Michigan in May

In the air and enjoying the ride. The children are awesome travelers. Grand Rapids here we come!

Nothing but smiles once Jill and I are together :)

Let the games begin!

Time together with cousins begins in the mud.

Reese, Ellis, Rowan, Evangeline, Jenna (in birth order)

 T-Ball and Baseball Time

 And of course, lots of eating!

What a joy to spend time together just livin' life.  See you again soon!

A Goodbye Sendoff

Playgroup & church friends: R, D, Evangeline, S, A, Rowan

 Our time with the Champion-Terrell Family was a blessings. This past month we had to start saying our goodbyes.  KCT, W, S, and D are off to have a fantastic life in Indiana and we wish them the best.  No one leaves BSpa without a proper send off (especially from this Ballston Babe) and unfortunately we've had lots of practice saying goodbye to friends.

 Our sentimental gift for S &  D was also a way for us to remember them: canvas hand print art for everyone's wall. I painted each little one's hand, they made their hand print on canvas, and then after they all dried I wrote their names below their hand.  Six beautiful works of art were finished in the hour and are proudly hanging in each on of the children's rooms.





Our practical gift for S & D was a "Keep in Touch" box filled with: paper, envelopes, stamps, pencils, and photo-personalized address labels. Anytime S & D want to send us a 'note' or art work they've created they can sign, seal, and it'll be delivered.
 

Words and pictures alone don't capture the beauty of these friends but their imprints they've left on our hearts will last forever. Blessings Champion-Terrells!

Kristen, S, D, and Evangeline

Colleen and Kristen

Philly or Bust!

(last time it was a bust and this time we made it!)

Every time I get together with my college girls it's an adventure. We talk, have coffee, talk some more, play games, take a jaunt, and finish the day with a nice long talk. It's all about friends and these precious children!
Julie, Leah, Violet, Rowan, Ellie, EvangelineIntroducing our newest 'college-gal' Violet! With Ellie immediately the band formed,Feels like home, only with different toys!We love playgrounds and we didn't stand a chance on losing Evangeline in those colors!
Sandbox play
Anticipating the entry into the Philadelphia Zoo
These are amazing friends.
And this ride is how we roll,

A Month In Photos

Rowan is having his first experience in organized soccer. He, of course, loves it. It's a highlight of the week for him. He runs on the court when we get there, checks in with us for water breaks, and then heads back out until we force him to leave. Score! Soccer is a success.

Evangeline's First Haircut

Naturally, it was bound to have to happen. Evangeline's hair had to be cut. Her ever growing hair and curling locks needed a healthy trim. And this is how it played out.

1st. Correct Eva that her hair was going to be cut and not her herself.
2nd. Set up the stool, scissors and mirror, and put on the tv.
3rd. Lure Evangeline to the stool with a white chocolate lollipop.
4th. Cut away.

5th. Celebrate the hair cut with praise, let her look in the mirror as long as she'd like, and take cute pictures!

Before

After

In exchange for a meal at our house some very generous friends have passed down boots and skis for Rowan. What a jackpot! Taking on even the bunny hill at West Mountain would be a big leap for a newbie 4 year old skiier in training. Thankfully my mom shared a moment of wisdom and pointed out the sloped front and backyard as potential hills for practice runs. It works! The first day on skis was spent in the fireplace room learning the 'lingo' and getting a feel for the boots. The next day Rowan and Alan hit the slopes (read backyard). Now, all we need is snow for a few more practice runs and then to the official bunny hill we go!

"You're mommy",..."Aunt Ditty?", says Evangeline. Then, "Lolly's your mommy. You're my mommy." It is so sweet to watch Evangeline try and put all the pieces together. She knows I'm her mother but is also now learning that other people call me by different names. Yes, it must look quite complicated. I turn at Christine, Chrissy, Chris, and of course anytime anyone says Mom. I answer to Mrs. Rudnick but only after looking to see if Phyllis Rudnick is in the room. Also, some of my nephews and niece call me Aunt Ditty. Aunt Ditty seems only natural after Jill called me Ditty for quite some time growing up. Evangeline watches me as a wife to her daddy, a mother to her brother, and sister and daughter (also add in-law to both of those) to her family members that go by other names. It's so sweet to watch our little one's mind work. Evangeline is truly finding her place in our beautiful puzzle.

It's the New Year and we are anticipating Epiphany this weekend. Christmas decorations and our Christmas tree are still up and continue to remind us of the joy of the Christ's birth. And in this spirit here we have some moments from Christmastide.

Christmas Eve, Rowan and Evangeline at church

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Christmas morning, Evangeline in the sanctuary

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Christmas day, Alan and Rowan opening gifts
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Christmas in New Jersey, Evangeline and Jenna modelling new tutus!
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Jenna and Jill, By Christmas lights and firelight
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