My baby lost her first tooth this morning during breakfast while eating a strawberry…yes, a strawberry.  It was getting looser than it had been last week and then yesterday, it all of a sudden became significantly looser than it it had been and we knew that the lifespan of that tooth would be nearing an end in the next few days.  It started bleeding last night and she freaked out.  But this morning, she was no longer scared and wanted it to come out.  She asked me to pull it, in which I told her it wasn’t quite ready for me to aid in the process.  So she took matters into her own hand and ate quite the breakfast in order to increase her chances of it falling out.  While we weren’t looking, it came out and she called our attention right away.  There she was tooth in hand with some red coming from it…still not sure if it was blood or the strawberries, but either way no tears on her end, just pure happiness. 

Patiently waiting at the top of the stairs to see what the Easter Bunny brought.

And they are off.  Their excitement for their Easter baskets is my favorite part of the day!

The Easter Bunny was generous this year, although he/she did not bring any chocolate or candy.

Pics before Church.

Pic of Avery during church being creative with the play-do given to the kids.

A gentleman offered to take our family pic…why not!

And just the girls again.

And the recreation of the annual picture!  How many years have we had this same picture?  I think four or five now.  Light was a little off this year….oh well. 

And the hunt begins.  The girls each hunted for their own color scheme this year with eight eggs being up for grabs by anyone.  This years eggs contained mini Swedish fish, jelly beans, and cookies and cream eggs.  The Swedish fish were definitely a welcomed surprise!

And the sugar high for the day continues!  Happy Easter.

We spent Thursday and Friday of Spring Break week visiting the McGranes. They had extended the invitation for us to visit them since they first told us they were building a house almost two years ago. They moved close to a year ago and finally we were able to carve out some time to make the visit. It’s such an easy beautiful short drive and I’m already looking forward to our next visit with them.

Thursday morning our 9:30 departure time, really turned into an almost 11:00 departure time! One day we (okay I) will be early for something….one day!! Despite getting up early, working out, and even finishing Lift 4, an 8 week-program, I was moody! Moodier than I have been in a month….the girls were not listening all morning and I let it get the best of me for some reason. The drive was quiet as we all had our IPADs and earphones. Yet the second we arrived in Charlottesville and at South Street Brewery, a flight of 12 beers seemed like just the thing I needed to turn my frown upside down.

And this girl no longer wants to order off the kid menu.

After lunch we headed to Monticello, where we had tickets for a tour at 3:45. The day was gorgeous and the view of the grounds absolutely breathtaking. I’m not a huge history buff; however, I certainty appreciate the history and enjoy imagining life two-hundred years ago. `The girls really enjoyed Mt. Vernon last year so we thought they would love Monticello. Honestly, they whined more than I cared for….and again I found myself beyond frustrated with much of our time there.  But we did have some good moments.

The girls had fun taking turns using the camera to capture some pictures.

A passer buyer saw the commotion and offered to take our picture.

A little fun writing with feather pens.

A stop at Jefferson’s gravesite followed before we headed back to the car.

After Monticello, we made our way to the McGranes, where we enjoyed an evening with them and got to tour their beautiful home.

Sam and Zabby worked Friday, while their kids were in school. The weather was calling for thunderstorms later in the day with cloudy skies throughout. We were out of the house by 10:00 and headed straight to Bodo’s as the girls were starving. Bodo’s must have an exceptional bagel because not only did all three girls finish their bagels, but each asked for another!

And this girl lost her 8th tooth at breakfast. Okay, I may have pulled it…but it was bothering the heck out of her and she begged me to get it out.

Next stop was UVA. The afternoon thunderstorms came earlier than expected…one minute it was sunny, the next torrential downpour. I still don’t know how, but every time the skies opened up, we managed to sneak under cover within seconds.

The grounds….

The Rotunda….

When it appeared that the rain wasn’t going to let up anytime soon, we visited the UVA Bookstore and then went to lunch at Sultan Kabob, a Turkish restaurant that was excellent. We ate lunch slowly as we watched the heavy rain from inside.

After lunch when the rain has slowed down, we decided to go to Pippin Hill Winery. I’m so glad we did because the scenery was beautiful and the atmosphere right up my alley.

Justin and I did a wine tasting while the girls sat and ate their cookies that we bought at a bakery right after lunch.

We met the McGranes for dinner at Three Notch’d Brewery…delicious food, beer, atmosphere…all at a reasonable price!  

Sunday morning we went on a hike through a trail on their 5 acres of property and then went to downtown Charlottesville and walked around for a bit. The McGranes met us for lunch at The Whiskey Tavern after Joey’s soccer game. Food was good, service so-so at best.

We had a great weekend visiting the McGranes and can’t wait to do it again!

