My cousin Katy is married!  She married Conner, who she has been dating for at least 8 years, this past weekend. My sister, Gabriel, Noah, and Elias came into town.  Our whole family took up an entire table!  Noah couldn’t get enough of the dance floor.  We were the old people at the wedding. Oh how times have changed from when we were in our 20’s at a wedding! Bringing our kids to the wedding was neat though…a different kind of enjoyment. 

We escaped a long weekend in Rehobeth the first weekend of Spring Break. Our neighborhood friends Bob and Cindy offered for us to stay in their beach house and we took them up on their offer.  The weather was chilly; however, we welcomed it because the original forecast was calling for rain all weekend long. 

Their house was a five-ten minute walk from the main strip and a 12 minute walk to the beach.  Our kids have never been to a boardwalk or a busy beach before and we had a great time walking around and exploring.  We drank a few beers, ate yummy ice-cream twice from Kilwin’s twice, and ate a combination of good food (Dogfish Head and Egg), not so good food (Nicola pizza) and in between (Salt Air).

We window shopped along the boardwalk, we shopped at the Outlets, we got caught up in the hype of the arcade, and we almost didn’t return to avoid having to drive over The Chesapeake Bay Bridge again. 

I think April Fools Day may be Harper’s most favorite day of the year other than her birthday and Christmas. She woke up cheerful and ready to start pranking. Food coloring was the major accessory in pranking Justin and me.  First Justin in the morning; she filled his water bottle with green food coloring.  She added yellow food coloring and mayo to Emerson’s scrambled eggs.  And she made me a grilled cheese with bright yellow cream cheese. We were onto her pretty quickly with the food pranks. 

Her best prank she kept as an idea and it was the best one yet. 

When the girls were each three years old, they began dancing at Cuppetts.  When they all reached kindergarten, they began Daisys. Then in first grade for Emerson and Harper and third for Avery, all three of them played soccer.  Avery and Emerson, being twins, were in some of the same activities at the same time, making logistics easier.  

By 5^th and 3^rd grades for the girls, they were each doing different activities and shuffling them around and supporting their various activities required its own calendar and a lot of communication to make sure they each get where they are supposed to be!

Emerson – Currently playing softball on a house league team this spring.  Practicing several times a week at 643 in Ashburn.  Was taking a HipHop class in the Fall at Velocity but switched over in the Winter to a Contemporary class at Born-to-Dance, which she takes place Monday nights. Playing clarinet at school.  Girls on the Run starts up again at school Tuesdays and Thursday mornings next week, which she will participate.

Avery – Currently sitting out of all activities as she sprained her ankle pretty badly about a month ago.  Receiving PT twice a week and doing it at home every day not at PT.  She is currently enrolled in two dance classes at Cuppetts (Cechetti and Ballet 3) on Friday nights.  Wednesday, she has a gymnastics class at Fairfax Gymnastics.  Thursdays she has gymnastics at Vienna Community Center.  Girls on the Run starts up again at school Tuesdays and Thursday mornings next week.  Hoping her ankle gets stronger soon so she can start participating in all her activities again no later than the end of this month.

Harper – Currently playing soccer on a house league team this spring.  Just finished Frosty Fields Winter Soccer season.  Was taking a HipHop class in the Fall at Velocity but switched over in the Winter to a Contemporary class at Born-to-Dance, which she takes place Tuesday nights.  Does Brownies.   Girls on the Run starts up again at school Tuesdays and Thursday mornings next week, which she will participate.

Justin and I just trying to do our best to support them and cover all ground between ourselves and with the help of my parents and carpooling neighbors!

Back in 2015, I decided I wanted to write down funny things the girls said because I knew they would likely outgrow them with experience and age.  I started out strong and then forgot about doing such, remembering occasionally during a year to completely forgetting almost four years ago and recently stumbled upon what I had written.  So here are some of the funny things the girls said in their earlier years.

