May 31st 2010
Surprise Nonno Visit
Zoë and Abby were thrilled when Nonno Ernie called yesterday to see if we had any plans for the next couple of days. He drove up and arrived late last night, so he stayed in a hotel and then arrived at our house this morning with bagels and fruit parfaits for breakfast. After we ate we headed to Walmart to pick up a few items and then back to the house to quickly prepare some picnic lunch fare and off to the beach we went.
Enzo had a great time and was so good about not going too far into the water, though getting him to come up and eat was a trick... needless to say he didn't have much lunch. After lunch we packed up as Enzo was shivering and ready for nap. Nonno Ernie had to check out of his hotel so he drove there and we drove home, where the girls got changed into their (new from Nonna) swimsuits and Daddy took them over to swim in the hotel pool with Nonno Ernie while Enzo napped.
After Enzo's nap we drove to Seabrook to check out a deal at Sam's club. It ended up taking a while to get there so we zoomed through the store and went right down the street to Master McGrath's for some dinner.
Enzo had a great time and was so good about not going too far into the water, though getting him to come up and eat was a trick... needless to say he didn't have much lunch. After lunch we packed up as Enzo was shivering and ready for nap. Nonno Ernie had to check out of his hotel so he drove there and we drove home, where the girls got changed into their (new from Nonna) swimsuits and Daddy took them over to swim in the hotel pool with Nonno Ernie while Enzo napped.
After Enzo's nap we drove to Seabrook to check out a deal at Sam's club. It ended up taking a while to get there so we zoomed through the store and went right down the street to Master McGrath's for some dinner.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 8 months, 7 days
News posted by Laura at 8:47 PM | 
Comment
May 30th 2010
Family Cook Out
We made a pasta salad and a loaded baked potato salad to bring to the Valley's for a cookout today after church and naps. It was nice weather for the kids to all run around and play in the backyard. Enzo and Elijah had lots of fun digging in the dirt, while Zoë and Abby got to practice pitching and batting with the new plastic bat and ball set we picked up at Target.
After lots of play time we got all of the kids washed up and enjoyed dinner in the yard. We had a little more playtime after we ate and then it was time to pack up and get our worn out kiddos home.
After lots of play time we got all of the kids washed up and enjoyed dinner in the yard. We had a little more playtime after we ate and then it was time to pack up and get our worn out kiddos home.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 8 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 8:43 PM | Comment
May 28th 2010
Tall Ships
The annual parade of Tall Ships is happening this weekend and this year the ships are docked nearby. There will be tours starting tomorrow, but we decided to just walk down by the park and get some photos this morning before the actual events (and crowds) begin. Their masts weren't up, but they were still pretty neat to see up close.
The bigger of the two ships docking here this year is the tall ship HMS Bounty, which was built in 1960 for the movie, "Mutiny on the Bounty" and is a replica of the original Bounty . The other is America's Privateer Lynx. The original was built at the start of the War of 1812.
The bigger of the two ships docking here this year is the tall ship HMS Bounty, which was built in 1960 for the movie, "Mutiny on the Bounty" and is a replica of the original Bounty . The other is America's Privateer Lynx. The original was built at the start of the War of 1812.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 8 months, 4 days News posted by Laura at 9:53 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Oh, how exciting...your Daddy and Uncle Matt and Aunt Elizabeth saw the tall ships in Philadelphia many years ago.
May 25th 2010
Beating the Heat
It was a very hot day today, and it got hot early. We were planning to head to the playground in South Berwick that we met up with friends at last week,, but then I noticed a rash on Enzo's palms so we had to change those plans and I took him to see what was up. Ended up that it was nothing really, not contagious, just his body's reaction to a mild virus or something along those lines. Must've been really mild because he showed no symptoms of having a virus, but whatever. I took the kids to Mill Pond playground when Enzo and I were done at the ped.'s and he took nap a bit early after getting back home.
All afternoon the girls were wanting to go somewhere, but I just couldn't think of anywhere I wanted to go in the heat, with no breeze to speak of. Then a wonderful thing happened, a package from Nonna arrived again, this time for Zoë and Abby. They spent a while trying everything on and oohing and aahing, they were just so excited. Zoë kept saying to me for the rest of the day, "I just don't know how to thank Nonna enough!". There were a couple of dresses that didn't fit and I also had a couple of things from Enzo's stuff that arrived yesterday that needed to go back to Kohl's as well so off we went after having a green smoothie and nuts for dinner. After customer service, we headed to the baby section and the girls picked out a couple of cutie little somethings for Matt and Caitlin's babies - side note here, the girls decided at the store that since they don't get to know the names until the little girls arrive, they will now be affectionately calling them baby strawberry and baby jam... they think this is sweet and hilarious all at once. We also got a couple of clearance shirts for Enzo and the girls got to each get a set of hair clips. We wanted to hit Babies R' Us as well, but Enzo was quite done by the end of our shopping trip so we called it a night.
