Happy Birthday Aiti!

Over the past few years I have gotten closer and closer to my sweet mom.

She raised twin girls and I know we were not easy on her :)

Fourth of July with the Murrays

Deep Sea fishing with the Murrays.

Typical scene growing up, my mom reading the Washington Post, note our dog Bella in the background and again at the Murrays!

This is us last year in Richmond for her birthday and a small family reunion. This year we went again on her birthday weekend. My camera was hiding in its favorite place (under the couch) for the weekend so I have no pictures.

Jack and Aiti in Madison, Wisconsin, the home of her alma mater, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Then she flew back to Wisconsin for a reunion with her Lampe (her mothers) relatives.

Sorry this post is a few weeks late! The parenting never ends, she usually receives at least one phone call from me a day :)

Brendan was right and I was wrong

After Jack's birthday party I was a little overwhelmed with gifts.

I came to a point where I cut off the toys because my living room was filling up quick.

Brendan's generous and thoughtful gift was:

Silly me, thought since Jack starting walking at 10 months and already had a push toy, this toy did not need to be opened right away.

After a few weeks I realized how silly I was to deprive my child of this toy, but then again hesitated because I thought it would be hard to put together. Again I was wrong. I finally cornered Gabe and told him to construct it. It was pretty straight forward, I could have easily done it myself.

Jack quickly and daily proves me wrong. Brendan was right, I should have opened this enjoyable toy on day one.

It does chomp and clack pretty loudly, thanks Brendan.

Bring on Christmas!

2010 in Review: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year started out with the Hanrahan descendents, Ali, Granny and Bopa.

Hanrahan cousins.

Round two was with Crane's/Murray's.

Whats better then two Thanksgiving with two families and a giant bouncey ball?

The week continued with a visit from my long lost friend Colleen.

Then the Edds' family came over, Katie Sue & Jack.

We got to meet the newest second cousin, baby Will with Gabe's Aunt Lynn AKA Gi-Gi and Granny.

Gabe and I could barelly remember what a small baby was like.

Gabe always looks like an "old hat" with babies.

I had to relearn what it felt like to hold a little baby, he was so sweet, hence, Laura's head tilt, she is emphasizing his sweetness, right Laura?

So sweet, again :)

We had another Thanksgiving get together at the La Monica's with the LeTendre family this time.

Mr. Downey & Bopa.

Robert with his little girl.

Minnie Mouse girl, Carolynne.

Some of the boys plus Minnie.

We are thankful we got to see so much family!