Zaven is 12!

We had a great long weekend for Memorial Day it was full and fun! Friday we had a blast at Busch Gardens with a big group of friends. Zaven and I rode Tempesto - the newest coaster- it was really fun! Esmé and Nell had a good time on the swings and the airplane. I also got to go on Verbolten for the first time. 

Saturday Zaven had a soccer tournament at WISC. Two games on Saturday. The weather was great and they played very well. Winning both games and Zaven scored in each game.

 That afternoon Chris, Nell, Esmé and I went to the pool. It was fun to be back. The water was freezing but the girls had fun. Saturday night we grilled out and had a nice evening. Sunday it was back to the soccer fields for two more games. Zaven got a yellow card and then had to miss the bulk of the fort game. The team lost   They then had to play the same team again in the finals. I was very proud of the boys - they lost in the finals but played really well and with a lot of heart.

Zaven scored a goal and had an assist.  Zaven had Cannon and Reid to sleep over for his birthday on Sunday night. Since Monday was Memorial Day . We went to Plaza for dinner then had "dirt cake" for dessert. 

Monday morning we woke up and had French toast casserole bacon and sausage. Zav and his buddies played around until about 11:30. Then we got lunch at Retros while Chris went riding. Then I took the girls to Kinspoint and Chris and Zav ran errands. We grilled out for dinner and had a second style of dirt cake for dessert. 

I am always amazed at what a great thing it is to have a three day weekend! 

School and photo shoots

I got to go and have Esmé show me her work at school yesterday. She is always very excited and it is really fun to see how she spends her time during the day. She showed me a puzzle, some sandpaper letters and objects. We did some spooning. Sweeping. 

Then today Zaven was in a photo shoot for Colonial Williamsburg. He wore his shoes and took extras for them to choose from- he did a good job. 

Fun times

We continue to be busy and happy. 

The kids looked cute dressed in the same color for church one day

Having stopped swimming, Nell has joined a softball team, The Flying Squirrels. She is really enjoying it and they have won their first two games. Nell has hit and gotten on base each time. She has also made some good plays at 1st and 3rd bases 

Zaven is having a good season with the Sharks. On a rainy day Cannon and Esmé camped out under an umbrella to cheer him on. He seemed to love to play in the rain! 

We hosted the Friends of Bruton and that was fun then Julie  Toland visited from Rhode Island, I can't believe I did not get a picture while she was here. It was great to catch up. She even brought me a bit bag of rocks from Whetstone! So fun! 

Zaven wrote the cutest haiku for class and I had him illustrate it and I just love it 

We went toDC this past weekend for George's baptism. It was a great time George is a very sweet baby and we always love being with Meg and Chris and the boys. 

Spring

After returning from Spring Break we had an exciting weekend with a visit from the Presiding Bishop and her husband. It was a great celebration. The 300th committee is doing a great job.

Sunday as the PB met with the youth of the church Esmé wanted to take some pictures she had us line up and she said, "say Bishop!"

  It was so funny. 

This weekend we have not been too busy. 

Friday, Zaven and Oliver went to the Berkeley Middle Schoole dance. They had a great time. 

Had fun at the skatepark then watched Cannon's soccer game. At the skatepark Esmé chased butterflies it was so cute. 

This morning at the farmers market the LOVE letters were there we got some cute pictures.

 It was a beautiful day. 

Tonight Chris and I went out to dinner with the Oneills. We had a great time. 

Spring Break '15

We were lucky to get away to the Outer Banks for a few days. Some parishioners lent us their beautiful home in Manteo NC. We left mid day on Tuesday, Zaven brought his friend Oliver - who we later named Olaf. The house was great, the weather did not particularly cooperate. We had some chilly and rainy or cloudy days. But we managed to have a good time all the same. There was a great pool at the house. Zaven and Okiver stayed in a bunk room. Nell and Esmé shared a king size bed on the 2nd floor and Chris and I were on the top floor. There were great water views on all sides. 

The first night the kids jumped in the pool in spite of it being cold and dark. Only to realize there was a snake in there! Chris got it out and it did not return. 

We did a lot of work on a puzzle. I taught Nell how to play solitaire. The boys went to a skate park and we went back today when the weather was nice. We had several great meals and It was nice to be away. We had fun going to a local ice cream shop. They have a great dog named Zues. Esmé tried and liked an oyster. Nell did some jogging.  We got home today and have the Presiding Bishop coming tomorrow. 

Happy Easter

We had a beautiful Easter Day yesterday! Church was full and Chris preached a great sermon. We then had a nice Easter lunch with Isabel. We sat on the porch and it was nice. We had herb soufflé, salmon, roasted potatoes and salad. Isabel brought a chocolate silk pie. 

Tomorrow we are off to the OBX for a few days. 

March 2015

It has been too long since I posted. And I have let the hope of going back and catching up keep me from posting, so realizing that I am just going to forge ahead though it may leave a gap. 

Things are good. 

We had a long cold winter with a pretty good many snow days and sledding etc. The daffodils have returned and we hope warmer weather is soon to follow.

The kids are just getting taller and taller

Chris and I were in Mexico in February for Meg's 40th celebration. It was really fun. 

Grammy was very nice to come and stay with the kids so we were able to relax and know everyone was having a good time. 

Recently the kids and I went to visit Lex, Todd, Quinn and Beckett in SC it was a lot of fun. 

Zaven completed another season of Cotillion. He seemed to enjoy it and Milla, Poppy and I got to go to the final dance. Zaven and I waltzed. It was fun. After we went to Waypoint for dinner (Chris was out of town for work) 

Nell had a great winter short course swim season with The Coast Guard Blue Dolphins. 

Esmé is busy and loves to read and play outside. She loves Mister. 

While Milla and Poppy were here we got planters and boxwoods for the front porch I am so pleased with how they turned out! We also planted our terrariums. Very fun. 

Esmé captured some of my Saturday activities- laundry!