Our Philly Phamily

Aquarium

2012-01-17T20:34:00.003-05:00

You wouldn't know it from the photo but the girls are standing with sharks.

Flowers

2012-01-17T20:33:00.003-05:00

Jeff sent me these beautiful flowers last week.

Class Night

2012-01-17T20:32:00.001-05:00

Last week we had a "visit the class room" night for Viv's class. Viv enjoyed showing us her work.

Buddy and Viv

2012-01-17T20:29:00.000-05:00

Viv became very attached to Buddy. We took this photo so that she could look at Buddy for the rest of the year.

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day

2012-01-15T09:05:00.002-05:00

A few days before New Year's Eve we took Vivienne to see Disney on Ice.

New Year's Eve morning was beautiful so we took a walk around the neighborhood.

Elli and Emme

Happy New Year!

Viv and Lily

Riding her scooter to the Mummer's Parade on New Year's Day

We only made it to the Comcast Center - one more Light show before the end of the Holiday season!

Christmas Lights

2012-01-15T08:59:00.001-05:00

We went to Peddler's Village the day after Christmas to look at the lights.

Beautiful.

Christmas

2012-01-15T08:56:00.006-05:00

Viv with her new pink tricycle from Santa.

Santa brought Elli a set of cleaning tools - in pink of course!

Elli really liked Viv's gift.

It was so warm Viv was able to go outside and ride her new tricycle.

Later that day... general silliness.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-15T08:52:00.000-05:00

The day before Christmas Eve was actually a Hanukkah celebration. Mom made latkas.

Picking out her own outfit for Christmas Eve.

Smiling for the cameras.

All smiles.

Pre-Christmas

2012-01-15T08:41:00.001-05:00

Viv named our tree "Buddy"

We bought this guy at Spring Training last year!

A gift to Daddy.

Baking Christmas cookies with Kathryn.

Random Pictures

2012-01-15T08:38:00.000-05:00

We were so busy in the weeks leading up to Christmas that I never posted pictures. Here are some random photos of the girls from early December.

That's a giant chocolate covered marshmallow!

General silliness.

Chocolate covered Jo-Jos!

Yum!

Zoo Trip with Ivy and Sage

2011-12-02T09:00:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday we went to the Zoo with Ivy, Sage and their parents. It was such a beautiful day.

So tough trying to get all the kids to look at the camera at the same time!

The girls on the alligator... with Ivy and her daddy just behind.

Random Pictures

2011-11-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

Viv in her new dress, hat and mittens.

Sabrina is mellow in her old age. I caught her napping with Elli the other day.

Elli was sent home from school on this day... not so sick.

Munching on a cookie.

Annual Christmas Light Show

2011-11-29T20:23:00.001-05:00

Last Friday I took the girls to see the light show at Macy's. Last year Elli slept through the performance. She was awake this year!

On the way to the light show we ran into our friends Kathryn and her mom Melissa.

After the light show we had lunch downtown.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T19:56:00.001-05:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving with the Martins. We all went to see the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day parade.

Happy Halloween

2011-11-02T21:23:00.003-04:00

So, we tried a new, time saving way to decorate pumpkins this year.

Elli was a cupcake and Viv was Spidergirl.

Our annual Halloween photo with Kathryn.

BFFs

Daddy and his Spidergirl.

Leo, Flora, and Elli.

Taking a stand for candy.

My little cupcake. She had a great time trick or treating.

Scarecrows and cookies

2011-10-25T20:56:00.002-04:00

After apple picking we went to see the Scarecrows. We really liked this one.

Yummy cookies topped off the day.

Apple Picking Part II

2011-10-25T20:18:00.006-04:00

Saturday we went Apple Picking with friends. We were supposed to go to the orchard we went to last year but they were out of apples! So, we met our friends at Solebury Orchards in Solebury, Bucks County.

Elli and Charlie.

Checking out the apples.

This one looks good.

We had fun.

Apple Princess...

Apple thespian?

Apple actor...

Who is this apple girl?

Not the little girl who normally refuses to have her photo taken.

Going for the perfect apples.

Pumpkin Picking 2011

2011-10-21T16:45:00.005-04:00

Last weekend we went on our annual trip to pick pumpkins.

Viv found a great one.

Elli found a few as well.

All smiles.

Leaving the pumpkin field.

