A Visit with the Aunts and Uncles

We got together with the extended family last weekend at Jane and Ken's because Barbara was visiting. Tyler and Janey K. made it in from Southern Maryland and it was an especial treat to see Thom and Aunt Cay up from North Carolina. The biggest surprise, though, was Kix and her kids. Turns out her son and Alec play on the same baseball team. What a small world!

At any rate, we had great pizza (of which I ate WAY too much) and lots to talk about including, in no particular order, our crazy relatives, politics, why you shouldn't "reply all" on e-mails, the benefits of local vs. shipped-in organic foods, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Janey K., in her usual Pied Piper way, took the girls off my hands, for which I am eternally grateful. They played restaurant and generally ran around like the insane urchins that they are. It was wonderful because I actually got to converse with the adults a little. You don't realize how much you miss that until you get to do it. I also got to hold Baby Kenny a time or two. He feels like a feather when you're used to hefting a 40-pound, solid muscle pre-schooler. The boy is ready to walk and once that happens all hell is going to break loose.

The only bummer of the day was that NOBODY brought a camera. Unbelievable!

A funny followup story (which some of you have already heard...)

Sunday, I came upstairs after working out and found the girls had built a huge nest of pillows in the living room. It was their restaurant, called "A Big Smile on You," presumably because that's what you'll have once you've eaten there. They were wearing their aprons that Aunt Janey K. had given them and Laura had made them name tags. She was Mrs. Tiffany and JiaJia was Mrs. Flower. Laura took my order, JiaJia cooked and served my lunch, then they gave me a hug, because as Laura said, "that's just the kind of restaurant this is." It was a hoot.

I'm embarrassed to admit we did a big nothing for St. Patrick's day. The girls didn't even wear green to school and I schlepped around the house in workout clothes all day (which are definitely not green). No green beer, no corned beef and cabbage (which I don't really mind since I don't particularly like corned beef), no soda bread, nothing. My Irish ancestors are spinning in their graves at this greivous omission. Oh well, maybe next year.

So next Sunday is Easter. Laura announced to me last night that her little buddy, Isabella, had told her there is no Easter Bunny, its really your parents. What?!?!? I thought I had at least a couple more years before we had this conversation but no such luck. I pointed out to her that Isabella hadn't proven herself to be a particularly good source of information in the past but I think she is on the verge. I hope I can convince her to believe for a little bit longer. I'm just not ready for my first baby to be that grown up.

But all things considered, whether she believes or not, I will be expected to pony up with the candy. Some things never change...

My Wild Children and Vince's Happy Birthday

The weather here has been pretty warm this week. Tuesday it was 70+ degrees but very rainy and windy. By the time I got home from the office the rain had stopped but the wind was intense. The girls had been riding their bikes outside but decided to get a little crazy when Mom got out the camera.

The girls had a great time making their own birthday cards for their dad, who turned 49 yesterday. JiaJia's is a purple explosion, consisting mostly of her name but with lots of squiggles and other stuff which only a four year old could understand. I love Laura's card, particularly the picture she drew of a big round head with the legend "You." Since Dad is the only one in the house with a big bald head I think we could have figured out who the picture depicted without her guidance but there it is.

Vince had requested surf and turf for dinner so the girls helped me make poached lobster with lemon butter and filet mignon with sauce Bearnaise, along with roasted asparagus and baked potato. Since I had to go into the office in Virginia three days this week I cheated and bought a cake at Wegman's but I have to admit, I would have been pressed to make one that tasted as good. It was fantastic!

After dinner it was bath and bed for all (not all together but you know what I mean...) We slept the sleep of those who are well fed and happy. How blessed we are to have such privilege in our lives.