Justin and I took off today to have a family day with the girls on Day 1 of spring break.  Karolin left to go back to Germany this morning and with Larissa on vacation for the week, the house almost seemed quiet with just the five of us…almost!

We ate an early lunch and then headed for a quick visit at Grandma Adele’s.  I had not seen her since her birthday in December…yikes….so the visit was long overdue.  Bowling was next on the agenda, which has apparently turned into an annual spring break tradition. Emerson bowled the “real way” this year. Avery was encouraging everyone each frame.  Harper was her natural goofy self and even bowled backwards one frame. 

Despite Harper’s expression, we all had a good time! 

I made a point to say several times that it isn’t whether you win or lose the game, but its how you play the game….with that being said, check out the score!

A quick stop at our condo was next.  We had a little snafu with the paint color and I’m still struggling some with it…the staging looks good, but what looks real good, could have looked amazing in my opinion and I’m going through my own grief process right now….trying to let it go though because it very well may not affect a buyer’s decision or the selling price, but I honestly have no way of knowing so it’s still a little tough to swallow.  Anyway, took a few pics of the place…Avery and Emerson in their first bedroom.

Me in our first bedroom as a couple!  I actually got teary eyed thinking that this place wasn’t going to be ours much longer. 

A quick stop at the bank and for soccer cleats was next.  It was on the way and Justin and I can’t resist tossing in some quick errands whenever we can!

And then finally dinner (early bird special time) at Founding Farmers.  I hadn’t been there in YEARS and I loved the vibe and the menu was equally enticing.  I ate a delicious salad.  We sat by the window…a perfect spot for “pupil” watching as Avery was calling it.

I caved in and let the girls get dessert because I thought them having dessert there versus at home would keep me from eating it.  WELL…the ice cream cones that they got were MASSIVE…and there was no way I could let them eat it alone.  The chocolate ice cream was delish and I made them give me some of theirs!   Emerson got the donut and I think she wished she had gone for the ice-cream….next time! 

Kids being kids….I love it.  Next time I’m getting ice cream on my nose with them!

A few years back, I savored the fact that our weekends were still largely ours….meaning we didn’t yet spend Saturday mornings on a soccer field or in dance class.  I truly savored that time because I knew the time would be short lived.   That time has since arrived for us. Avery’s Saturday morning 9:00 a.m. ballet class started in September.  This morning was parent observation week and Harper and I went to watch.  Avery and her class are really progressing….they understand the technique and it was really impressive to see how far the class has progressed since September.

Meanwhile, Justin took Emerson to her first soccer game of the season, which started at 10:15 a.m.  Avery, Harper, and I joined Emerson and Justin at the soccer game during the second quarter.  Emerson is on the same team she was on in the Fall; today  she was hustling on the field today…understanding the game is still a work in progress.  She decided she wants people to start calling her Emme and her name on the jersey was one step towards the nickname becoming more official!

We arrived home before noon and the gorgeous weather kept us outside.  The roller blades and basketball made an appearance.  There was also some tree climbing and some picture taking with Karolin.

Our cherry tree is nearing full bloom, the sun was shining, and warm.  Our morning was busy with activities, but the afternoon and this life is ours!

P.S. And just when I thought the day couldn’t get better, THIS girl learned how to ride a bike in less than five minutes.

We probably took 25 pictures and this is the only one were we are all looking at the camera! I guess that is what happens when you have a family of 8! Yes, 8! Au Pair life! Feeling so blessed to have three of our four au pairs together tonight.  Once a part of our family, always a part of our family. 

Karolin arrived last night from Germany.  This is her third time visiting us since being our au pair…we are so fortunate for our continued relationship and that she continues to spend her time and her money visiting with our family.

Mila (and her boyfriend Artem) joined us for the evening as did Larissa.  We celebrated Karolin’s birthday which was earlier in the month and Mila’s birthday which is later this week.  Karolin’s 24th and Ludmila’s 30th!

I’ll let these pictures do most the talking.

It was a great night.  The girls were rowdy; fortunately the wait staff at Chef Geoff’s didn’t seem to mind. I took it all in and even teared up a few times – it really is amazing not only to have an au pair become a part of your family during their stay, but also to remain a part of your family afterward and on top of that to have your au pairs be friendly with one another and furthermore in the same place at the same time!   The girls were so young when they met Karolin and then Ludmila the following year; yet the memories are still vivid and the relationship so tight. Feeling so incredibly blessed and thankful this evening!

A few randoms – February and March weather has been all over the place.  We have had some really cold days and some really warm days.  On one of the warm days, we went to the track.  Avery and Emerson were fully decked out in their new workout gear.  

Avery and Emerson dressed up for character day….Emerson as Mary Poppins and Avery as Pippi Longstocking.

Emerson and Avery at World Thinking Day.  Their Brownie Troop’s country was Sweden so they all dressed as Pippi Longstocking.  Emerson was not excited about her freckles.