Viv decided she needed one more pumpkin.

Elli had fun with the baby animals.

Pony rides.

Elli too!

Cider donuts anyone?

Riding on the corn train...

Coming out of the corn. It was a great day.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-10-14T16:56:00.002-04:00

According to the traditional anniversary list, this is the year of confectionery gifts. Jeff doesn't love sweets but hopefully he'll like this photo of a beautiful confection from our wedding day. Love you!

Apple Picking

2011-10-11T08:49:00.000-04:00

We went apple picking last weekend with some of Viv's friends and their families.

Viv and her friends.

Elli and Viv putting the apples in the bag.

Swim Lessons

2011-10-10T08:45:00.000-04:00

Viv is taking swim lessons this Fall.

She's all smiles...

except for the temperature of the water. She hates the water temp.

First Camel Ride

2011-10-09T20:56:00.002-04:00

This weekend Elli had her first camel ride at the Zoo.

It went well.

Goatee Twins

2011-10-09T20:42:00.001-04:00

Viv had her face painted as a lady pirate at her school picnic a few weeks ago. Look how much she and her Daddy look alike!

Yogurt

2011-09-20T08:01:00.000-04:00

I've been allowing Elli to feed herself - despite the mess.

School Happenings

2011-09-19T05:06:00.000-04:00

So, last month Elli left her daycare class. Above is her teacher Mrs. Christine.

This is Ms. Layanue. Both Mrs. Christine and Ms. Layanue cared for Viv as well. It was really very bittersweet to say good bye to both women. They took wonderful care of our girls.

First day of school and first day at the new job (three weeks ago today)!

Soccer!

2011-09-18T16:59:00.002-04:00

Yesterday Viv started soccer. Three of her classmates are in her "team".

Viv did really well.

She kicked the ball into the goal a few times.

Viv and her best buddy Tristan.

Viv had her own cheering section! (yes, I knit the top... I need to fix the straps... too wide)

Sea Isle, Part II

2011-09-12T10:23:00.007-04:00

Viv loves Zoos, so we spent one morning at the Cape May Zoo.

Play time.

Viv is quite the climber.

Going to dinner.

Another great vacation.

Sea Isle, Part I

2011-09-12T10:14:00.003-04:00

We went on vacation the last week of August. In fact, we left for the Shore the day after Hurricaine Irene. There was no sign of the hurricaine once we got to the Shore. I took over 200 photos, so here are just a few...

Cupcakes... or, Smurfcakes?

2011-08-26T09:52:00.001-04:00

The girls enjoyed some cupcakes with Smurf-blue icing.

The cupcakes actually had mini icing hotdogs on top...

But as you can see, after eating the cupcake, Elli looked more like a Smurf than a little girl.

Viv and Mr. Crazy Head

2011-08-25T09:50:00.000-04:00

Viv made this guy at summer camp. Look at all that hair he sprouted!

Please Touch Museum

2011-08-24T09:47:00.000-04:00

Elli and I spent one 100 degree plus day inside at the PTM.

She enjoyed the mini grand.

Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-23T21:30:00.006-04:00

Today was so beautiful its hard to imagine we had days (weeks) earlier this month where the temperature was 100 degrees and felt like it was 110 degrees plus. During those hot days we spent lots of time in the water to cool off.

Elli loves to stand of water spouts.

Viv has become quite a swimmer this summer. She started the summer using this ring but now goes paddles around without the ring. She goes all the way under, sits on the bottom, and then pops up! She's going to stay in the pool this Fall with lessons.

Elli jumps right into the water.

Falling asleep by the pool.

This is a new community park with a splash pad.

Great view of the city sky line.

Again on the water spout.

We bought a sprinkler for the back patio.

Checking it out...

Yup... its fun!

Ahhh...

Elli

2011-07-16T13:52:00.002-04:00

This past Monday I took Elli to the Zoo. No Viv. No Daddy.

We had a great visit together.

We saw the hippos being fed.

Elli took her first solo carousel ride!

Pool Day

2011-07-16T13:44:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we went to our friends' swim club. Its a huge complex with lots of pools. I tried to get a photo of all the kids together but it just didn't happen. This was the best I could do - while we were having lunch.

Daddy and his girls.

Taking a break.

Viv enjoyed some cotton candy. I think it was half the size of Viv!

She didn't share much.

Nap time.