• Avery in response to me saying Grandma Adele was old:
  • Avery: She isn’t old, she just uses a cane. – Fall 2015
• Harper in response to Justin peeing with her nearby in the bathroom.
  • Harper: Daddy, what are you squeezing? – Fall 2015
• Avery in response to putting on a winter hat. – December 2015
  • Avery: This hat SUCKS
• Emerson asked if Justin could mail a hand drawn picture to baby God for his birthday – December 2015
• Emerson in response to hearing something she doesn’t want.
  • Emerson: FINE, fine, fine, fine (with the tone of a 15 year old girl). – Jan 2016
• Emerson in response to not wanting to clean up the playroom – 1/2/16
  • Emerson: It gives me allergies to clean up.  For real.
• Avery told Justin to stop yawning while reading books in bed because its so rude -Feb 2016
• Avery and Harper: “Okay, Mommy Madusa” – repeatedly Summer/Fall 2016
• On Mother’s Day, Avery shared that Mommys are smarter than Daddy’s – May 2016
• All the Girls – This entire past year to present (August 2016) – Whausay?  Instead of “What did you say”…they say it real fast….reminds me of  “What you talking about Willis”
• Avery in response to what I should do with the Thank You card that Ms. Duffett gave her for the Holiday Gift Card Avery gave her.  “Mom, can you put this in my baby book.  I might want to read it when I’m in high school.”  – Dec 2016
• Harper – All the time in December 2016 – “What the hecker?” – in terms of what the heck?
• Harper when I was taking her to the bathroom at our neighbors The Fosters and she saw there was a window in the bathroom.  Harper: “What is that!”  Me: “A window”.  Harper: “A window in the bathroom!  What the hecka?  That’s WEIRD!”
• Emerson and Avery having a heated discussion – they were trying to resolve a situation on their own…Emerson was quite frustrated talking with her hands and Avery was fairly calm.  They were both sitting looking each other in the eye when they spoke.  Emerson was getting frustrated and said “We have a problem, we need to solve this Avery!” – Jan 2017
• Avery – in general says “seriously”, “for example”, and “literally” when having conversations – Feb 2017
• Emerson upon me bending over without a shirt on…”why is your belly so wrinkly…ballerinas don’t have wrinkly bellies.” My response…well I don’t know…it just is.  A Ballerina?”  Emerson said, “yeah, you were a ballerina when you were a kid”. – March 2017
• Avery made me a painting.  I asked her what she used.  She said “oil pistachios”.  Justin said you mean “oil pastels?” to which she replied, yes – March 2017
• “For real” or “for real life” – all three girls when they are trying to prove a point that something is true. – May 2017
• After visiting Grandma Brenda at the cemetery and asking about everyone that was buried there, Avery said “Man, it’s going to be crowded in heaven by the time I get there. Later, in the car ride home she asked if we knew what night we would die. After Justin explained that only God knows, Avery waited about 15 minutes and then said’ In my sixties, I am going to start wearing pajamas so I won’t have to go to heaven naked. – November 2017
• May 2018 – Dinner conversation – somehow the girls started talking about boobs.  They were going on and on about bras and how you are supposed to cover them, and when you get them, and the fact that boys don’t have them…at least most boys.  Justin was starting to get very uncomfortable and  he said such….Harper turned to him and said, “well we are talking about it so you can leave and go somewhere else if you don’t want to be a part of it”.
• December 2018 at Dinner: the girls were talking about ‘weenies’ and Emerson explained that a ‘weenie’ is just a man’s vagina.

Purchasing our house in 2014, our 5-year plan was to redo the kitchen.  Five years turned into seven years.  The two-year process starting with the contractor search through completion was painful and long.  Once we finally found the “right” company the second time around (yes, we exited our first design contract after 8 months of working with that company), we served as our own Project Manager for the project.  We had many challenges along the way, which I intentionally am not writing about.  Similar to childbirth, best to forgot certain parts of the process so it won’t deter diving back into the journey for round two!

