Saturday in the snow

This has been the snowiest and coldest winter that we have experienced in NJ. Cabin fever is kicking in for all of us. Especially after the holidays and the down that comes with that sometimes. So after this most recent 'storm' I bundled the kids up and we went to our favorite park, Sayen Gardens. We were the only ones there and were greeted with the sweet quiet that only a blanket of snow can provide. It was broken up with the familiar sound of snow crunching under our feet, instantly bringing back the memories of each winter before. Remember wearing breadbags in your boots to keep your feet dry? Anyway, Brian pulled the kids on our cheap sled and they couldn't have been happier. Well, they actually did get a little happier after we left and went to a hill near our house for some real sledding! They loved it and I was just bummed my camera battery had died before I got pics of them flying down the hill. Here are a few shots I did get though. It was a nice day.

The Best Part of Making Brownies.....

I love the teamwork approach they have here!

Clean up is my personal favorite....there was brownie on the doors, walls, floors, behind the ears! You name it there was browing on it....but it was fun!

Stella goes to the Dentist!

Stella had her first trip to the dentist today! I was so stinking proud of this kid as she bopped through the office and hopped into the chair telling the dr and hygenist all about her friend Chino (the little dog I let her bring along) and answer questions about school and her teeth. I was totally the beaming mom as I saw the other staffers smiling at her and saying how cute she was and what a good girl she was....as if she was the only good girl on the planet. So silly I know but I couldn't help it. Aunt Debbie would be proud that her teeth looked great and she giggled while they cleaned them.

Here are a few pics I got with my cell phone....I love how big the bib looks on her.

Happy New Year!

We were so happy to get to see Mike, Rosana, Declan and Jim over the holidays. We didn't think it would happen after the snow storm but on New Year's eve day we went out to Jim's new home in Atlantic Highlands and had a wonderful time. Mike, Rosana and Declan had taken the train from the city along with Rosana's mom so we could all connect. I love seeing our little ones together and hope they will be good friends in the years to come. Jim's house is amazing and it was just a great day and time together. Thanks to all of them for making it happen and giving Stella one more chocolate cake....I think she had 4 mini parties to celebrate turning 4. TeeHee.

The Mini McGann Men catching up.

Declan warming up to the camera or me or both.

I love that Jim is happy to get on the floor and play with the kids...or let them climb on his furniture! Thanks Uncle Jim.

My new favorite shot of Stella. She is so pretty!

Declan making tracks!

The ADORABLE cake Jim and Jose got for Stella B!

Jacob is trying to be patient while Jim cuts the cake.

Declan eating....

Jacob inhaling.....

Stella LOVING her last piece of Chocolate cake for 2010

The Mini McGanns are ready to party!

Declan and Jose

The boys, Jacob, Brian, Jim, Mike, Declan and Jose

The Girls, Stella, Mommy, Rosana and her mom Phyllis

Stella's Christmas Show Pics

Right in front in black just left of center.

Pretty girl!

Stella's friend Riley.

Almost smiling.....her playgroup friend Jack is right behind her in the green, grinning for me.

This was after the presentation when they let the parents come up and take pictures. Total insanity. I caught this shot from the balcony before throwing myself into the photo mosh pit and I love how Stella is totally looking and smiling.

Stella, Jacob and Riley enjoying some post show cookies.

Jacob's TWO year pictures.

I had these taken at the Kiddie Kandids and was sure we would have to abandon the idea when we first arrived and he wanted NOTHING to do with it. But big sister Stella came to the rescue and helped lure him to the camera and we managed to grab these stinking adorable shots. We love you Jacob!

Hair Loss

I could barely watch as Jacob got his hair cut yesterday. I made sure to take him for his 2 year portraits first but then had to admit.....it was time and he does look adorable.
Click on the picture to see it larger.
I managed to catch 2 shots of Stella and Jacob goofing around on the sofa tonight that I thought I would include. If you had told me a year ago that these two would be giggling and even hugging I wouldn't have believed it.

HUGGING!!!!!! They are actually HUGGING!!!!

It certainly isn't like this all of the time but it is wonderful to see more and more of these moments.