Team Trauger

Piano time.

2010-04-12T20:33:00.000-04:00

Look who is EIGHT!

2010-04-03T16:53:00.000-04:00

2/26/10

It is hard to belive Kirsten is 8! (and that today is 4.3.10) time gets away from me something awful these days. I surprised Kirsten by having lunch with her at school. It was a "lunhc bunch" day, which means the girls ate in the classroom. Kirsten in an all girl class this year and loves it.

Friends

Random pictures of the class.

Presents. Hannah gave her the Egypt stuff....

Driving around town...

2010-02-26T22:18:00.002-05:00

These pictures don't do justice to the amount of snow we got.

George Washington Parkway. Potomac River on right.

Potomac...walking trail.

Old Town Alexandria.

View from my office.

Plane landing at Reagan.

Cabin Fever...

2010-02-26T22:07:00.003-05:00

We had a week off of school and work...we:

Frosting on nose!

Said cheese a lot.

did play doh

Marin's caterpillar...

molding clay...

Marin's castle.

Kirsten's castle.

snow...again. Digging out.

2010-02-26T21:57:00.005-05:00

Damn shovel.

The ever growing pile of snow.

Cute girl.

YUM. Lasagna.

Me, not enjoying shoveling.

Grace.

Marin on Mount Trauger.

Trees.

The house.

Kirsten.

Snow...

2010-02-26T21:47:00.002-05:00

Ready to play...

ready to warm up!

Brrrr.....

Making snow ice cream.

A little more snow...

CHEESE!

Chocolate.

Snow, snow and more snow!

2010-02-26T21:37:00.003-05:00

First snow, 2.3.10

First Snow, 2.3.10

2.3.10

2.6.10

Leinie

Carol and Leinie

Too much to play in, but we had fun!

Campells and Pizza Night!

2010-02-26T21:30:00.002-05:00

We had a lot of fun one Saturday night when we had the Campbell's over for pizza...

Marin, Kirsten and Jasmine.

Sabrina and Ava.

That fateful Sunday....

2010-02-14T13:53:00.003-05:00

We had some people over for the NFC Championship. It was fun, even though the vikings lost.

Kel and Joe

Kirsten and Kel

Neil and Joe skinning the salmon.

Joe, Kirsten and Carol.

Marin.

Randy and the girls.

Randy, the girls and Oliver.

Prep.

Randy.

Purple toe nail polish!

Tinkermarin.

2010-02-14T13:51:00.001-05:00

Marin received some gift cards for her birthday...and bought this Tinkerbell nightgown. She wanted her hair like Tinks...

Time with Team Jean!

2010-02-14T13:39:00.002-05:00

Our good friends the Jeans will be moving to North Carolina later this year :( we are spending as much time as possible with them.

Austin and Karen

Kel and Karen

Ice cream at Ikea!

Kirsten and Ashley!

Look who is 40!!

2010-02-14T13:06:00.003-05:00

1/16/10

Joe turned 40! Kirsten wanted to make him breakfast in bed. So we made pancakes.

Gathering ingredients...

Making the batter!

YUM!

Carol brings her gift...

1978 Margeaux

Making cupcakes...purple frosting for the Vikes.

And some blue...

Fun day!

Austin's Christening.

2010-02-14T12:52:00.004-05:00

Austin Henry Jean was Christened in January, a postponed date from the first big snow storm that hit the DC area. It was lovely, Father Chuck is wonderful. Afterwards, we ate at Chadwick's in Old Town.

Father Chuck

Look at that cute boy!

The water.

Kel, taken by Marin.

Godparents, Craig and Vicki.

DJ and Marin.

The girls, before we left. Self portrait!

New Towels

2010-02-06T14:45:00.001-05:00

NYE 2009

2010-02-06T14:15:00.004-05:00

Pizza Night!

2010-01-31T11:16:00.004-05:00

12/30/09

Joe's tweaking his pizza dough recipe - both regular and gluten free. We had the Herold's, McCarthy's and our friend Randy (as well as mom and Frank) over. Great time.

