First Slumber Party

The week before school started Sybella finally had the opportunity to have her very first slumber party. It was particularly important for Sybella to have her friend Kylee over for one last extended play date before Kylee started kindergarten. The girls have been best friends for as long as they can remember (literally)! They have been in church, play groups, Bible Studies, Small Groups, and even 2 years of preschool together, not to mention numerous shopping trips, play dates, and lunches. But, with birthdays 3 months apart, Kylee meets the cutoff for starting school this year and Sybella didn't. Fortunately, the pain  sadness, drama, and absolute realization of this sunk in for Sybella in the spring so, now it's just about harnessing the last moments of summer. 

The girls dressed in their PJs from the American Girl Store trip in June and proceeded to giggle, play, giggle, play, giggle, play and not sleep very much. They had a blast! 

Who could've known then that Sybella would have Kylee's Ollie the Otter over for the night and just a a month later our family would get a rescue dog named Ollie. 

What beautiful friends! They don't get to see each other as often now with school in full swing, but they are still managing to find some quality time to hang out.  :)

Family Vacation

This year for our family summer vacation we again went back to Myrtle Beach, SC. The kids love this vacation spot and asked to return this year. 

This year Sybella and Cooper were both able to really enjoy the waves and sand...

We always boogie board while we are at the beach but this year, the boys also used the skin (skimmer) boards to glide across the top of the water in the shallow areas. And yes, our most adventurous child, Cooper, spent lots of time trying to figure it out. He discovered it's harder than skateboarding.  :)

We had 7 days just swimming, running in the sand, building castles, and enjoying the sun. It was amazing! David took a special day with each of the kids to do something one-on-one that they wanted to do. He took Colin golfing. Connor chose a 3D movie, Sybella took him shopping. And Cooper took him outside for a walk and to throw the ball (every day---apparently, the youngest gets more dates!)

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The Big Doll House

I have a friend who calls The American Girl Store the Big Doll House...and that it is! I had a chance to visit the store when David and I were in New York last year. In June, a brand new store opened in Tyson's Corner. I knew that the first time I took Sybella I wanted her to bring her Bitty Baby (Sophie) and have lunch at the cafe. 

So, the week it opened, we had a girls' day. Sybella and I, along with my mom went for lunch and our friends Shauna and Kylee joined us. We made reservations for opening week over 2 months in advance--- who could've known this was the toughest reservation in DC to get? 

The girls LOVED it and now Sybella is asking for both her first of the American Girl Dolls and wants to have her birthday party there....we'll have to see about that. 

Getting ready to eat. 

The girls loved the high chairs for their babies.

Taking home their wares

Father-Daughter Dance

On June 18th, David got a special Father's Day gift. He and Sybella attended a Father-Daughter Dance. It was a special date night. There was dancing, games, activities, and lots of fun had by them both!

Daddy even picked out and bought Sybella a special new dress for the event.

How adorable!

Virginia's Gold Cup

In early May, David and I had the opportunity to attend Virginia's Gold Cup in The Plains, Virginia. For those who don't know, this is a horse race on a grass track. It is great fun. There is food, hats, horses, more hats, seersucker suits, the races, and lots of socializing. Thanks to our friends Jamil and Lambeth for inviting us!

No words needed!

We enjoyed time at the pool all weekend. What a great way to spend Memorial Day: pool, family, fun, friends, veterans, and food!

Cooper's First Birthday

April 25th was Cooper's First Birthday.
It was Elmo and pizza everywhere in a low-key family event. Must say it was one of the best birthdays ever planned at our house and it'll be our last "1st Birthday" so everyone was doting on our 'baby.'


Can't fathom life without this little guy so it's crazy to think just one short year ago he was joining us for the first time.

Rock Star

This morning, Sybella came half way down the stairs and called to me. She posed on the stairs in her "Rock Star" Glory---how adorable. My girl, famous---- at least with us.

"Different" (AKA Myrtle Beach Day 1)

We arrived in Myrtle Beach last night and today was our first full day on the beach. It was an awesome day (Praise God the weatherman was NOT correct in his forecast)!

“Different” is the key word for our trip; different than the other trips we have taken down to the beach because:

• · This time it’s not just the Simon Family, our great friends the Oswalds have joined us for vacation. We met Joel, Shauna, and Kylee almost immediately after arriving in Northern Virginia and we have been friends every sense. It’s always great to spend time with your friends, particularly when it’s fun stuff like: sun, surf, sand, and swimming. But, also, when you go on vacation with friends and you spend 24 hours a day together, you get to know each other on another level. You appreciate even more what you have in each other; already, I have learned more about my friend Shauna. I love how we are the same and I love how we are different.
• · This time the ladies started vacation without the guys. We departed on Sunday with all the kids and the guys will join us on Tuesday night. (A late departure for the guys was the best way to ensure that both families could go on vacation and that we wouldn’t need to bring 3 cars down to the beach.)
• · This time, the drive from DC to Myrtle Beach took about 2 hours longer. We stopped a bit more because of Cooper’s age, the toddler’s potty breaks, and the POURING rain (I could only drive 50mph for quite a while due to visibility---and I am not a slow driver).
• · This time, we are planning to Putt-Putt while we are in town. Myrtle Beach seems to be the Golf Capital of the World. And, I think that they have more miniature golf courses than any other city in America. Anyway, we have never putt-putted while in Myrtle Beach and this time we will hit one of the many, intriguing, creative, “over-the-top” courses. Now we just have to decide if we want to golf among waterfalls, fire-breathing dragons, pirate ships, or dinosaurs.