All afternoon the girls were wanting to go somewhere, but I just couldn't think of anywhere I wanted to go in the heat, with no breeze to speak of. Then a wonderful thing happened, a package from Nonna arrived again, this time for Zoë and Abby. They spent a while trying everything on and oohing and aahing, they were just so excited. Zoë kept saying to me for the rest of the day, "I just don't know how to thank Nonna enough!". There were a couple of dresses that didn't fit and I also had a couple of things from Enzo's stuff that arrived yesterday that needed to go back to Kohl's as well so off we went after having a green smoothie and nuts for dinner. After customer service, we headed to the baby section and the girls picked out a couple of cutie little somethings for Matt and Caitlin's babies - side note here, the girls decided at the store that since they don't get to know the names until the little girls arrive, they will now be affectionately calling them baby strawberry and baby jam... they think this is sweet and hilarious all at once. We also got a couple of clearance shirts for Enzo and the girls got to each get a set of hair clips. We wanted to hit Babies R' Us as well, but Enzo was quite done by the end of our shopping trip so we called it a night.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 8 months, 2 days News posted by Laura at 8:24 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
So glad everyone like their surprises!!
May 24th 2010
A Package for Enzo
A package from Nonna for Daddy and Enzo arrived today. I enjoyed all of the clothes for Enzo, while the girls had a blast going through some of Daddy's old things Nonna sent. Enzo wore some suspenders around the house, which looked quite adorable hooked to his undies in leau of pants, everyone took turn with the Mickey Mouse Disney World ears, and everyone also got a kick out of looking at Daddy's high school picture I.D's and library cards and such.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 8 months News posted by Laura at 2:38 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Got more...since everyone so excited but this 'stuff"!!
May 23rd 2010
Golden Ticket
Zoë and Abby had a couple of golden tickets with their names on them to turn in at church today. Everyone's golden tickets were put into a bucket and at the end of the service, some names were pulled out one by one. Abby's was one that got pulled out and she got to pick a prize. She chose an official USA soccer ball, and was super excited to have a real soccer ball to kick around in the park.
This evening we went to the park to try it out. Even though it was close to dinner time, we went ahead and walked there and let Zoë and Abby kick it around for about half an hour before walking back home. Enzo, meanwhile, was busy asserting his independence and walking off all over the place.
This evening we went to the park to try it out. Even though it was close to dinner time, we went ahead and walked there and let Zoë and Abby kick it around for about half an hour before walking back home. Enzo, meanwhile, was busy asserting his independence and walking off all over the place.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 8 months News posted by Laura at 9:11 PM | Comment
May 22nd 2010
Afternoon in the kitchen
While Enzo was napping we had all hands in the kitchen for some projects. Abby was baking peanut butter cookies all by herself. Zoë was helping me make some spiced pickled eggs from a new recipe and Mommy was putting together a seven layer burrito fillings dish for which I made a salsa fresca. We really need to keep on top of having good foods ready to go at home. I am pushing for an edamame black bean salad this week. The girls love to cook and bake. I hope we can instill some good habits in the kitchen.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 28 days News posted by christopher at 3:24 PM | Comment
May 21st 2010
Seacoast Playground
Seems like we have been shopping all week, yesterday at Stop and Shop, today at Walmart. We usually try to get our shopping done during the week to avoid the crowds of those who work during the week and therefore can only shop on the weekend. No matter how many items we need to purchase, we spend more than an hour at the store. Today we spent almost 3 hours for 20 items at Walmart. We came home for yummy paninis and Enzo napped. We checked the tides just in case and then headed down the seacoast on 1A. We stopped at the Science Center to use their playground and enjoy the views. Enzo had a great time running around and the girls made a friend, Cooper. They played tag for a long time, running all over the structures and equipment. Enzo enjoyed swinging with daddy and a nice walk along the beach. Enzo kept dry the whole time.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 6 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 6 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 27 days News posted by christopher at 6:26 PM | Comment
May 20th 2010
Meeting Baby Aaron
We all went in to the hospital today to pay a visit to Kate and Ryan and little newbie Aaron. I enticed Chris into driving out to Exeter telling him that, since we needed to grocery shop anyway, we could do it at the nearby Stop&Shop that we like, after stopping in to see Kate. I had planned for Chris to keep the kids in the waiting area while I visited, but Kate insisted that she didn't mind the kids coming in. Zoë and Abby were so happy to hear that they were going to get to see Kate's new baby, imagine their excitement when Ryan offered for them to hold him! At first Enzo was more excited to wander the room, and occasionally say and sign "baby" (which is the sweetest thing ever to see and hear), but after he saw the girls each get a turn holding Aaron, he went over and sat on the bench too with his hands in his lap, and then eagerly looked up at Kate as if to say, "okay, I'm ready for my turn." We informed him that he wouldn't be having a turn holding the baby, so he settled for standing nearby to get a good look at him.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 26 days News posted by Laura at 10:49 AM | Comment
May 19th 2010
This just in... I could die in my sleep tonight
I was just walking past Abby and Zoë's room where they were in bed and should be settling into sleep when I heard, "Daddy, I have to tell you something." So of course I double back to their room where Zoë promptly tells me, "You could die in your sleep tonight." I said to her, "Go to sleep, nobody is dying tonight, now be quiet", and continued on my way. I tell Laura and she tells me, "The other day we are getting out of the car at home when Zoë asked, what the most peaceful way to die would be?" To which Laura responded, "Dying in your sleep would probably be the most peaceful." So there you go, "You could die in your sleep tonight!"
