We're Back!

We finally returned from our two week absence. The kids and I spent a week in Ohio visiting with family and friends to celebrate Grenna's 90th (WOWEE!) Birthday. It was great fun to see everyone, but also made me a little sad that we do not all live closer. My nieces are growing into beautiful young ladies and I am missing it. We're keeping our fingers crossed we will be stationed in either Houston or Detroit next so we can all be closer.

After our week in Ohio, Paul met us in Detroit and we flew down to Naples for some long overdue fun in the sun! What a grand trip we had! I did live in Naples for six years and Paul and I were married on Marco Island five years ago, but it felt like we never left. Naples is so gorgeous and I truly didn't appreciate its splendor until this trip. I guess we never realize what we have until it's gone. Many stories and photos of our trip to come in the following days. The best part of the vacation was coming home to sunny, warm skies in Traverse City! FINALLY!

Happy Six Months!

You've come a long way, baby! It's hard to believe that you are half a year old already. In some ways, it seems you just arrived. On the other hand, we can't imagine our lives without you. Happy Half Birthday, little O, we love you!

Identical? Not so much...

On Monday, we had the kids bundled up with their hats on while we ran errands at the mall. As I picked up a new pair of glasses, the sales person commented on how Kailey and Owen are 'Identical'. What? I'll give her the benefit of the doubt because their hair was covered, and I know as their mother, it's sometimes hard to see the big picture, but these two really don't look that much alike. I'm glad she works at the eye glasses store, because she really needs some help!

So, just for fun, we decided to do a little 'same age' comparison. These pictures were taken when the kids were each exactly six months old. Nope, don't look the same there either!

Easter or Christmas?

Silly me for thinking Easter would be warmer than Christmas. It's been pretty dark and dreary lately, however, the sun did finally shine this afternoon. Kailey was a trooper and had fun marching through the snow for (hopefully) one last time this season. I think Paul was the most disappointed, maybe angry, because he had to break out the snow blower again. My goodness, what happens if we get stationed in Alaska? I can't even imagine!

No Manischewitz in Traverse City

There are some things in life that you just expect to have...matzah ball soup is one of them. We've been battling the sickies for a while here, so I thought I'd attempt to make a childhood favorite, matzah ball soup. The problem? I can't find any Manischewitz products in Traverse City. I know I shouldn't be too surprised by this fact as TC is not the most culturally diverse place I've ever lived, but come on? No one here eats matzah balls? Thank goodness I had Bubbie to the rescue who sent matzah mix and fruit slices for Passover. Good eats and good times! Kailey especially loves matzah balls and red fruit slices!

Yum, bring on the solids!

Owen finally had his first taste of rice cereal this week. He's definitely posing for the camera in this picture because rice cereal is most certainly not on his list of favorites. Can you blame the kid? Actually, he really took a liking to his smear of Cracker Barrel mashed potatoes. Ah, a man after my own heart!

Mom's Gotta Have Fun, Part II

Of course, with two little ones, we must always have equal time!

Bunny L-O-V-E

Yesterday, we attended the Coast Guard Easter Egg hunt. In between egg hunts, crafts, pizza, and cookies, Kailey fell in L-O-V-E with the Easter Bunny. While this isn't the 'official' Easter photo, we have probably 12 of these snuggle poses because we just couldn't keep her away from the bunny. Now, if only she wouldn't scream when Santa comes around!