· I am sure that there will be other parts of this trip that are different than our other adventures in Myrtle Beach but the one thing that will not be different is that we are going to have a good time~

Carpe Cupcake (and Carpe Entrepreneurs)!

I got an e-mail today from Donna ('Annie'), who was a PTA Co-President with me in Puyallup, WA. We had lots of fun along with accomplishing tons of good for the school, students, and teachers. So, her e-mail was no surprise to me. Here is a snippet:

I have news. Recently, I opened a new business, everythingcupcakesbyannie.com. It all started with my sister's stamp 'original cupcake' (Lockhart Stamp Co.). I started making products with her images and feeding my ever-growing creative soul and... bing, bang, boom a business was born! Please visit my site and enjoy shopping through my calorie-free cupcake collection.

Now, I can't say that cupcakes are an obsession for me. However, I have a daughter, cupcakes are popular & cute, and I do whole-heartedly support entrepreneurial spirit! So, I checked it out and I plan to buy a gift for my daughter. I am sharing Donna's story because I want to support a motivated woman who has decided to do something she loves with the talents she has.

Writing this, I got to thinking about the other business owners I know: Jamil Evans owns a growing government contracting company (DC), Anthony Kirlew is a search engine marketing wiz (Phoenix, AZ), Gwen Grimes Sawyer (San Antonio, TX) has an awesome photography company, and there are many others, in fact too many to name, but....I think they would all say that getting started may well be the hardest and most important step.

Another business-owner who downright inspires me is: Brandie Hall. She is a Personal Trainer, Motivational Speaker & Life Coach but honestly, she is just an encourager like nobody else! She has taken her passions and uses them daily to create a living AND to benefit others. When a client connects with Brandie, they get a full service experience, not just an exercise plan. She educates, challenges, and designs a plan to get them to results. I haven't ever had a training session with Brandie (though I wish I had) but I know what she accomplishes, YOU CAN'T FAKE THE INTERACTIONS (AND RESULTS) THAT SHE HAS WITH HER CLIENTS. Facebook has given me a window into her business from the service and client perspective that marketing couldn't possibly capture....it speaks for itself (I could do a whole other post on creative use of social networking to not only promote your business but convey "who" your company is).

Launching a business of your own is no minor endeavor, but is anything worth having easy? It will take confidence and hard work, did I say 'hard work?' I meant REALLY HARD WORK.

These are just a few of the people I know who have exhibited confidence and commitment to being an entrepreneur. If you have been thinking about doing something new and different in business or life, take the leap!

First Orioles Game

Connor and Cooper at Cooper's First Orioles game on June 28th. They played the Nationals and lost but we still had fun!

We visited guest services and they even gave Cooper an "Most Valuable Orioles Fan" Certificate to commemorate his first game.

Thanks to our friends for sharing in the adventure with us: Katie McFaddin, Chad Riley, and Dana Frisillo! (More pictures to follow.)

Date Night-

Every once in a while David takes Sybella on a “Date Night.” This is usually an afternoon or evening where she gets a little dressed up and goes out with Daddy for a milkshake. Their destination of choice is Baskin Robbins. It only takes about 30 minutes but it is the highlight of her week!
Sybella loves milkshakes, almost as much as she loves her daddy. This is an awesome tradition that allows them to spend some 1-on-1 time together on a regular basis and develop relationship even in toddler-hood.
Here is a picture of tonight's "Date Night."

CCH Sharks Swim Team

This year our family joined the local pool; we weren’t able to do this when we lived in Vienna because there was a waiting list for memberships. We joined Country Club Hills Pool. One of the exciting opportunities that comes with being a pool member, is that the kids had the option of joining the swim team. I swam on a team for 2 years when I was a kid and it is an experience I wouldn’t trade. Colin did not want to join the team (I understand, he would have been swimming with kids in their 5th year of competitive swimming) but Connor was interested immediately.
The CCH Sharks is a great team and they have an Awesome coaching staff. Coach Scott is the head coach; he is knowledgeable, has a great manner with the kids and parents, he keeps the focus on team spirit and learning first, and he teaches the kids about how they should conduct themselves while still competing to the best of their ability. Coach Katherine is the assistant coach and does a great job as well.