It was also my big brother's birthday. We missed him. They were out here in 2008.

Check out the dough!

Frank and Randy.

Carol and Brandon.

Randy and Sean.

Tiffany, Juanita and Brandon.

Baby Ben, Tiff's son.

Frank gets some Ben time.

Frank and Denny.

The crew.

Take 2.

Totally in to his pizza zone.

Caught Frankers off guard. He was lovin his pie.

Baby Maggie and Christine.

The bestest beagle in the world.

Dr. Fish and Shopping!

2010-01-30T15:49:00.002-05:00

Mom loves to go to the fish pedicure place while she is here. This time Marin got in to the action. Kirsten had no desire, but did get a regular pedi/mani.

The rest of the 27th

2010-01-30T12:54:00.002-05:00

Gaylord Lobby

Cuteness.

Two tired old farts.

Frank using Linda's glasses to read the menu.

Grammy and Kirsten at the favorite place,

the Chop-Chop (Tokyo one)

Kel and mom.

The Crew.

PEEPS!!!

2010-01-29T21:43:00.002-05:00

12/27/09

While the boys were playing golf, the girls went to check out the Flagship Peeps store. We had a good time and got to try lots of Mike & Ike and Hot Tamale's samples!

Peeps collage.

Giant Peep.

With our Peeps purchase.

Stuffed Peeps!

Silly Peep!

Gaylord National!

2010-01-29T21:33:00.002-05:00

12/27/09

We decided to get out of the house - mom and Frank had not been over to the National Harbor...so off we went. We had lunch at the Gaylord National's "National Pastimes Sports Bar and Grill". They have a golf game that Joe has been wanting to try out...we all had a good time.

Joe's up.

Kel and Kirsten

Frank has a go.

Kirsten, too!

Coloring and waiting for snacks!

Christmas Day

2010-01-08T19:15:00.004-05:00

12/25/09

The girls got some good sleep and didn't wake us until about 8! The were so happy to see that Santa had visited them.

Wii game!

Havok Heli!

The Gram.

Stockings!

Pretty tree.

Kel and Joe.

Grace.

Aftermath.

Preparing the ham!

Christmas Eve Dinner

2010-01-06T00:36:00.004-05:00

12/24/09

After church, Joe got cracking on dinner - it was delicious!

Teasing Frank with the lobster.

YUM-O!

The crew.

Kirsten and Granddad. They had chicken.

Opening crackers.

Kirsten and Carol.

Me!

Frank!

Setting out cookies and writing Santa a note.

Christmas Eve - Off to Church!

2010-01-06T00:25:00.005-05:00

12/24/09

We went to the family service at church. The Trauger's played a big part. Kirsten played piano, our family lit the Advent Wreath - Kirsten read the words and I lit the candles, all but the Christ candle, it was too high for me and Joe had to help and Kirsten brought down the communion wafers to the alter. It was a really nice service. I remember when we lived in Prior Lake, our church would hold its Christmas Eve service in a barn...I always remembered how neat that was to be in a similar setting to where He was born.

Cheese!

Tradition is to open one gift on Christmas Eve.

Cool, thanks Teddy!

Team Trauger

Grammy and her girls.

Kirsten at the piano, practicing.

Take 2!

Random Christmas Eve Pictures

2010-01-02T19:11:00.002-05:00

12/24/09

We spent a low key day at home...

Breakfast.

Post doughnut face.

Our beautiful beagle.

Grace is getting tired of me taking her picture.

Leinie, Joe and Grace.

Fun with lobster!

2010-01-02T18:57:00.002-05:00

12/24/09
Carol treated us to live lobster for Christmas Eve dinner. We had some fun before we ate them.

We tried to have a lobster race...didn't happen.

Not so happy.

Ready, Aim....

Flying lobster.