I’m happy with the outcome….we love our new space.  Honestly not much I would do differently.  It feels good to be able to host and want to welcome people into our home! 

Christmas 2021 was perfect…from the time leading up to it all through Christmas Day.  The girls’ created their wish lists for Santa; many of the items on their lists truly warmed my heart….notably a baby brother, a fun Christmas, a snow globe of Simone Biles with Avery standing next to her holding a gold medal, and a visit from Larissa. 

With our new renovation, we decorated many of our open shelves with Hanukkah and Christmas décor and our new space felt cozy and inviting.  Our tree found a new home in the corner of our living room and it really felt like things were coming together.

Noah and Elias spent the night one Saturday and the kids wore their Christmas jammies.

The girls and Noah made gingerbread houses later in the weekend.  A mini house for each of them.

Lauren, Gabriel, Justin, and I had an adult dinner at Clarity.

The evening of the 23^rd, my parents treated us all to Meadowlark Winter Walks of Lights.  We hadn’t been since December 2013, when Avery and Emerson were two and Lauren and Gabriel were with us.

Christmas Eve Day the girls made snickerdoodle cookies for Santa.

We had intended to go to church finally for Christmas Eve; however, a spike in the COVID omicron variant had us being cautious and we decided to watch the church service at home as a family. 

There was a debate regarding where we should get take-out from for Christmas Eve dinner.  Should we give PF Changs a try again or go with Mama Tigre?  In the end, Mama Tigre was the winner with us realizing that traditions were more about being with family than the actual food we ate.  The food didn’t disappoint. Everyone chose what they wanted; our bellies and hearts were full. 

Christmas Eve Noah spent the night. The kids went to bed after 10:00 and eagerly awaited Santa’s arrival. 

A little before 8:00, all the kids were up and ready to see if Santa delivered!  And boy did Santa deliver!  The kids patiently took a few pictures at the top of the stairs.

Then they made the great escape down the stairs to the new area Santa placed the goodies.  Avery was ecstatic about her elephant, Emerson ecstatic about a new IPAD, as well as Harper.  Noah was fascinated with his transformers! 

Santa wrapped some presents while leaving some exposed.  The girls and Noah selected a few to unwrap before breakfast. 

Breakfast consisted of a sausage, mushroom, and spinach strata; orange scones; bacon; and fresh fruit. 

Santa present and stocking opening continued after breakfast.  Santa also got Avery a koala, a ton of pop-its and simple dimples, a book, and a mermaid blanket.  Santa also got Harper an ice cream parlor play-do set and play-do, pop-its, a simple dimple, and a book.  Santa also got Emerson a personally engraved jewelry box, earrings, weighted softballs, and a book. Noah’s gifts from Santa also included some pajamas, candy, and a few pop-its. Santa also got all three girls sour candy and cotton candy!

Stockings contained a mix of candy, dental related items, and toys.

After what felt like opening presents for hours, we took a break and went for a walk outside. Noah was on his scooter, which he rides so well.  The weather was unseasonably warm and beautiful! We picked up Lauren, Gabriel, and Elias from the bike path and they joined us for the afternoon.  We enjoyed some down time and yes, more opening of presents. We got the girls a Nintendo Switch, an item they had been asking for a long time, and one they probably did not think we would get…they were some happy screams opening it.  We talked to Ludmila and Karolin and played phone tag with Larissa!

My parents came over about 5:00 and the dinner preparations began.  For appetizer, we had a small charcuterie board and broiled feta with tomatoes.

Dinner was a joint effort with myself, Gabriel, and Justin as chefs. We feasted upon beef tenderloin, Maryland crab cakes, rosemary roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a kale salad.  

Perhaps better than the amazingly delicious food was the people.  We toasted to what has been a heartful two weeks of family events and time together.  My heart signified pure happiness. 