And all three on their way to school.  Seriously, I can’t get over who grown up they are becoming.  I love that they are growing and learning everyday….off to school they go to become better humans!  Love these three!

Emerson. Emerson is older than her years. She thinks make believe is lying. Playing with dolls or pretend play of any sort is boring for her. She could literally watch television all day. Socializing with her friends is a necessity. At breakfast, she must know what is on that evening’s dinner menu. She prefers to read, organize, or clean-up to playing. She often gives me glimpses of what it is going to be like parenting teenage girls. She is mature above her years….at least she still does wear donut pajamas.

My sister has lived in London for 8 years and I had never visited until this past week.  That is crazy to think about…. while not an excuse the last 8 years flew bye for me…. I had three babies, then three toddlers and by the time we were ready to make an international trip with our family, we went to Sweden last year for Lauren and Gabo’s wedding.  When my sister told me she was pregnant, I knew I would finally be making the trip to meet my little nephew.  Two months after booking the flight, the time had finally arrived!  I stocked up on food and home supplies for the family, created a schedule, coordinated logistics and while cold temperatures and school closures altered it some; Justin and Larissa handled it just fine.  And off I went to London!

The purpose of my trip was to meet Noah and help my sister.  It wasn’t too sightsee; however, being a first timer in London, I definitely wanted to see some sights as well.  Flying overnight with the time change is the way to go.  I basically got a full day in at work and almost a full day in London.  I slept for two hours at most on the plane, but I pushed through…. I knew sleep would come later that night.

I met Noah; we cuddled; I smothered him with kisses and called him Harper fairly regularly.

I walked! We walked!  Noah slept in his “buggy”.  We saw sights!  We took selfies.

Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen:).

Big Ben under construction…maybe I will have better luck next time!  And by the way, it was cold in London!  This particular day, I was wearing 2 undershirts, a heavy sweater, and two jackets…thus, the hefty look!  But I was warm!

Westminster Abbey and a double decker bus.

A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a picture in front of a Red Telephone Box.

The London Eye

My first time on the Tube on the way to Bourough Market.

Notice the Paddington Station route….

The colors, the smells, the samples, the livelihood…was ALL amazing and my imagination and senses were running wild as I was tricking my senses into believing that I was tasting each and every amazing smell.

You just wait little man….one day soon, your senses will be awakened and you too will experience all the goodness.  Speaking of goodness, Lauren and Gabriel bought cheeses, salamis, and mushrooms, and Gabriel whipped up an incredible dinner. I knew he cooked; however, I did not realize he had such a passion for food and cooked with such love and deliberateness.  Right up my alley!

We had several delicious meals at home!

And we visited a Pub!

We ventured to The Columbia Road Floral Market.  Beautiful flowers at reasonable prices equated to insanely packed crowds.

With our purchases.

A quick stop at “J.C. Penny” after the floral market, a.k.a. Ottolenghi, a delicious cafe we visited three times during my entire stay.  One of the locations had a blue wall behind us…thus the J.C. Penny backdrop.

Exploring Kensington Gardens on my own on a beautiful sunny morning.

The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Gardens.

My walk through Hyde Park was glorious!  The sun’s beams glistened on the lake and with the swans dogs running around freely, it was simply blissful. 

A quick stroll stopping for a view of The Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe.

An awesome view at dusk of the Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Fun at The Tower Bridge!

A stop at Paddington Station on the Tube.

A visit to Trafalger Square on a rainy afternoon. 

And since Noah spent much of his time on our outings sleeping contently in his buggy much like this…

…I decided it was time for him to join in so there was proof that he was with Lauren and I while I played tourist.

And the visit wouldn’t be complete without a quick stop in the National Gallery.  I explored some really amazing exhibits while Lauren fed Noah.

Thanks little man for being such a trooper (most the time:)) while your mommy took your auntie on a week-long London expedition!

I wasn’t expecting it to be a vacation, but it was!  I was “present” and enjoying every moment of the time spent visiting another country, the time spent with my precious little nephew – feeling his soft skin and smelling his baby smell, spending quality time with my sister for a week straight, and the time getting to witness Lauren and Gabriel’s love for life, each other, good food and wine in their environment.  Saying goodbye to the little man was hard.  The tears flowed knowing that the little guy would be close to five months by the time I see him next.  And the reality of the situation as I said my goodbyes was that this would likely be the norm…. me knowing my nephew, the girls knowing their cousin through FaceTime and week-long visits a few times a year.  Noah will be raised on another continent saying calling my sister his “Mummy”.  I’ll cherish each and every visit, each and every snuggle, and pray that one day these cousins might may be raised in close proximity to one another and be cousins that love and respect each other with great admiration for one another.  And while the future is unpredictable, one thing is for sure…this was a week, I will forever remember and treasure.