Santa Send off at MVCC

2010-01-02T17:26:00.005-05:00

12/23/09

Every your the Mount Vernon Country Club sends Santa off in style. This year was no exception. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of Santa with the girls...oh well - he will be back next year.

Joe and Frank
Granddad and Grammy

We three

Kirsten in her fancy coat.

Joe assists Armer.

Marin and Armer, they are in preschool together.

Marin has proclaimed that she might marry him.

Carol and Frank.

Self Portrait.

Dinner and drinks.

Marin loves assistat manager Peter.

Snow Day = Movie Day

2010-01-01T17:02:00.003-05:00

12/21/09

Fairfax County declared a snow day (well, three which went straight in to winter break). A group of Marin's friends from preschool went to the Princess and the Frog. Older siblings were welcome. We went to Johnny Rockets for lunch and the movie was adorable (of course there was the typical darkness that Disney always has in its cartoons).

Four year olds at Johnny Rockets.

The older girls.

The girls with Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Christmas Cookies!

2010-01-01T15:25:00.003-05:00

Marin's prechool program!

2009-12-21T19:00:00.003-05:00

12/18/09

Ron and Marlys were able to stay for Marin's preschool program. The kids sang a few song and one of the teachers read Christmas Mouse. We then had cookies and punch.

Saying goodbye.

Big hugs.

Playing!

Singing voices, ready!

Marin got a hat adjustment.

Sweet singing!

Winter Wonderland

2009-12-21T18:52:00.003-05:00

Christmas with Ron and Marlys!

2009-12-21T17:41:00.005-05:00

12/14-18/2009

Ron and Marlys drove out from Iowa to spend some time with us. They had been at the Indianapolis Colts game on the 13th. We had a wonderful time with them.

Marin and Daddy at MVCC.

Grandpa and Kirsten.

Father and son.

Group shot!

Ron and Marlys.

Kirsten got a little water gun in her Christmas cracker.

Daddy and Marin.

Marin and Grandpa.

Marin tries to float the ball...

Carol opens her cracker.

Mom and Kirsten.

Joe.

Cruising with Santa and the Cambell's!

2009-12-21T09:10:00.009-05:00

12/12/09

We went on the Santa Cruise with Campbell's again this year. It was a perfect day for a ride from Old Town over to the National Harbor on the water taxi. It was extra special, since Santa joined us. We ate lunch at the Gaylord National and walked the harbor for awhile.

All Aboard!

Marin and Mom.

Santa reads a story.

Marin wouldn't get off his lap.

Jasmine and Marin.

Friends!

WOW - the fountains went really high!

And got us wet!

Kirsten.

Kel and Sabrina.

Sabrina and Ava.

Lorne and Joe.

Mosaic George.

Mosaic Map.

Kirsten with the big mosaic map.

Marin...

The big tree...

Marin wanted a picture of this cool horse.

Marin at the Awakening.

Jasmine.

Another view of the tree.

Walking back to the water taxi.

Present Time!

2009-12-21T09:02:00.002-05:00

This was Marin's first birthday party, last year she was supposed to have one, but the entire family had the flu. Thankfully, Grammy was here to take care of us. Marin could not wait to open her gifts.

Dad and his girls.

Grace.

Kirsten.

Good stuff!

Which one next?

This one!

Mom and her girls!

Leinie gets a check up.

All clear!

Tired pups!

The Pony Party

2009-12-21T08:28:00.007-05:00

Marin requested a pony party to celebrate her birthday with her friends. She also wanted it to be at church, which was a great idea - big space and no cleaning for mom and dad! We had fun at the old school party.

Sabrina came over to help with the cake.

Marin insisted on the strawberry flavored cake...

Crumb coat.

Cute! Joe decorated it.

Pre-party nap.

Painting ponies.

Marin.

Shea, Kirsten and Ellie.

Lining up for pin the tail on the donkey.

Good job, girls!

Cake!

limbo.

Freeze dance.

Musical chairs.

Making snow angels with Reese.