On June 15th, the CCH Sharks had their First Meet of the season. It was a “Developmental Meet” which gives all of the kids a chance to participate. During regular meets, only the top 3 swimmers get to compete—which will often leave out the new kids. At a developmental meet, each child can compete in 2 events and has the opportunity to swim for improved times, experience, and feedback on their stroke style. Connor swam the backstroke and breaststroke at this meet. He did awesome!
He has a great backstroke and a fast breaststroke (the hardest stroke technically). He will continue to work on form through the season which will invariably increase his speed as well. Above all, he had FUN. One of his good friends Will also swims on the team so they have fun no matter what.

Shopping

On Thursday, we went shopping with our friends. Sybella, Cooper, and I needed to get out of the house and Sybella did need some clothes. So, we met up with Shauna and Kylee for a quick stop at Ikea and then drove over to Potomac Mills Mall to shop at The Children's Place. Lastly, we stopped at the food court for some lunch before heading home. These girls had some fun!

Sand Box

We are trying to get out of the house every day now; I don't mean get out of the house to the grocery store or to run the boys to soccer practice, we have to do those things. I mean get out of the house to do something that Sybella and I will enjoy. It is not always easy with a 2 1/2 week old, but Sybella loves the sun and playing outside.
Wednesday, we went to the NCC Mom's Play Group at Lacey Woods Park in Arlington.

Here are some pictures of Sybella's first time in a Sand Box. She loved it!!

Field Trip Fun

Today, I took Sybella and Cooper to Van Dyke Park. Connor's class had a field trip this morning and stopped at the park to enjoy their lunch and recess before going back to school. Parents and siblings were invited to join them.
We made the trek over to the park (since it's less than a mile from our house).
The skateboarding park is also located here so we got to watch some skateboarders (a big hit with Sybella and the 2nd graders).
I took some pictures of the kids: having lunch, Connor helping Sybella out with the Monkey Bars, Sybella driving the fire truck, Connor playing with a group of his classmates, and then Hugs "Good-Bye." Sybella had fun. Cooper ate and then slept through the whole thing. And Connor was thrilled and surprised that we joined him!
**Don't forget that if you click on the pictures/mosaics in the blog, they will enlarge for better viewing.

Day Two - Cooper's First Days

Here are some great pictures from Cooper's First Days; this is Day 2.

Time to Have Some FUN!

My recent Facebook Status: "contracted all night. Now, no contractions, no baby, no sleep. Doctor's appt this afternoon." The next day's Facebook Status: "slept great- amazing how well you can sleep when you are not contracting! Seriously, I feel wonderful; I have just never had: every 3rd night, all night, false labor. This is new---guess the 4th child has to be different somehow. ;)"

NOW, I have slept really well 2 days in a row and I am 100% back to my completely happy pregnant person attitude. I have to admit it was very strange for me to be so discouraged and frustrated; amazing what sleep deprivation does to you. I had experienced 4 or 5 nights in 9 days with little or no sleep and had definitely reached my limit.

I have said all that to say that now that I am back to Happy Pregnant Person Status. I am ready to have some fun. So, we are going to have a guess the baby's weight contest. We have never done this but we have also never been pregnant this long before!

Here are the facts for you to consider when making your guess:

Colin was born at 39 1/7 weeks and weighed 7lbs 8 oz, I gained 26 pounds.
Connor was born at 38 2/7 weeks and weighed 8lbs 4 oz. I gained 26 pounds.
Sybella was born at 39 weeks and weighed 7lbs 10oz. I gained 27 pounds.
I am currently 39 3/7 weeks and I have gained 28 pounds (so far). Cooper was estimated to be 6lb 4oz at the 36 week Ultrasound. I am scheduled for an induction on Tuesday April 28, 2009.

The rules:
1. Guesses must be posted before time of birth. (And it could be anytime between Now and Tuesday, April 28.)
2. One guess per person.
3. Guesses may be posted to the Blog OR Facebook.
4. The winner will be the person who comes the closest to Cooper's birth weight, WITHOUT going over (this is like The Price is Right folks).
5. I am the Final Authority on who the winner is--and there will be no appeals.
6. There will be a prize, likely a gift certificate. AND, I reserve the right to not mail it out until Cooper is 3 months old....just in case 4 kids is as crazy as I am imagining.
7. By entering the contest, you are consenting to have your picture posted to this Blog and Facebook, especially if you live local and I can get a picture of you with Cooper.

Let me know if you have any questions and Happy Weight Guessing!

Take your Child to Work Day

Until yesterday, we didn't know that today was Take Your Child to Work Day. It was a little late to pull the boys out of school and organize a day at work. Sybella is a bit young and has too short an attention span to spend the day at Dad's work [and she is with Mom at work every day :) ]
But, I decided that 10 minutes at work might be do-able. After running some errands, I took Sybella to David's office to see some of the people and to "play" with answering the phone.
I think that both her and David enjoyed it.