Of course this is all funny now, but should I not wake up in the morning...
Of course this is all funny now, but should I not wake up in the morning...
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 5 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 26 days News posted by christopher at 8:19 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Hi
Just checking to see if everyone made it through the night.
How is your back Laura?
That was a 'hoot"......only Zoe qould come up with that!! happy everyone survived another night!! xxoo
Daddy at the helm
Mommy left the house at 3 AM this morning after receiving a call from her friend Kate. She was in labor and requested Laura's presence. Laura was super excited yesterday knowing her friend was getting closer to delivery I don't even think she was able to sleep. She had a bag packed and ready by the door before going to bed. She took the call and sprang to action. Luckily Enzo had just finished nursing and was back to sleep. So I took over at 3am and managed to sleep a tiny bit until 5am when Enzo woke up demanding his mommy. I could not get him back to sleep so we got up. He was all worked up with snot and all so he was in no mood to sit on the toilet and pee. I started the shower, rinsed us off then drew him a bath. I knew I could divert him with some water play tub time. We put in all the foam letters and everything. Enzo had a great time and we were soon joined by Abby, maybe around 5:30. She was up early but Zoë was still asleep. Abby and Enzo played in the tub until they were joined by Zoë closer to to 5:45. Now I took Enzo out and got him pottied, he held his morning pee the whole bath time, almost an hour, diapered and dressed in an outfit that Abby picked out for him. He was having gas so I tried him on the toilet many times, no poop. He did manage to keep dry the whole 7 hours under my watch. I even let him run around without a diaper for 2 hours to air out and reduce a rash he has on his lower back/upper butt. We had cereal for breakfast and some crackers with hummas and cheese for snack. We played games, watched dog videos online, and generally kept busy chasing Enzo around. I was relieved that Kate and new baby were both happy and healthy and that Laura was able to come home quickly. She arrived in time for lunch and Enzo's nap. He was super exhausted and was asleep very quickly, Laura too.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 4 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 25 days News posted by christopher at 1:25 PM | Comment
May 18th 2010
Shrimp Request
One of the girls spelling words is 'fried' and upon writing sentences for the spelling words, Zoë told me that she wanted fried shrimp for dinner. It just so happened that Chris had put some frozen shrimp in the sink to thaw, but we didn't yet have a plan for it. I looked up a recipe and found a tasty looking deep fried coconut shrimp recipe and figured we'd give it a try.
It's been ages since we've used our deep fryer so I got it all set up and got to preparing the assembly line of dipping and coating stations for the shrimp. All we had was sweetened coconut, and the deep fryer smelled like we'd been making donuts, not shrimp, when I was done. Zoë was so thrilled that I'd made the dinner she'd requested, and raved about the shrimp as well as begging for seconds of the mashed potatoes and green beans. The shrimp did turn out quite pretty, and tasty if I do say so myself.