Tabaka Annual Christmas Party!

2009-12-19T18:19:00.005-05:00

12/5/09

Our friends the Tabaka's have an annual Christmas party and we always have a fabulous time, this year was no exception. The girls got to see Santa and do crafts and be a little on the wild side. Joe and I were able to catch up with friends.

At our house, ready to go.

Family.

Owen Tabaka and Marin.

Marin and Catherine.

Adam and Chrissy, the fantastic hosts.

Marin and the big man.

3/4 of Team Trauger, Kirsten was off having fun.

Barb and baby Sofia.

Fun!

Dan and Sean.

Kel and Dan.

Rachel, Nita and me.

Marin in the first snow.

Happy 4th Birthday, Marin!

2009-12-04T18:50:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe Marin is only four...sometimes it is hard to believe she is already four. Time sure flies by. She brought yellow rice krispie treats to school for a special snack, her baby sitter baked her cupcakes and we went to the Club for dinner. She opened lots of presents when we got home and her party with school friends will be on Sunday afternoon!

On our way to school.

With Carol at the Club.

Kirsten and Daddy at dinner.

Happy birthday to ME!!

The girls with Maricela and Yesenia - they are our favorite wait staff.

The girls.

From Bompa and Gramma M&M.

From Grammy.

The loot.

Carol's gift.

Hannah's gifts.

A unicorn pen!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-21T19:10:00.003-05:00

Kirsten had her "operation" -- the moving of her growth plate while under general anesthesia. Needless to say, trick or treating was abbreviated this year, but plenty of candy was had.

The Unicorn and the Patient.

First stop, Carol's!

Can we go already??? Kirsten, Marin and Jasmine.

With Mrs. Markman!

Ava, a little tootsie roll!

Kirsten and the broken radius...

2009-11-11T14:28:00.002-05:00

10/29/09

Kirsten hurt herself on our neighbor's slide...we went to the ER...sure enough it was a fractured radius. The worst part was that her growth plate shifted. She went in to the operating room on Halloween morning to have it put back in to place. Apparently it is a very painful procedure, so they put her under for it. Thankfully, it was put back in to place with out an incision. As of today (11/11/09) she has three more weeks in the cast, then two in a splint! She is a trooper.

At the ER

Watching iCarly.

Xray!

Matching casts!

Kitty and her cast!

EWS Halloween Parade!

2009-11-10T22:51:00.002-05:00

10/28/09

I love the Halloween parade at Epiphany Weekday School. I took part of the morning off so I could participate...

classmates.

Our little unicorn.

Singing...

Fall Fun!

2009-11-10T22:40:00.003-05:00

A local church had a fall festival the other weekend, so the girls and I checked it out. Marin was in heaven, there was a pony ride. Kirsten enjoyed playing all of the different games.

Hannah

2009-11-07T19:00:00.002-05:00

Can I tell you how much we miss Hannah??? She came in to our lives on July 24, 2009. Just a three month assignment, but she has left a permanent impression on us. She was a helping hand, sounding board and always there for a hug for any of us (especially me!) WE MISS YOU!

last night, pooh.

Marin writing her name

Painting pumpkins.

Take 2.

15th Anniversary

2009-11-07T17:33:00.002-05:00

Joe and I took advantage of Hannah's last weekend here. We played golf and stayed over night in Richmond...we even took in two movies! Couples retreat and the Informant!

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest!

2009-10-31T20:52:00.005-04:00

We thought Hannah would get a good laugh at an American style Oktoberfest. We had fun, especially the people watching!

on our way!

When is it my turn?

Carousel.

Hannah.

Marin and mom ride the swings!

The girls and the Geico gecko

Joe wins blow up bats.

Hannah and Kel and Spaten.

Joe and Kel

Self portrait...end of the night...

Pizza night!

2009-10-27T21:23:00.004-04:00

We had the McCarthy's, Carol, Louise, Jack and Leinie over for pizza...Graham left a before Louise did...we devoured a lot of pizza...