July 4th Weekend

2011-07-16T13:30:00.004-04:00

I can't seem to catch up on my blog posts. We bought a new camera and the uploads changed and now I avoid uploading photos. I'll try to find time to read the directions one of these days. in the meantime, here are our photos from Fourth of July weekend.

We spent the first half of the weekend
with my family in Doylestown. We went to a nature preserve and the girls looked for turtles in the lake.

Viv saw several turtles.

Elli just enjoyed running around.

Viv loves to climb the local play gym.

I baked all weekend. Sour cherry pie (I only make one a year because of all the time it takes to pit the cherries) and cupcakes.

We went home on the Fourth. Viv was exhausted.

While Viv slept we had a nice visit with Nana and Jeff's Aunt and Uncle.

Elli enjoyed her dinner.

The girls and Nana after a long day.

Our annual Fourth of July photo. Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

City Escapes

2011-06-26T22:22:00.003-04:00

We went to the Zoo this weekend. We ran into one of Viv's friends outside of the Reptile House.

The Giraffes are always a favorite.

Viv loves this statue.

The Zoo Train.

One of the local parks near our house.

This morning the girls ran around a splash fountain located next to the big farmers market.

Elli loved the water.

She was so intrigued.

The Last 4 Weeks - Part II

2011-06-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

Last Friday was Viv's last day at the Toddler House. Above, Viv with her lead teacher Michelle. We are all going to miss her wonderful teachers but Viv is looking forward to starting at the Primary School in the Fall. Plus, Elli starts at the Toddler House in September so we still have memories to make there.

Viv and Graham... they have been in "school" together since they were 6 months old.

We went to the Zoo this past weekend. The hippos are finally in their new home. Surprisingly, they walk fast.

Entering their new pool.

Watching the hippos.

Playing at a fountain.

First swan boat ride of the year.

Somebody wants a Swan Boat ride.

The Last 4 Weeks - Part I

2011-06-13T21:35:00.004-04:00

I can't believe its been 4 weeks since I posted! We've been busy with daily life. No huge events to document - just lots of running around. The girls and I spent one morning in May at a craft show with friends. Above, the babies were sound asleep from all of the shopping in the fresh air.

We had surprise visitors sweep through one night. Above, Aunt Marilyn and Uncle Jim.

The opening day of the pool during Memorial Day weekend.

Elli put her entire face in the water!

Water baby.

We went to a friend's baby's 1st birthday party.

The girls loved the birthday cupcakes.

After cupcakes the kids played with water balloons.

Buying plants for the backyard on Memorial Day.

Elli "borrowing" Charlie's sippy cup.

Elli loves her accessories!

Happy Birthday Aunt C!

All Smiles

2011-05-11T20:31:00.000-04:00

Ok, maybe she was concentrating more on her driving then smiling in this photo :)

Happy Mothers' Day

2011-05-08T21:07:00.001-04:00

I had a wonderful Mothers' Day with my two little girls.

I hope the rest of you mothers out there enjoyed your Mothers' Day as well.

A Day

2011-05-01T21:02:00.004-04:00

Friday I took the girls to A Day at Delaware Valley College.

This year Viv rode in the trackless train.

It goes all around the fair grounds.

Elli toured the fairgrounds via a different mode of transportation.

Elli also took a turn on the mule drawn carousel.

Viv enjoyed her pony ride...

Except it was actually a minature mule.

Ms. Melinda

2011-04-28T22:31:00.002-04:00

Today was Elli's last day in the infant room. Elli (and I) will really miss Ms. Melinda, Elli's teacher.

Happy Easter

2011-04-25T21:21:00.002-04:00

We spent Easter with Nana Porter and the Martin clan. Elli checked out her cousins' training razor.

Viv had lots of fun with her cousins. We took photos of the girls with Nana outside of church but, unfortunately, there were random children running through them. We'll have to look for a less popular photo site next year.

Here and There

2011-04-20T21:27:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I turned around from the computer screen and saw this. Ahhh...

Elli wanted to eat with her sister at the "big girl" table.

Spider Girl

2011-04-10T14:28:00.000-04:00

My super hero.

Cupcake Party

2011-04-10T14:18:00.003-04:00

Yesterday we had a small cupcake party for Elliana to celebrate her 1st birthday.

