Happy 3rd Birthday, NRM!!

DDD Vol. 1

Sorry that we haven't even posted Neve's birthday video yet!  We've been crazy busy with visitors, along with Mike's new position/commute and, of course, home improvement projects.  It's still in the editing phase (coming soon).

In the meantime, here are some pictures from Neve's first Daddy Daughter Dinner on the eve of her birthday.  She was more discerning than her siblings, spurning McD's/Wendy's for our local gourmet pizza shop.  And, believe it or not, she ate more calamari than pizza!

A Truly Magical Weekend...

Most of you know by now, but Mike surprised Traci (for her 40th birthday) this past weekend with a trip to Universal Studios Florida's "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter."  Traci has long been fascinated with J.K. Rowling's world, so with a little babysitting help from Grammy, we headed out to Hogwarts for three days with no kids in tow!

The trip was fantastic.  We had gorgeous weather and seemed to beat most of the spring break crowds.  The "Hogsmeade" and "Diagon Alley" parks were both top notch and very manageable to take in all the sights and attractions.  And we also got around to almost everything we wanted to see in the larger Universal Studios.

"Mea Culpa" (trademark: P.E.) to all our Florida relatives/friends that we did not find time to visit, but this trip was all about spending some quality time with each other before our newly 40-yr old bodies surrender to our three little knuckleheads.

Thanks again to Grammy for helping to make this all happen.  It could not have been a better trip!

That's what 40 candles look like, people!

Traci hit a birthday milestone today, so we decided to celebrate with an appropriate fire hazard this evening.  A site to behold, but the favored cake was the one that the kids made with Grammy this past weekend (thanks, Grammy).

I like the look on Katie's face in this one... Astonishment that her mom was still able to put out the flames in only one short inhale.

Dinner tonight (Mom's choice) was at Pizzeria Orso.  Fried calamari, wood fired pizza, and two cakes made for some broken Lenten promises, but we granted dispensation for the milestone.

As for Traci, she took on her new digits gracefully (as always), but can't help but look forward to Mike joining her in the 40/40 club in three weeks.

Engineers and Acorns

In addition to the craziness of holidays, birthdays, and home renovation, we have tried to return to somewhat of a normal existence.  Katie is ALWAYS busy with her various activities and endless play dates.  She is either not around or has a friend stowed away up in her bedroom.  Definitely a teenager-in-training...  At least we still have Michael and Nevie...  Both are taking really fun classes this winter that perfectly suit their personalities.  When we asked what he wanted to do this winter, Michael simply replied, "BUILD."  So, we found him a Little Engineers class at the local rec center where he can build, design, and explore to his heart's content.  Although he would rather be building a church or world monument at all times, he has instead gotten to build a marble track, race a car, and will fly an airplane this week.  He has so much fun!!!

Meanwhile, our littlest gal just started her "Little Acorns" class at the nearby nature center.  Every week, a naturalist will explore a different nature topic by outdoor exploration, dance, art, books, and games.  This week's very appropriate topic was Snow.  The kids got to catch snow flakes on their tongues, dance like a penguin, and even design a little penguin that skiied down an upturned table!  Nevie loved it so much that she nearly threw a tantrum when all was over.  Next week's topic;  Groundhog Day!!  We hope you are all having as much this winter as our little preteens, engineers, and acorns!!!

An artist among us...

To date, Katie has shown the most promise as the next artist in the family, but Michael is starting to show some interest and making some strides of his own.  Thanks, Santa, for the sketch pad!  Two of his latest creations:

French poodle

Neve standing next to the Washington Monument

Dads, Daughters, and Dinners

This year's installment of Katie's annual daddy-daughter birthday dinner?  Chick-fil-A!  I'm always interested to see what restaurant she chooses, but this was an easy one and there was no need to convince me, as I'm already a fan.  We had a nice little chat about school, the new house, and other "interesting" things (e.g., what would happen if Traci and I died!).

I think we have a happy little 8-yr old girl after the holidays and all the birthday festivities this weekend.  Thanks to all, particularly Grammy and Papa, for making it so special.