The pizza man.

What shall I choose?

Veggies for Hannah, the works for Carol.

Black olives and cheese for these two.

Green olives and cheese for the kids.

gluten free goodness, with green olives, sausage, pepperoni and little bit of cheese for me.

Self portrait of Sean and me.

Christine bought goofy glasses for the kids...here is Will.

Kirsten.

Marin.

Marin and Hannah.

Jack's first popsicle.

2009-10-27T21:05:00.001-04:00

Popsicles always make you feel better!

So Long Sloans!

2009-10-27T20:50:00.004-04:00

Our dear, sweet neighbors, Graham, Louise and baby Jack have been stationed in Japan for the next three years...this was our last Sunday night supper club with them. We also had Ken and Ginny, another set of neighbors over. We had a great time!

Baby Jack.

The boys chat it up.

Carol and I

Ginny and Jack snuggle.

Ginny and Joe.

Ginny, Louise and Jack.

Joe and Ken played guitar...good times.

Fundraiser on the Potomac!

2009-10-23T20:59:00.002-04:00

Joe and I attended a fundraiser for our local candidate, Jay McConville, it was a great time on the Potomac Belle Joe and me.

Our neighbor Randy and me.

the McConvilles, the Traugers and the Allens (former Governor of VA and US Senator).

Randy at the end of the evening...

Hair cuts!

2009-10-16T22:44:00.003-04:00

I was determined to get the girls hair cuts before school pictures...it cost me....$50! All the woman did was wet their hair...and a little blow dry...ugh.

Before

Wetting the hair.

Kirsten's turn.

Waiting...

Marin is ready!

Trim...

Cute...with lollipops to boot!

Random

2009-10-14T21:22:00.004-04:00

The McConvilles, The Traugers and the Allens.

We went to a fundraiser for Jay McConville, the former Gov. Allen and his wife were there.

Randy and I on the boat at the event.

Joe and I

Kel

Marin a.k.a. the unicorn

We will miss Lara!

2009-10-14T21:11:00.002-04:00

Lara is Hannah's good friend who was also here from Germany, she was staying with a family just down the street from us (that's how we found Hannah). She is a wonderful, sweet person and we all miss her.

the girls

Lara, Kel and Marin

Lara and Hannah

Homemade Chicken Kiev (GFCF)

2009-10-14T21:07:00.002-04:00

Cooking with Carol! Kirsten and Carol -- as well as Marin and Hannah -- made chicken kiev, it was fantastic!

First day of Preschool - 5 day 4's!

2009-10-14T21:00:00.002-04:00

9/14/09

Marin adores school. Wednesdays are her favorite because it is music day and she loves to sing!

Lobster!

2009-10-07T21:32:00.002-04:00

Hannah had not had lobster before...Carol treated us. Lara is allergic, and Kirsten's not a fan - so they had chicken. Delicious!

Hannah and Lara.

Carol and Marin.

Mom and Kirsten.

Lara and Kirsten.

GNO

2009-10-07T21:21:00.004-04:00

The girls and I went to Chevy's one evening when daddy worked late.

Mom and Marin

Marin and ice cream.

Kirsten and ice cream.

Kirsten made Rapunzel out of dough.

Open house at EWS!

2009-10-07T21:13:00.002-04:00

Marin was thrilled that school was back in session. I was chatting so much, I forgot to take pictures...then we got rained out.

Piggie tails!

Sweet sisters!

Marin is happy to have Ms. Teresa again this year.

Grand Opening of Occasionally Cake!

2009-09-27T16:10:00.003-04:00

We are proud of our friend and neighbor, Sabrina. She opened her own shop last month and even does gluten free!

Mr. Todd, President of the Mount Vernon - Lee Chamber of Commerce.

Sabrina says a few words.

Proud family!

Ribbon cutting.

Cutting the cake. The little one on the right was GF chocolate.

Second Grader!