I made two of my favorite flavors - Coconut and Red Velvet. I made a Yellow Buttermilk flavor for the small party guests.

Viv let Elli play with the ribbons once Viv opened her gifts. Wasn't that nice of Viv?

Elli with some of her guests.

The birthday hat!

Elli didn't like the icing but she enjoyed the cake. That was perfect for Viv - she eats the icing but not the cake!

Happy 1st Birthday Elliana!

2011-04-07T19:56:00.002-04:00

It was difficult to take these photos...

Elli just wants to walk...

and walk...

She wasn't happy when she went from a photo session on the floor to her highchair.

The candle on the birthday cupcake made her happy. Its hard to believe its been one entire year since Elli came into our lives. She's such a sweet girl.

Opening Day - also known as April Fools

2011-04-03T17:23:00.000-04:00

We came back from Florida early in order to go to the Phillies home opener.

It was freezing!

Spring Break

2011-04-02T17:07:00.008-04:00

Last Saturday we left for St. Pete Beach, FL.

At the airport waiting for the rental car.

Elli at the beach cabana.

Viv and her Daddy playing in the sand.

Elli hated the sand.

It was a beautiful beach.

Out exploring.

Ice cream.

Elli is tall enough to see over the crib.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescued this 7 month old dolphin in December. This is Viv "touching" the baby dolphin.

Elli checked her out too.

We went to the Phillies last Spring Training game. We were able to see a few innings before the rain began.

We also took a day trip to DW.

Viv and Elli both loved the pools at the hotel.

One day Viv spent almost 6 hours in the pool!

Elli spent almost as much time in the water.

Walking!

2011-03-25T08:55:00.002-04:00

For more than a month, Elli has been cruising the furniture and walking while holding our fingers.

This week she's finally put everything together. She's walking (small distances) all on her own!

Pinkness

2011-03-19T11:57:00.000-04:00

The Wissahickon Trail

2011-03-17T11:50:00.000-04:00

Time is flying here. Several weeks ago we took the girls to the Wissahickon Trail and took a walk in the woods.

Jeff and Viv walked down to the creek.

The walk back up to the trail.

After our walk, we met up with Tim, Ivy and Heather.

Heather with Elli. Baby Clair no. 2 is due next month.

Fascination

2011-03-15T11:48:00.000-04:00

We're having our front brick re-pointed and having the back of the house's stucco re-done. The girls are fascinated by the workmen.

42 plus 39 equal a great birthday weekend

2011-03-14T11:43:00.002-04:00

My birthday was last Friday. I made myself a coconut birthday cake.

Elli loved my cake :)

Ready to celebrate both mommy and daddy's birthday.

Jeff's birthday is today. Happy Birthday!

Elli at 11 Months

2011-03-07T19:45:00.001-05:00

Today is Elli's 11 month birthday!

It was a struggle to take this photo. All Elli wanted to do was flip over and crawl away.

Static

2011-03-01T16:23:00.000-05:00

Can you see the static ring of hair around Viv's head?

The Circus

2011-02-28T16:16:00.003-05:00

For Viv's big birthday gift we took her to the Circus.

She was still under the weather with a cold but she seemed to enjoy the show.

We went with friends.

The kids after the show.

Happy Birthday Vivi!

2011-02-14T10:04:00.004-05:00

Vivi had a long birthday weekend. It started with a birthday party at school.

Vivi got to wear her Happy Birthday crown all day.

The birthday child also gets to blow out the quiet candle at the end of circle time.

Later that night we celebrated Vivi's birthday at mom-mom and pop-pop's house. Vivi took the train to Doylestown with her Daddy after school as a birthday treat.

Vivi and Aunt Carla.

Blowing out the candles.

This year's cake theme - Disney Princess.

Yesterday we had a Princess party for Vivi and 9 of her friends.

In all the Princess chaos this was the only picture of the second Princess cake we managed to take.

The other little Princess (and her Prince Charming) also attended the party.

She had a good time trying out all of her big sister's gifts.

Here Come the Threes

2011-02-11T07:40:00.002-05:00

These pictures are from our last snow storm several weeks ago. I've been too busy to upload them. Viv and I went down a sled ramp together.

A solo run.

Waking up this morning. Happy Birthday sweetie.

Happy 10th Birthday Elli!

2011-02-07T16:51:00.002-05:00

Wow. Can it really be 10 months?

