Mother's Day 2016

After a week straight of rain the sun finally peeked out on Mother's Day. We took advantage and did a little bike ride and picnic in a beautiful park in our neighborhood. 

Me and my girls

A week before Mother's Day I did the annual Philly Broad Street Run. It's the largest 10 miler in the country with 40,000 runners. This was my first race since having the kids. And unfortunately it was wet and cold. But Dave and the kids were troopers and came out to cheer me on anyway! It was what got me through the first 6 miles and totally worth seeing their smiling faces and homemade sign (paint still wet). I finished in 1:33 and won't ever run that race in the rain again! 

The cheering squad

Daddy Daughter Dance

Dave took the girls to the annual Daddy Daughter Dance at the Union League recently. Last year it was just him and Sophie, but this year Lauren was big enough to go. They were both very excited. I met them at the end of the evening (moms strictly forbidden) right when they were turning into total puddles on the floor. I think it was a good night ;)

Here's the handsome trio.

Easter 2016

This year we went to Charlottesville for Easter. We had a little break in the cold weather - enough to have an Easter egg hunt on the campus of UVa. And another one back at Mom and Dad's house. Never enough candy, right? 

Here are the girls in their Easter best on The Lawn

Almost the whole crew

Sophie Turns 6!

As I mentioned in my previous post, we like to do birthdays. In addition to her class party (where I forgot to take pictures), Sophie had a family party and an ice skating birthday party with her friends.

"Happy Birthday" from her friends

Lauren and Dave out on the ice. I did one time around the rink and decided it was best for everyone if I remained the photographer on the sidelines.

Chocolate cake with vanilla frosting. What could be better?

Her favorite present? Roller skates! She's gotten the hang of them pretty quickly. 

Lauren Turns 3!

As is the tradition in this family, we extend birthday's for as long as possible. And Lauren's was no exception. She had an early celebration at school, before the holiday break, and then a small family party on her actual birthday, and then a larger family party in January, which was a dual celebration with Ari. I feel you can never celebrate enough.

In a Montessori classroom the birthday celebration involves the birthday child walking around a candle (which symbolizes the sun) holding the earth as many times as he or she is old. During that time the teacher talks about what has happened each year during the child's life. Here her teacher Mr. Patrick (or pronounced Mr. Pack-rich by Lauren) is describing her life so far. 

Sophie was invited to join in the celebration from her classroom next door.

And then there was the family party with Ari. Here's Mom, Brittany and the birthday girls

Preparing for "Happy Birthday" 

Winter Fun

We've had a pretty mild winter until the end of January, when we were slammed with over 2 feet of snow. Sledding in the back yard was in full swing with all of the neighbors coming over to enjoy the hill.

Lauren with some neighbors

Snow bed.

Sadly, Lauren ended a day of sledding by slamming right into our swing set. She knocked three teeth loose, but not stitches were needed, thank goodness. 

Dave has also taken Sophie skiing a few times this winter. She's getting pretty good. They moved from the bunny hill to a green hill during their last trip. 

The Girl's First Flyers Game!

We took the girls to their first Flyers game in January. We weren't sure if they would last the whole game, but they did and love it (maybe because we kept the treats coming). And it was a great game - a blowout by the Flyers!