2009-09-27T13:38:00.002-04:00

September 8, 2009

Labor Day Weekend

2009-09-22T21:39:00.006-04:00

We ended the summer with great weather, a day at the pool and Joe and I getting a round of golf in...gloriious.

Marin and Hannah watching German cartoons.

Marin a.k.a. the fish

In the fort...

Kirsten in the fort

The girls...looking at a bug I think.

Marin and mom.

Marin and Paige backstroking

Marin...it was a little chilly.

Action shot.

Take 2.

A day on the river!

2009-09-22T21:29:00.002-04:00

Our friends the McCarthy's took Joe, Hannah and the kids on a boat ride on the Potomac the Thursday of Labor Day weekend.

Launching the boat.

All aboard!

Take 2.

Ahhh...the wind in my face.

Sean drives, Jack, Marin and Kirsten enjoy the day.

Joe's turn.

Sleepy girl.

Mount Vernon

Weekend fun

2009-09-05T19:21:00.002-04:00

Last weekend was very relaxing...

Saturday night - Wacky dinner picnic inside

Sunday we made lasagna for dinner.

Trying a fresh mushroom.

Not fans of mushrooms.

Finished product! Delish.

MOUSSE AU CHOCOLAT !!

2009-09-01T20:54:00.003-04:00

Hannah and the girls made mousse au chocolat a week or so ago. Thank you Hannah for sharing your pictures! This dessert was out of this world!

Marin doing something.

Beating the eggs.

Working hard.

Check out those egg whites.

Chocolate goodness.

Yum!

Bliss.

Crabs.

2009-08-29T09:36:00.001-04:00

Brracuda Banquet!

2009-08-20T21:38:00.002-04:00

Earlier in the season.

Having dinner with Hannah and Marin

Waiting for her name....

With Dad

With Mom

FINALLY. We are so proud of our swimmer.

Pirate's Cove!

2009-08-20T21:31:00.002-04:00

Lorton VA July 2009

We went with Reese and Lisa and had a great time. We had so much fun, I forgot to take pictures. Marin swam like a fish and so did Reese. It was especially nice - only 2 1/2 feet deep. Kirsten did her own thing and made new friends.

Hannah Arrives!!

2009-08-20T21:15:00.003-04:00

Hannah is here from Germany staying with us until October. We love her!

At the airport

Hannah and the girls.

Sina, Hannah, Kirsten, Marin and Lara.

Sina, Kelleen and Lara

We are all the same size!!!

Traugers

2009-07-30T21:38:00.003-04:00

Marin and Kirsten

Kel and Joe

Marin

Kirsten with her GF/DF Chocolate Angelfood Cake...thanks Jill! http://www.heythattastesgood.com/2009/07/chocolate-angel-food-cake-chocolate.html

MVCC Barracudas

2009-07-30T21:26:00.004-04:00

2009 Barracudas.

Kirsten is in the pink cap.

go....

Rock on sista!

Painting!!

2009-07-30T19:50:00.003-04:00

Joe painted the family room a couple of weeks ago.

Taken when we first moved in 3 1/2 years ago.

Primer.

During.

Chaos.

Gorgeous!

Scooters and Bikes

2009-07-24T22:12:00.000-04:00

Independence day!

2009-07-24T21:50:00.006-04:00

We had a small gathering for the fourth...great food, by Joe. Good times.

Marin.

Carol and the girls, Grace and Leinie.

Reese, with a Grace who was watching for a snack...

Kirsten with a snack.

Lisa and Reese.

Leinie.

The unnamed neighbors.

Marin.

Love the sparklers.

the girls.

Reese.

4th of july pool time!

2009-07-24T21:42:00.002-04:00

We went to the pool for awhile on the 4th, it was a perfect day!

Kirsten under water

Hello!

marin

Mom and Kel

Not so virtuous, Kirsten!