It's been ages since we've used our deep fryer so I got it all set up and got to preparing the assembly line of dipping and coating stations for the shrimp. All we had was sweetened coconut, and the deep fryer smelled like we'd been making donuts, not shrimp, when I was done. Zoë was so thrilled that I'd made the dinner she'd requested, and raved about the shrimp as well as begging for seconds of the mashed potatoes and green beans. The shrimp did turn out quite pretty, and tasty if I do say so myself.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 24 days News posted by Laura at 6:27 PM | Comment
May 17th 2010
Static Playground
We went to the playground this afternoon and the girls and Daddy had a great time chasing each other to shock one another after going down the super static charged slide. For some reason, every time the girls ran from the slide they'd lose their shock by the time they got to Daddy, no matter how hard they tried not to touch anything on the way to get him. Daddy, however, held the charge incredibly well and gave us all some super shocks!
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 2 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 23 days News posted by Laura at 3:47 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
What fun!!
May 16th 2010
Park Day Playing
The weather was great today, just a little bit windy. The girls enjoyed wearing dresses to church today, where Zoë won a flashlight from the prize table. She was so excited to show me and give me back our missing flashlight. Apparently she was keeping it safe for us in her bed. That was the response she gave us when we asked why she had it. It turned up missing a week or so ago when we bought new batteries for it but couldn't find it to replace them. Now with this new mega flashlight in her bed, keeping it safe, she won't have to keep our flashlight any longer. Maybe Abby will want it, but she isn't so afraid of the dark as Zoë was and has been.
We met up with Corey and Reanna in the afternoon. They were at a party with Pete and Alisha at New Castle Commons and stopped by afterward. We walked to the part to play some soccer with the big ball and run around. We stayed in the park while the rest of the group went into town for some treats to eat. We waited a while playing and running but Enzo just wanted to move on, so we walked over the bridge to the Pierce Island playground where Enzo could explore and enjoy himself more. He gathered a nice collection of rocks, which he put in his pocket. We used the playground equipment and the swings. Enzo had a great time and kept dry. Abby and Zoë were disappointed that we didn't go out to eat with the group afterwards, but two nights of eating out in a row is too much. We can't spoil them that much, afterall they didn't even do their chores today.
We met up with Corey and Reanna in the afternoon. They were at a party with Pete and Alisha at New Castle Commons and stopped by afterward. We walked to the part to play some soccer with the big ball and run around. We stayed in the park while the rest of the group went into town for some treats to eat. We waited a while playing and running but Enzo just wanted to move on, so we walked over the bridge to the Pierce Island playground where Enzo could explore and enjoy himself more. He gathered a nice collection of rocks, which he put in his pocket. We used the playground equipment and the swings. Enzo had a great time and kept dry. Abby and Zoë were disappointed that we didn't go out to eat with the group afterwards, but two nights of eating out in a row is too much. We can't spoil them that much, afterall they didn't even do their chores today.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months, 2 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 23 days News posted by christopher at 8:34 PM | Comment
May 15th 2010
Grampy joins us at Fridays
This is the only Saturday this month without a building project. We were hoping to sleep in, but it didn't happen. The weather has been getting warmer and we have been getting outside more and more. We drove over to see Grampy at the Valleys after Enzo's nap. Grampy was going to look at our car as it has been making strange noises while we drive. After the quick car inspection Enzo, Grampy and the girls played in the backyard. Enzo mostly playing in the pile of dirt. He really enjoys seeing Grampy and Elijah. Enzo is really a people kind of person and enjoys the company and attention. He screams with joy when he sees Grampy. The girls were excited to take Grampy to Fridays for dinner, he has never been. We had a nice meal and the girls were both vying for Grampy's attention the whole time.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 months
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 months
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 21 days News posted by christopher at 7:46 PM | Comment
May 13th 2010
Sweet Daddy
Zoë and Abby were on their best behavior all day today, just waiting for their time to go out to the store with Daddy and pick a sweet of their choosing. The set time was after dinner, if they did well listening and picking up their room today. Abby even told me, "We're listening and doing everything you guys say today because we really want to go get a treat with Daddy." When I told her that she should have good behavior all the time, because it makes everyone's day nicer, not just so she could get something, she changed her sentence so that the reason was now, "As an example of how we're going to behave tomorrow too."
Sure enough, their room was picked up, beds were made, and they'd helped clean up from dinner - which they ate all of without complaining, even gave it rave reviews. When Enzo caught wind of Daddy and his sisters leaving, he ran for his shoes. Chris told Enzo that he would be staying home with Mommy and to put his shoes away. Enzo whined at him and then proceeded to try to put his shoes on himself... guess who got to go too. Without Enzo about, "helping", I managed to get all of the evening cleaning done in time for the everyone to get home. The girls picked out a package of glazed donuts from Market Basket.
