Bon Voyage!

carry on luggage???

I am leaving this afternoon for a 10 day trip to France & Spain. I am leading a tour of 11 teenagers. I am leaving my children at home with my husband. To say I have mixed feelings about all this would be an understatement. Obviously, I will miss my children. I love them very much and I am attached to them unconditionally. I will miss my Tom too. But, this is such a cool opportunity, that could lead to providing a trip to europe every other year for me and, as they get older, my own children too.

I have been met with a lot of "how can you leave your babies!" responses. Trust me, I will feel like I am leaving a vital limb behind, but me leaving for 9 sleeps I truly believe is far far less detrimental, than having a mother who refuses to take opportunities because of her children! Tom is so happy to have some quality time with them, and I am getting really excited to see Paris again, it has been almost 3 years!

I am sorting my emotions, and I will be back on the blog in 10 (or so!) days to let you know how I managed and if I will ever do it again! Wish me luck & bon voyage, au revoir mes amis.

Gathering Together

We had a busy weekend (as usual these days!), Saturday was rainy, but we still had Mia's dance pictures to head off to (in full costume regalia, which for me is a freaky mixture of creepy little girl pageant & cuteness--Mia's loves it and that is what matters!) After Tom left for work, I did my usual head to Grammie & Poppie's house for dinner and fun. Mia & Benji entertained us with the antics of "super girl" and "buddy Ben!" After tubbies and jammies, Ben went around the room mulitple times "giving loves" to everyone, including his sister--whom he "loved" right down to the floor--which was met with giggles instead of tears (thankfully!) They were being so cute. I'm sad I didn't get pictures, but sometimes even the "mamarazzi" needs a night off!

We got home and piled into bed together--as we do every saturday night while Daddy works. After a couple minutes of Mia's favorite HGTV (that's my girl!) they were both fast asleep. I, however, spent the next hour reading my newest obsession--Twilight! Yes, I realize I'm not a 16 year old girl--but it is sooooo good & fun to read!

On sunday, we had the rare opportunity to see all of Tom's brothers at once! Hooray! We spent the day with them at Meme's house. Mia & Benj got all dressed in their Easter regalia to show Meme!
Uncle Mike is a great playmate!
Mia loves Uncle Gordon!

We went outside--the weather was gorgeous and while the brothers and Geoff played soccer, Mia played "Queen of the Garden." She was being very imaginative and adorable!
Benji got in on the soccer action!
But, really preferred to push the baby carriage!
We got home rather late, time to do laundry and prepare for the week ahead. My last week before the big trip! More on that later! Happy Mond

In my easter bonnet...

And now, for a little Easter recap on a monday night... Easter is a great excuse for a new dress, and Mia insisted on an Easter Bonnet...how could I refuse!?! Her dress was light green gingham with smocking...so sweet and perfect for a little girl. Benji got a new button down and looked rather dapper, if I do say so myself. Look at the muffins in their easter finest:
The whole family posed just long enough to snap a shot for posterity...(we like blue huh?)
And while we all were wearing "new," there was plenty of "old" in the form of tradition (tradition! Fiddler on the Roof anyone?) At Easter, Mom always sets the table with the beautiful Limoges spring china, passed down and well loved by my great Aunt Madeleine. It is so delicate and I love that we still use it!
We also always have pineapple upside down cake...Mom adapted Auntie Mat's recipe to use slightly less sugar...but it is a sweet treat!
And now for some more of the "new!" Check out my boy at the table (no more highchair for him!) Enjoying asparagus on a stick! Ha...he's such a silly goose...
A shot of my lovely parents and the feast set out before them--yum!

Overall, it was a lovely day and a nice weekend...cheers to spring...bring on the warmer days!

Child Labor!

One of Mia's favorite things to do is "help" wash the dishes...She's been doing it for a while now.  Here she is at 2:

At 3:

And now at 4, she's got an assistant!

I say start 'em young--next year they'll be shoveling the driveway! (ok, I may be exaggerating a wee bit! : ) )

My Mia

Last night as I was snuggling Mia to sleep we had quite a conversation. I want to share it so that I don't forget it:

"I love you, Mia."

"Mommy, I'm starting to cry."

"Why sweetheart?"

"Beacause everything is so beautiful."

"What is baby?"

"The world."

Wow. This really blew me away. How lucky she is to think the world is so beautiful that it moves her to tears. Mia's empathy and compassion astounds me and well, nearly moves me to tears too.

P L A Y

BEAUTIFUL DAY + PARK + CHILDREN = FUN