2009-07-23T19:59:00.003-04:00

7/3/09

Love the chop chop

2009-07-23T19:56:00.001-04:00

7/3/06

We went to the Japanese steak house with mom and Team McCarthy...yum. Marin still doesn't like it there, but loves the shrimp. She wanted to wait in the car.

Dr Fish Pedicure!

2009-07-23T19:51:00.001-04:00

Tanya!

2009-07-17T20:28:00.002-04:00

My good friend Tanya was in town and we had a girls night out at Rustico, it was awesome, gluten free pizza (and beer!)

Lunch at the Royal!

2009-07-17T20:19:00.004-04:00

7/2/09

The Royal is a favorite in old town (http://theroyalrestaurant.com/default.asp) Carol brought mom and the girls up for lunch, we had a fine time.

Kirsten hard at work in my office.

bye bye back 40!

2009-07-17T20:14:00.003-04:00

Ever since we bought this place, Joe has been chomping on the bit to get rid of the crap growing in the back yard...With James' help, they accomplished it. Now to cut down trees and seed?!!!

Cousins!

2009-07-17T20:05:00.002-04:00

6/24 - 6/30 2009

Team Trauger (MN) drove out to see us last month. We sure had a good time, but didn't take many pictures!

Karenna and Kirsten
Lily-Anne and Marin

cousins

again

Kel and Kristine

Dinner with Team Jean!

2009-07-17T19:57:00.003-04:00

MVCC Barracuda!

2009-07-16T19:52:00.002-04:00

Kirsten had her first swim meet on 6/14 - she did great!

with Paige.

our backstroker!

the girls

2009-07-16T19:49:00.001-04:00

June...

mvcc member guest dinner!

2009-07-16T19:46:00.001-04:00

6/13/09

Joe and Mark didn't win - but they had a good time. Mark and Paige couldn't join us for dinner...but we had a good time anyway!

Barb and I

Joe and Dan

near the end of the night...

American History Museum and more!

2009-07-16T19:25:00.005-04:00

6/13

Our friend Lori from college was in town...Joe was playing golf so we went to the American History Museum, which has recently been remodeled. It was awesome and great to see Lori, I hadn't seen her in over ten years!

Marin desperately wanted to get in the Dumbo cart!

Checking out radioactivity!

By Kirsten.

At the water fountain in Old Town.

Potomac River

Self portrait

Ice Cream!

2009-06-21T17:57:00.001-04:00

An afternoon with the Wolfe's

2009-06-14T17:00:00.006-04:00

May 30, 2009

Where has the time gone?

We went up to Kent island, Maryland with our friends the Wolfe's, who have since left for Fort Benning, Georgia. Joe and Rob played golf at Renditions (http://www.renditionsgolf.com/layout9.asp?id=127&page=2036).

Lisa picked the kids, Carol and I up and after the long drive the kids played at a local playground to get out the energy that had built up in the car. We had texted the boys to make sure we were good for time, no problem, we had an hour before the table would be ready. So we played and had a good time. When we got to the restaurant, the guys were offered a table, but the whole party was not there, therefore they would not seat them. We arrived about 15 minutes later and after a lot of frustration and words, we were finally sat at a table OVER 2 hours since the guys first got there! The food was good and the company was awesome.

The girls going to Target in Daddy's car after church.

Jackson and Marin.

The kids, bellying up to the bar!

Rob and Lisa

Jackson and Marin checking out the view.

Dig in!

Joe and his pile of crabs.

Kirsten and her wiki stick family

Movie star Marin

Movie Star Kirsten, by Jackson.

Two teeth in one day?!

2009-06-01T21:19:00.002-04:00

Kirsten lost two teeth last Thursday! (5/28/09)!

Pool's open!

2009-06-01T21:07:00.004-04:00

5/23/09

Yay! The pool opened last weekend and the weather cooperated on Saturday. The girls and I had a great time while daddy played golf.

Marin Fly's up to the 4 year old class!

