss them already!