ULYC Spring Regatta 2016

In May the ULYC had their bi-annual regatta in Maryland. Sophie has been crew with Dave a few times in the past, but this is the first time that Lauren and I joined them. It was a gorgeous day and turned out to be a lot of fun. Our friends John, Crystal and their daughter Bella joined us as well, along with Kathy and Dave. 

Sophie at the helm. Dave always lets her steer over the finish line. Unfortunately for her, this is the first race where she didn't come in first (and a 3rd place finish at that!). 

Lauren and Bella doing "boat babes"

All four of us afterward at the post-regatta party. 

Sailing in NYC

This past weekend we took a day trip to NYC to see some America's Cup racing. The boats are currently on a promotional tour around the world to promote the big race in Bermuda this summer. Unfortunately of the two days of racing they had in NYC we were there for the one that was delayed for weather. They ended up only getting one race it, but it was still cool to see. 

The American team on Oracle, Japanese team behind them

Keeping with the nautical theme we went to the Seaport Museum and toured their boat, anchored in the harbor. We let the girls get gummy candy, and Lauren is apparently unable to break her hand away long enough to take this picture.

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"