2009-05-25T08:33:00.004-04:00

5/22/09

I was able to take half a day off on Friday to attend Marin's Flying up Ceremony at Preschool. She was very excited to have mom there and mostly to play on the play ground and have cookies. For lunch, we had a picnic with some friends on the school grounds.

God Bless America.

Receiving her certificate with Ms. Teressa.

Marin loves horses and playing with her friends.

Date Night!

2009-05-25T08:15:00.002-04:00

5/17/09

Friends had extra tickets to the Mount Vernon wine festival, so Joe and I happily agreed to take them off of their hands and have a date night. There were about 20 Virginia wineries giving samples and we found one we liked, bought a bottle and sat down and enjoyed the view and company. We even got to tour the cellar at Mount Vernon.

Kel and Joe.

Carrie and Jeff.

Sharon and Doug.

The Washington's and the Trauger's

The crew.

Randomness.

2009-05-25T07:52:00.002-04:00

Watching School House Rock!

Self portrait with her bean plant.

Marin and Leinie, our neighbor's dog.

mother's day!

2009-05-22T07:48:00.002-04:00

After church, Joe and Carol made a fabulous brunch...then we had to say good bye to mom till July.

Mom and me, by Kirsten

Mom, by Kirsten

Carol

The happy mommy

Kirsten takes her first communion!

2009-05-19T20:36:00.002-04:00

5/10/09

Pastor Tillman asked us if we wanted Kirsten to have her first communion this year. We were a little surprised as we both took our first communion when we were 15 or 16. But times change, and in the Lutheran community, they have changed it to first grade. It was neat that it fell on Mother's day, and special that Grammy was able to share this exciting time with Kirsten. It was a very informal event -- the kids just took communion with their parents during that time of the service.

Hank, Kirsten and Charlie.

with Pastor Tillman.

Goodbye and God bless you Uncle Joe.

2009-05-18T21:47:00.002-04:00

5/2/09

My great uncle Joe passed away up in Carlisle, PA. He was my Grammy's little brother and the last of her siblings to go. We didn't get up to visit as often as I wish we could have. I am so happy we went up there this past Christmas to see he and Aunt Bunny.

Mom came out for the service. It was bittersweet, you know your loved one is in a better place, but hard to let them go.

Uncle Joe, Marin, Kirsten and Aunt Bunny 12/08

Chop Chop!

2009-05-18T21:39:00.004-04:00

5/8/09

We went to our new favorite restaurant on the 8th. Only daddy caught the broccoli this time. We all loved our food, as usual!

Kirsten

Kel and Carol.

Mom and Kel.

Joe and Marin.

James.

Kirsten - totally in to it.

Marin waiting patiently for her shrimp.

Another party!

2009-05-18T21:33:00.002-04:00

5/3/09

Marin was invited to another party, she had a wonderful time painting her pot, getting her face painted and hang with the girls from school.

Painting.

Marin and her unicorn.

Ellie turned 4 and Elizabeth turned 3...they are neighbors...

snack time!

Maren, Marin and Charlotte.

Reese!

2009-05-18T21:29:00.002-04:00

5/2/09

We had dinner over at the Herold's...the girls were excited to see Reese and they all played nicely for hours!

Birthday party, with a REAL pony!

2009-05-18T20:50:00.004-04:00

5/2/09

We went to a birthday party and the main attraction was a pony! Kirsten choose not to ride it, Marin on the other had at least three rides! It was great fun.

Playing a little ball.

Marin and Ellie.

Marin on the pony.

Look at that face!

Cowgirl Kirsten!

Love the pink Harley.

enjoying cake!

Artichokes!

2009-05-04T21:41:00.002-04:00

Kirsten wanted to try a whole artichoke, so we had an appitizer one evening last week.

cute girl
Daddy peeling the first leaves off

Marin loved it

Kirsten, not so sure

Marin

2009-05-04T21:35:00.002-04:00

she let me put piggie tails in for school, but as soon as the pictures were taken, out they came.

Convertable Ride to School!

2009-05-01T22:00:00.001-04:00