Sarah and Ryan's Visit!

Two weeks ago Sarah and Ryan and their kids came to Philadelphia for some interviews at a public health clinic for Ryan. We had a spectacular long weekend with them, and we wish they could stay forever! Here are some highlights from their trip.

Checking out Penn in winter. Still lovely! This visit was followed by some amazing hot chocolate.

Ryan and the kids running in the grass, chasing squirrels, and checking out a large tree.
We went to see the Liberty Bell, of course, and while we were there Evie took a little spill. The exceptionally cautious park ranger rushed over, made a scene, and pushed an ice pack on her. Evie thought it was awesome. She happily posed for this photo!

Here are the kids in Chinatown before we stuffed ourselves eating dim sum. We made quite a scene at the Chinese restaurant. Many female waiters crowed around our table, staring, touching Max and Amelia's hair, and asking the kids questions that they couldn't understand because of the accent. It was hilarious! Sadly, we were full before the jellyfish cart came around. Next time, guys!

We also went to see a children's performance of the River North Chicago Dance Company. Amelia, Sarah, and I loved it. Colin and Max had a little trouble paying attention. To be fair, I think we should hit a Phillies game next time.

Girls' Team Sunglasses

A couple of days ago I left to take Colin to preschool and Amelia and Jack stayed home with Mike. While I was gone, Mike noticed that Amelia had been strangely quiet, so he checked on her and found her upstairs working on her "Girls Team Sunglasses." Amelia and many of her stuffed animals were dressed to the nines and covered with bling.

The Nutcracker

One of the highlights of our Christmas was seeing the Nutcracker at Symphony Hall. Amelia and Molly loved getting dressed up in their matching Christmas dresses and enjoying an afternoon at the ballet. Amelia was mesmerized! When she would really become absorbed in the performance, she would start waving her hands and arms, and sort of dancing along. At one point, I asked her if she was doing okay and she replied, "I'm crying because I'm SO happy!" What a funny little girl. We had a wonderful time!

Family Photo Shoot

Mom hired a great photographer from Mesa, www.saracoral.com, who photographed our entire family last month. She was amazing, and we got some excellent shots. Here are just a few of our faves.

Papa's Motorcycle

Over the holidays my Dad took the kids on a very brief ride around the block on his motorcycle. Colin was in awe, in a good way, and Amelia was giddy.

We love helmets and safety gear!

Amelia getting ready to cruise.
Ahhh, the Four Peaks. I could just jump into this photo. I miss those cacti! For anyone who noticed, yes, Dad is wearing a T-shirt with a skull and crossbones. No, he is not a member of Hells Angels. The shirt is actually a souvenir from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland. I love you, Dad!

Christmas Tea

This year, Amelia got to join her Grandma Debi and I for our annual Christmas Tea. It was wonderful, as usual, and even more special because Amelia was there. I could rave about the tea sandwiches for hours. When we arrived, a big red SUV was pulling up to the valet, and its licence plate said "CLAUS." Sure enough, the most beautiful Santa jumped out, and later he visited Amelia at our table.

Here is a photo of Amelia and Debi in front of a giant gingerbread house at the hotel. Debi had just shared some of her lipstick with Amelia, but she was so tired, and had sipped SO much hot chocolate by this point that she was entirely unable to smile.

Up in the Air

While in AZ, we visited Brian at the fire station and took Mike and the kids up in the "bucket" on the ladder truck. It went amazingly high! The kids loved it, and loved every minute of hanging out at the station with Brian. He even slid down the pole! Thanks, Uncle Bobo!

Mazu Kan

Sarah threw a terrific family Christmas party this year, with amazing rack of lamb, a beautifully set table, a darling nativity for the kids, and a white elephant game for the grownups (after the kids went to bed). Lauren's contribution to the game was this hilarious no-contact fighting game called Mazu Kan. She predicted that Mike and I would want it, and she was darn right! After we won it, we graciously opened it and shared it with the group. Vicious fighting ensued. I'm proud to say I was the only girl who humiliated herself participating, and thankfully no one took photos.

Little Angel

Colin's preschool had its annual Christmas Pageant early in December, and Colin got to participate with his class as an angel. He looked absolutely adorable, and the pageant was fabulous. Unfortunately, lazy little Colin sat down on the risers every few minutes until a teacher told him to stand up, but he'd always sit down again after a little while. It was pretty funny! Colin didn't sing at all during the songs until they got to Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star and Happy Birthday, and then he jumped in. Despite the sitting, I was so proud of my sweet little boy and am looking forward to seeing him perform in the pageant again next year.

Here is Colin and his wonderful teacher, whom he loves.

ADEQ Visit

One of the first things we did after we got to AZ was to visit Mike's mom at work for lunch. The kids had a lovely time visiting and coloring with G.G.'s highlighters. The trip ended with a candy bag from under the ADEQ Christmas tree.

Squirrel Breakfast

Mike took this photo this morning of a large bird eating a squirrel in our yard. After some very brief internet research, I think it might be a Red-tailed Hawk. We are always amazed by nature out here in PA.

Home Again

We're home! After two glorious weeks of flip-flops, short sleeved shirts, family time, EATING, presents galore, and Jack finally learning how to walk, we ripped ourselves away to return to the cold blast of Philly. The bags are unpacked, the Christmas decor is down, and we are looking forward to getting back to normal. I took 400 pictures (really!) and will be posting up a storm in the next couple of weeks to catch up. The kids are struggling a little with the time change and missing family, but overall seem glad to be home with their armloads of new toys.

Here's a photo of Jack, up to his old tricks emptying the spices from the cabinet.