After dinner we opened even more presents…presents to and from one another and at 9:00 pm, we had been opening presents for over 13 hours, which is crazy especially considering we didn’t feel like presents were all that excessive. 

Once Christmas was over, Noah spent the time several more times, totaling at least five or six.  Elias joined in one of the nights as well.  I had planned on having him again; however, the snow altered those plans. 

Christmas Day and Christmas season did not disappoint. We all felt truly blessed.

Avery was a week behind Emerson and Harper in receiving her COVID Vaccines.  Ironically, the day that Avery was fully vaccinated (two weeks post her second shot), we were all exposed!  Within days, Justin, Emerson, Harper and myself tested positive.  Avery was the only one that was spared.  We only tested with the at-home antigen tests and never did the PCR tests as not only was finding those appointments difficult, but also we didn’t feel we would do anything differently based on the results of those tests, which we anticipated would be positive.

Fortunately, besides Justin’s asthma and breathing (which were not great for a few days), our symptoms were pretty mild, mostly just a cough. Here is how it affected each of us.

• Justin: cough, hard time breathing, doubled up on his regular inhaler dosage, for 3 days pretty much sat on couch upstairs and watched TV as his breathing and heartrate would increase every time he stood up.  He enjoyed the delicious meals that I was cooking from the comfort of the couch.

• Stefanie – hoarse voice for first two days and then a little cough, slightly tired a few hours during the course of the 10 days and took 2 naps.  But overall, energy was high, even ran on treadmill one day, while walking on the treadmill other days. Spent days 3-5 cooking new recipes nonstop (beefstew, homemade crusty bread, pasta with ricotta pesto, and New York Strip Steak.

• Harper – persistent cough off and on for almost the full 10 days, other than that pretty normal.  Was extremely upset upon hearing the news she tested positive and thought it would be a good idea to tell her classmates that she went to Sweden as the reason for her school absence!

• Emerson – cough a few days, lower energy a few days, other than that pretty normal

• Avery – complained of a headache, similar to her somewhat daily complaints so wasn’t sure initially if it was a COVID symptom or not.  Being that she tested negative twice at various stages of the 8 days we isolated (5 days was the current CDC guidance with wearing a mask while going out on Days 6-10), we felt pretty she was the only one in the family who somehow escaped COVID.

The kids are finally able to return to in-person school tomorrow, though tomorrow is a holiday and it is snowing out currently, so virtual school is more likely this week than in-person.  If that is the case, that means this will be the 5^th week in a row of the girls being home with Justin and me.  I have been assigning workbooks like crazy roughly 5 out of the 7 days a week and not only do I assign, but I review, require understanding and correction, which is feeling very reminiscent of our early days of COVID.

All in all, I am glad our symptoms were mild.  I’m glad we were all vaccinated and boosted as I firmly believe our symptoms were mild because of such. 

The first snow of the season didn’t disappoint.  Eight inches fell in our area Sunday night cancelling school for not only Monday, but for the entire week. 

Anticipating a school closure and being stuck in the neighborhood, Noah spent the night Sunday evening so he could play in the snow with the girls. The girls took turns helping him get his snow clothes on!  Our neighborhood hills make for excellent sledding!  Even I took a few turns down the hill!

It was Noah’s first time in the snow and he loved it just as much as the girls!

For the second year in a row, we spent four days over New Years at Deep Creek Lake, MD vacationing with the Nidays and the Brophys. 

The girls have been talking about going snowtubing all year since missing out on last year’s snowtubing. The weather was warm, the kids all took turns rotating who went down with who, and a good time was had by all the kids and adults who went.  It was an expensive few hours but worth it!

The temperature this year at the lake was unseasonably warm all weekend long, so while there was no ice skating, there was plenty of fun being had. We took walks, baked brownies, went in the hot tub, watched movies, played board games, read books, played on IPAD’s and Nintendo switches, ate meals together, and more!  

We rang in the New Year and enjoyed four wonderful days together.