Sure enough, their room was picked up, beds were made, and they'd helped clean up from dinner - which they ate all of without complaining, even gave it rave reviews. When Enzo caught wind of Daddy and his sisters leaving, he ran for his shoes. Chris told Enzo that he would be staying home with Mommy and to put his shoes away. Enzo whined at him and then proceeded to try to put his shoes on himself... guess who got to go too. Without Enzo about, "helping", I managed to get all of the evening cleaning done in time for the everyone to get home. The girls picked out a package of glazed donuts from Market Basket.
Abby @ 6 years, 4 months, 29 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 4 months, 29 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 19 days News posted by Laura at 7:28 PM | Comment
May 12th 2010
Park Day Baby Shower
Zoë and Abby were bummed that the weather was crummy today, because they were really looking forward to meeting up with their friends at the park. Also, we were supposed to be combining our park day with a surprise baby shower for Molly (Maggie's mom), who's due with #4 any day now. I managed to check email quickly and find out that we were able to meet indoors at the rec. center, so everything worked out.
Someone brought an inflatable obstacle course type fun thing, which was a huge hit of course. We also brought hullabaloo, but as you can imagine, it didn't get much attention what with the big inflatable there. There were plenty of yummy treats to nibble on and lots of energy was released, thank goodness for some rainy day escape!
Someone brought an inflatable obstacle course type fun thing, which was a huge hit of course. We also brought hullabaloo, but as you can imagine, it didn't get much attention what with the big inflatable there. There were plenty of yummy treats to nibble on and lots of energy was released, thank goodness for some rainy day escape!
Abby @ 6 years, 4 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 4 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 18 days News posted by Laura at 5:42 PM | Comment
May 11th 2010
Mommy's Helpers
Zoë and Abby have upped their helpfulness the past couple of days. I hurt my back on Sunday, and today felt yucky on top of it. The girls have been lifting Enzo in and out of his high chair, helping him on and off the potty, and even putting on his diapers.
Today I spent the mornign just lying on the floor "up, up" while Zoë and Abby brought me their workbooks to check and then kept Enzo entertained with his toys. Chris made lunch and the girls cleaned up from it so that I could go nap with Enzo. It's great to have two eager helpers.
Today I spent the mornign just lying on the floor "up, up" while Zoë and Abby brought me their workbooks to check and then kept Enzo entertained with his toys. Chris made lunch and the girls cleaned up from it so that I could go nap with Enzo. It's great to have two eager helpers.
Abby @ 6 years, 4 months, 28 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 4 months, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 18 days News posted by Laura at 8:46 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Abby and Zoe I am so proud of you both for helping mommy when she doesn't feel well. You are wonderful daughters. Love you both!!
May 10th 2010
Lazy Day
I hurt myself yesterday (lower back/hip area) and haven't recovered yet, so today we just played it easy, staying inside. Zoë and Abby did some school work and listened to a book on cd while I napped with Enzo and we had easy meals and read lots of books. We took a little walk around the block, hoping the walking would work my hips back into place, and then called it a night.
Abby @ 6 years, 4 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 4 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 16 days News posted by Laura at 6:59 PM | Comment
May 8th 2010
Saturday Morning Fun
Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin met Enzo and I at the SAMOM sale, where I got Enzo a new raincoat (Old Navy, lined inside, very cute) for $3.50, a great bib for $1, stride rite sneakers (in Wide width which - completely opposite of his sisters - he really needs) for .50 cents (!), a construction road rug for $3, and a new potty just like our old potty (except that our old potty has been with us for 6 years and it's starting to show - but we haven't replaced it yet because we love that it has a lid and the removable seat w/ handles - and this one looks brand new) for $5.
Next we all drove over to the house so that I could pick up Chris and the girls and then we headed right over to Lowe's, where Uncle Matt helped to make the trellis planters with Zoë and Abby. After we were done building, and Matt helped to get flowers and dirt loaded in the new planters, we headed over to the Redhook Brewery for some lunch. Unfortunately Matt and Caitlin had to go after this, which the girls had an endless supply of puppy dog eyes for, but it was a fun Saturday morning spent with family.
Next we all drove over to the house so that I could pick up Chris and the girls and then we headed right over to Lowe's, where Uncle Matt helped to make the trellis planters with Zoë and Abby. After we were done building, and Matt helped to get flowers and dirt loaded in the new planters, we headed over to the Redhook Brewery for some lunch. Unfortunately Matt and Caitlin had to go after this, which the girls had an endless supply of puppy dog eyes for, but it was a fun Saturday morning spent with family.
Abby @ 6 years, 4 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 4 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 7 months, 15 days News posted by Laura at 8:53 PM | Comment
