First beach trip of 2013

It was a bit chilly, but weather did not stop the kids or adults from enjoying play time on the beach. Thanks to Amanda for making it possible to have our toes in the sand.

Go Wolfpack!

Raised in Raleigh, Mickey has always been a fan of NC State. Kate has been to a few football games, and this week was her 1st basketball game. She had a great night out with Daddy!

New Year, new pics

It's been a busy start to 2013, somehow time continues to fly by with March quickly approaching! So far this year we have continued Saturday morning dance classes, made it to 4 different four and five year old birthday parties, had our first bowling afternoon with the girls while visiting MiMi and GrandDad and we are preparing for Mommy's longest time away ever for new job training in just a week! Here are a few bowling/park/fun at home pictures from February. (And you can tell which one is Kate dressing herself for school!)

Paci Fairy visit

We have a rule in our house, paci's get sent to the fairies to share with babies right after turning two. Well, that was the rule, but Lyla is such a great sleeper, Mommy and Daddy have stalled a bit. 2 years old + 3 months, and today was the day. I have a feeling come bed time, we are going to wish the fairy could bring it back!!

Marbles Children's Museum

Debbie, Chrissy and I planned a morning out of the house, and as always, the museum is a great place to try new things and wear these little ones out!

Sad it's over!

There is nothing better than Christmas. The meaning of Christmas, the time spent with family, and the work searching for gifts that bring big smiles, and this year, the over the top excitement for Santa Claus! Girls were good because he definitely made it to our house!
Best story of the week leading up was my attempt to teach them about giving before the day of receiving came. We packed up clothes and toys, and went to the store to buy shampoo, lotions, diapers, items on the needed list at Raleigh Rescue Mission. This came about because Kate had a lot of questions about the people on the street that we give a little cash to here and there, and why are they hungry, why do they not have a home type of questions. (She is very 4 and very intuitive). Anyway, I arranged a tour of the mission instead if just a drop off for a better learning experience. I thought my plan was pretty cool to help others and teach my girls about giving in the same day, well.....it was an amazing experience, so much so that when we got in the car to leave, Kate said, "mommy, I want to live there!" Not exactly what I was going for, that turned into me having to explain if we live there, that means we are taking a spot for someone cold on the streets, and we already have beds and a roof over our heads. Lesson backfired a bit, but she at least comprehended the giving part, and Lyla told everyone she met, "Santa Claus coming to my house". She added smiles to many faces, and it was a wonderful day of giving!
We were so busy with cooking and playing the camera didn't make an appearance as often, but here are the few we did get!