Spring Time!

Happy Spring everyone! The weather has teased us with a few nice days, then it'll snow again. But it looks like we've finally turned the corner into some beautiful weather. Along with the nice spring weather has come some fun activities.

DUKE REUNION

Over the weekend of April 12 & 13, Dave and I headed down to Durham for his 10 year reunion. My Dad and stepmother, Marcine, were kind enough to come watch the boys for the weekend. We had a really great time catching up with old friends, seeing our Goddaughter, Nina, and enjoying the gorgeous Duke campus. Here are a few pictures of that weekend -

With my DG Little Sis Allison at the 2004 Class Party!

My favorite running trail - my mom used to walk
this 3 mile loop nearly every day

With Chris and Johanna Anderson

Pretty day in the Duke Gardens

Our sweet Goddaughter Nina and her Daddy, Chris

GRANDPA H's BDAY & EASTER

The following Thursday was Harry's ("Grandpa H") 65th birthday! We were so fortunate that Dave's mom, Anne, came to watch the boys during the week while Dunia was out of town visiting her father. Harry drove to town last Wednesday night, so we were able to celebrate his birthday with him the next day.

Friday morning we all packed up the cars and headed to The Homestead for a quick Easter/Birthday Weekend getaway. Abby was with us as well, though we missed Carrie. It was a great weekend filled with croquet, mini golf, swimming and Easter Egg hunting (for both kids and adults).

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Welcome to the Homestead!

Someone's excited!

One of many epic croquet matches of the weekend

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny while Granne, Abby & Grandpa H ran a 5k

After the race

Visiting the horses

A little break for mom & dad during nap time

This is all Miller wanted to do - ALL WEEKEND

Just fishing for some easter eggs

Sweet Abby holding TJ during his morning nap

Grandpa H giving some last minute encouragement

Gathering the eggs - he did great!

It's been a great start to Spring and we're excited about all the upcoming events, including Abby's half marathon next weekend!

TJ at 4, 5, 6 and 7 Months!

 He's getting so big!! TJ is now sitting up, eating lots of new foods, trying out a sippy cup and working on pulling up. He is not very fond of laying down on his belly, so who knows when he'll crawl. But he loves to stand up, so walking might come early - we'll see!

I know I've said this before, but he is just such a pleasant little guy. He smiles at everyone and is so friendly. And yes, his hair is hilarious. We call it mohawk meets combover - but it's starting to fill in a little bit more.

At his 6 month check up he measured 19 pounds 9 ounces and was about 29 inches long. He's in the 99% for height and 75% for weight. He's such a big boy!

Here are some pictures from our elephant chair monthly photo series!

 

4 Months (Dec 1)

5 months (Jan 1)

Miller likes to jump in to the picture

6 Months (Feb 1)

 

TJ giving Millerman kisses

7 Months (March 1)

Christmas

It's nearly March, so it seems appropriate to be posting pictures of Christmas finally!

We were fortunate to celebrate Christmas twice this year, once in Ohio with the Badanes clan and then again in Maryland with my dad and Marcine. We actually spent most of Christmas day at Marcine's daughter's house (Chelsea) with her family, including baby Alaina who is about three months older than TJ.

This is the first year that Miller started to understand what was happening. Last year Anne gave Miller a nativity scene from Melissa and Doug (that's a toy company for those not up on the toddler toy brands) and we put it up right after Thanksgiving this year. We'd tell him about waiting for baby Jesus and about Mary and Joseph. He sort of got it. Though, I think he's still trying to figure out how Santa fits into the picture. :) He did understand the Santa/present correlation though!

TJ is such a sweet baby. He went with the flow and just enjoyed being held and cuddled by all the grandparents, aunts and cousins around him.

Here are some pictures from our extended Christmas!

Cincinnati, OH

With cousin Raya, only a few weeks apart

Playdo fun with cousins Ava and Caleb

"Christmas Eve" dinner w/ Swifts & friends

Mommy & TJ on the way to join everyone!

Quality Ipad time with Great Grandmom

Arlington - Pre-Christmas Festivities

Meeting Santa!

Proud of his gingerbread house 

Christmas Day - Kent Island, MD

 

Opening presents

Opening a gift from Aunt Brooke & Uncle Grant

Pops & TJ!

Family walk

Snow Days!

This week we were hit with winter storm Pax, at least that's the official name. Others have dubbed the storm "Snowchi" and "Snowmore", among other clever nicknames. We got about 11 inches of snow, and a couple more late last night. Miller loves the snow, but wasn't thrilled when we attempted to go sledding. Perhaps mom and dad should have planned ahead some and purchased appropriate winter gear!


This is the second snow storm we've had this winter, and definitely the most snow we've seen since "snowmageddon" a few years ago. Here are a few pictures from each of our snow adventures - Miller's got a real knack for shoveling, let's see if he's still as interested when he's a teenager. :)

January 21st 

February 13th - "Pax"