I had no time to play with the light for these photos.

Also, no time for styling. Elli was up and away after only a few pictures... she just started letting go of what she is holding onto and standing briefly. Walking is coming very soon.

Random Pics

2011-01-28T08:08:00.000-05:00

Elli is feeding herself now. Not all the food ends up in her mouth but she seems to be enjoying the "real" food much more than the baby food. That dark spot is a blueberry in case you can't tell.

Viv helped me bake brownies last weekend. She likes to lick the mixing spoon.

Time for a quick nap...

Snowy Friends

2011-01-27T20:01:00.002-05:00

We got some great snowman snow last night.

Viv built her very own Frosty.

Our street in the fresh snow.

Frosty had raisin eyes, stick arms, and Viv's cowboy hat to go with his carrot nose.

Crystal had to make do with baby carrots.

Please Touch Museum

2011-01-18T21:01:00.000-05:00

Elli had fun at the PTM last week.

Elli playing first mate to Captain Juliet.

Elli's first time on a carousel.

I love this photo. Viv looking at the carousel top in amazement while Elli stares at Viv with the same expression of amazement.

Bowling

2011-01-16T20:53:00.002-05:00

We took the kids bowling last weekend. Here's Elli and Charlie ready to throw some balls down the lane.

Izzie came too...

Yes, Dads were there.

Moms too.

Older siblings were there as well but amazingly no photos were taken of them. No photos of anyone bowling either... how sad. We took our new Flip camera. Maybe I'll post the video at some point.

Elli's first time at Standard Tap post bowling.

Sleeping

2011-01-14T17:24:00.000-05:00

Last week Elli fell asleep in the car on the way home from daycare. I didn't have anywhere to put her when I got in the house so I placed her on the floor.

Oh Yes We Did!

2011-01-13T22:33:00.003-05:00

We went to the Zoo the day before the snow storm. First visit in 2011!

The polar bears were very active.

Elli enjoying the polar bear show.

Checking out the bears.

Yes, it was cold!

One of the best things about visiting the zoo on a cold day - no crowds. Normally there is a crowd around this statue.

Snow Day

2011-01-13T22:30:00.001-05:00

We got 5 inches of snow this week. It was enough to close the schools in the city.

We spent some time outside in the morning.

The Dollhouse

2011-01-12T17:02:00.004-05:00

Santa (with some help from Pop-Pop, above) gave Viv the dollhouse she requested for Christmas.

Viv announced at Thanksgiving that she wanted a dollhouse. It was all she requested when asked. Given the short time frame, Santa worked almost night and day to give Viv her request.

Santa refurbished the dollhouse he gave me over 35? 36? years ago and gave it to Viv. All new exterior paint (it used to be yellow), a new bay window, new front door, window boxes with flowers...

My old Christmas tree in the window.

Santa ripped up all the old carpeting and put down a new tile floor in the kitchen. Some updated furniture as well.

Again, new flooring, new paint, but the original fixtures.

New hardwood floors in the dining room.

I think Mrs Claus made the linens for this house back when I used to play with it.

The new kids' room.

The living room. Did I mention Santa removed all the old wall paper?

The staircase. Ripping out the carpet and putting down hardwood stairs really gave Santa fits!

Playing with her new dollhouse. Its in her bedroom at home now. We've added a few other pieces of furniture and a family. Viv plays with it everyday. Thank you Santa!

A Belated Happy New Year!

2011-01-12T16:46:00.004-05:00

We spent New Year's Eve in D-town with the other half of our family.

Elli got all dressed up to celebrate. Don't you love the tulle skirt?

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2011.

The next morning we opened gifts.

Elli really liked the bows.

Smiling in excitment at her big gift from Santa (to be explained in the next post).

Woody and Buzz.

Happy 9th Month Birthday!

2011-01-07T12:21:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Elli!

Such a ham for the camera.

She loves her feet.

My smiling baby :)

Trouble

2011-01-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

Look where I found Elli this morning. I was putting away dishes, turned around, and saw this. Of course, I grabbed my camera before removing her. I seem to remember one of Elli's sweet little cousins doing this same trick. Must run in the family.

Not 5 minutes later, I looked up and found Elli on the step. Yes, she can pull herself up steps now. She's been pulling herself up to stand by furniture as well but she's not quite cruising.

First Snow

2010-12-27T18:37:00.002-05:00

Today was Elli's first time in the snow. She wasn't sure what to make of the snow suit.

She decided to smile.

Yeah! Snow...

We only got about 12 inches here ("only" being relative after last winter) but the wind was fierce.

Cinnamon Rolls

2010-12-27T16:37:00.001-05:00

Elli and I baked today. The PW's Cinnamon Rolls. So yummy!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-27T16:28:00.003-05:00

We spent Christmas at Nana's house with Nana and the Martins.

All smiles.

Fancy Nancy!

Elli loves socks.

Don't you love Jeff's tiara?

Thank you Nana!

Finally! A photo of Nana.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-20T08:14:00.000-05:00

Viv and I baked Christmas cookies this past weekend.

Melissa and Kathryn joined us.

Cookies!

Christmas Light Show

2010-12-19T18:04:00.003-05:00

Today we went to see the Christmas light show at Macy's.

Elli was asleep leading up to the show.

The beginning...

Elli woke up just in time to watch the light show.

Not sure what she just saw...

Afterward we went to a carousel set up at City Hall for the Christmas season.

Thank You Elizabeth!

2010-12-17T20:19:00.002-05:00

Elli received an early Christmas gift. Its the green hat peeking out from under the red fleece.

I promised Elizabeth some photos of Elli wearing the hat.

It was hard to photograph the top of the hat because Elli kept moving her head to smile at me. The top of the hat is a lighter green with cute little red knots and a big red flower at the top.

Relaxing Weekend

2010-12-14T19:06:00.004-05:00

We went to my parents' house the night before the Santa Brunch to make sure we made it to the brunch on time. Elli climbed on board of a Viv cast off toy.

Looking pretty stable!

Together for a moment.

She's not always happy....

Fascinated....

Look... a doggie on the screen! Can you name the movie?

See that big bunch of silver??

Tinsel! I hate the stuff.

Santa Brunch

2010-12-13T14:00:00.003-05:00

This past weekend we went to a Santa Brunch.

Viv claimed that this year she would indeed sit on Santa's lap and tell Santa what she would like for Christmas. During the brunch, Viv handled her excitement by playing with her - oops - her Aunt C's iPhone.

Elli contained her excitement by playing with some spoons.

Those spoons were lots of fun!

Santa! Neither of the girls was too certain about the big red guy.

We did hear Viv tell Santa what she wanted for Christmas. We'll have to see what happens.

Gingerbread Houses

2010-12-08T09:48:00.000-05:00

After Thanksgiving I took Viv to see the Gingerbread houses displayed at Peddler's Village. My mom and I went to see these houses every year when I was a little girl. Viv was amazed at the houses. Maybe we'll enter the contest one year.
Checking out a new seat in the car (this was actually a nursing break while shopping around Peddler's Village).

More wonderings around Peddler's Village.

Happy Eighth Month Birthday!

2010-12-07T19:41:00.002-05:00

Elli turned 8 months old today.

Still no teeth.

Holiday Weekend

2010-12-06T09:40:00.002-05:00

We had a busy weekend. Along with nights 3, 4 and 5 of Hanukkah, we had a Christmas party and we went to buy our Christmas tree.
After decorating the tree we attempted to take a photo of the girls in front of the tree. We had one problem - Elli is now crawling and she's not so interested in staying in one place.

This may be the best photo of the bunch.

Showing off her new outfit.

Individual Style

2010-11-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T20:52:00.003-05:00

We have so much to be thankful for this year - chief among them the little cutie pictured above!
Those teeth have to appear soon. All she does is chew.

Some play time before the cooking begins.

Aunt C and Elli.

Getting the turkey ready for the oven.

Waiting for her turkey dinner... in baby food form.

The real turkey dinner.

Some cheesecake for dessert. Viv may just love cheesecake as much as popcorn.

Movement

2010-11-18T12:58:00.000-05:00

We spent some time with Heather, Tim and Ivy last weekend. We tried to get a photo of Viv, Elli and Ivy.

Elli wouldn't cooperate.

Everytime we sit her down she moves forward. She's not truly crawling yet but she's really close.

Pop Pop Pop!

2010-11-17T12:49:00.000-05:00

Viv and Jeff making "pop pop pop." Jeff definately passed down the popcorn gene.

Rittenhouse Square

2010-11-15T12:34:00.004-05:00

Saturday a friend's family was in town visiting. My friend requested that I bring the girls to lunch with her family. We went to Parc. Viv was such a good girl. The photo above was taken when she was almost finished with her berries. I think she ate the entire bowl of berries in less than 5 minutes.
Elli enjoyed the restaurant as well.

My friend Chris brought her daughter Izzie to lunch.

Elli is 10 days older than Izzie but about 2 pounds lighter. These two were prenatal buddies - lots of non-stress tests together!

After lunch the girls and I went to Rittenhouse Square.

Viv had a great time running circles in the fountain (the City drained the fountain for the winter).

Elli watched.

Standing next to the statute in the fountain.

Dancing....

A great morning and afternoon.

Visiting

2010-11-14T16:38:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we had dinner with friends who also have two children.

Viv with James and Maggie at dinner.

No School Part 2

2010-11-12T15:44:00.001-05:00

Now we're home. Viv is asleep and Elli is having fun in the bouncy.

No School

2010-11-12T15:38:00.002-05:00

Viv's school is closed today for parent-teacher conferences. We spent the morning at a friend's house with her sons Harry and Will. Viv (and Will) enjoyed the leaves.

Our friends are having work done outside - the kids enjoyed sitting at the door and watching the workmen.

Elli was there too but she was asleep for most of the playdate.

Happy Belated Birthday

2010-11-08T17:40:00.001-05:00

Elli turned 7 months old yesterday.

She has a horrible head cold but she still gave me a smile.

Double Playdate

2010-11-07T14:39:00.003-05:00

Viv and Elli had a double playdate this morning. The girls disappeared upstairs and when we followed some time later we discovered that they were playing dress up. Viv loved the sparkles in the lip gloss.

Maddie applying her own lip gloss.

The finished lips. I think she has a career in make up.

Some more lip gloss to make sure they get the right color.

Now for some pink eye shadow.

All finished -- except that Viv decided she needed a bit more lip gloss!

Meanwhile, downstairs Elli and Charlie played house.

Bath time!

2010-11-04T09:43:00.000-04:00

Elli is definitely a water baby.

She loves to play with Viv's bath toys when she can grab them away from her big sister.

Viv actually requested that we take a photo of her as well.

More Halloween Photos

2010-11-02T21:27:00.005-04:00

Our neighborhood Halloween parade was held Sunday morning.

At the end of the parade route the local arts center had lots of art projects for the kids.

Viv decided that she wanted her face painted.

Her face paint pre-nap. The sparkles added to the Tinkerbell look.

Elli wasn't as excited by the art projects.

Going off to Trick or Treat on our block.

At our neighbor's house.

Halloween wouldn't be complete without a photo of Viv and Kathryn in costume.

Happy Holloween!

2010-10-31T21:00:00.001-04:00

I promised you a third pumpkin. Here she is!

Tinkerbell.

Their first Halloween together :)

Jack O'Lanterns

2010-10-30T20:09:00.003-04:00

We carved our pumpkins today.

Viv likes to dig the seeds out.

Getting tired of photos.

Almost done.

Elli has her own pumpkin.

Tomorrow night we'll have a third pumpkin on the step. Come back tomorrow to see a photo.

Birthday Party

2010-10-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

Viv had a birthday party to attend last weekend.

The kids really enjoyed the icing. I don't think they even touched the cake. Maybe parents should just set out open cans of frosting and skip the cake.

Boo At The Zoo

2010-10-24T21:00:00.003-04:00

Today we went to Boo At The Zoo. Here's Tinkerbell waiting to leave.

Even the Legos were dressed for Halloween!

There were tricks and treats... actually, there were only treats.

It was a gorgeous day. Quite a zoo at the Zoo.

Baby Batu was swinging in the sunshine.

More Legos.

Even the gorillas were in the Halloween spirit.

More costumed Legos.

It was so crowded that I had to squeeze into the train with 5 children (Viv's on my lap).

Pumpkin Picking

2010-10-21T21:17:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, we went to a small farm in Doylestown to pick pumpkins.

Viv rode the choo-choo by herself.

Yes, this is the farm's choo-choo... pulled by a tractor.

The perfect pumpkin for Elli.

Getting into the photo spirit.

One final shot.

Buh Bye!

2010-10-20T09:49:00.000-04:00

One down... one to go!