Hot Chocolate Stand

Last weekend, my neighbors had a garage sale & brrrrr, it was cold! I couldn't get my act together in time to participate plus Pete can't part with any of his "stuff," so we just hung out with my great neighbors. The kids sold hot chocolate & donut holes & had a great time. Given the constant rain from the week, Anna's early morning soccer game was canceled. It was a perfect day to play soccer but the fields were just too wet.

Jo & Anna bought these cups from Teresa with their sales from hot chocolate.

Later that morning, we found out Rosie's afternoon game was canceled. It was bizarre to not have a game to run to, but we took a really long bike ride around Rock Hill - just me with Rosie & Anna. It was such a beautiful day, and we had a great time together. It was nice to be with the older girls & be able to focus on their conversation without my little Jo constantly interrupting us! I love that little peanut, but I feel Rosie & Anna don't get my undivided attention very often.

Super cute hairdos

Anna & her pals, Caroline & Hailey, went to Taylor's birthday party. Guess what kind of party it was? Yes, they all got their "hair done" with make-up. Luckily, not too much make-up! They looked super cute & I couldn't resist a picture. Usually, three is a crowd with girls, but these three play so wonderfully together. They are the best of friends!

Fancy, fancy & fancy!

"London" Gifts

I'm the worst blogger lately. Now, I'm so far behind that I don't know where to begin. I guess from where I left off!

My parents went to London, and all I got was....

sweatshirts & a t-shirt!

They were a big hit, and they wear them constantly. The weather has changed dramatically in St. Louis & it is so cold. They wore them proudly to school but promptly had to take them off in class as only "St. MM" gear is allowed. They didn't mind!

London was so fun!

I am so late in blogging about London - once I get out of the habit, it's hard to get back in. I'm back & have much to say. First of all, the trip was very fun, especially when the meetings were over. We had the best time hanging with Sean & Caroline. Thank you both for a great time!! Above is a picture Caroline took for me in front of the Cathedral (forgot the name). We attended a darn fast Mass that Sunday, but we did go! We did lots of walking so here's a rundown. Can it already be two weeks ago that we were in London? These thoughts are in no particular order but they make me laugh!

- Pete & Jerry (Cardinal client) walking around together - Sean agrees that Pete should take over that client now.
- Standing on the fountain at Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards - should have taken Sean's advice & stayed put on the right side. Caroline is also correct "it's never bad to be tall." So true but I'm stuck with my five feet!
- Trying to find food - seems like we were always starving & couldn't find the perfect place to eat.
- The most expensive lunch at Harrod's - very delicious but way too expensive
- Figuring out the tube system - it rocks!
- Visiting the countryside in our car - someone was looking out for us when we got a GPS - it was still hard to navigate with the GPS!! London is a maze to me.
- Stonehenge - nothing to say except "it's a bunch of rocks" but we did see it!
- Beautiful dinner at Oxo Tower overlooking the Thames. Pete & I ate kangaroo & it was good.
- Wonderful weather - amazing - too perfect!
- Seeing people run in a race in monkey suits down the street - never found out why!
- The Tower of London - pretty cool & so much history.
- Forgetting to get pictures of Flat Stanley - still need to do the poster - this weekend for sure.
- Scrunched on the Tube & wondering if Pete was going to lose it & hit someone.
- Being able to watch 3 movies on the flight home - I can't remember the last time I did that.

A great time & wonderful to be with Pete & on no particular schedule. We enjoyed talking with no interruptions & just being together. We'll remember this trip for a long time.

Off to London

Pete and I are off to London tomorrow afternoon. After much preparation for the kids , we are finally ready. I have 3 days of work, and then we get to have fun. It has been way too long since we took a trip together, and we are so excited. We have never been to London, so it is totally new to us. My parents are taking care of the kids, and as my mom said, "we raised 6 kids so I think I can handle your 3." So true, so true. I have more notes that she won't even need, but that's me - just like my dad - covering every possible base - just in case! I hope to post some pictures while I'm over there. More later.....

Elizabeth's Baptism

Elizabeth was baptized today, and she is so sweet! What a wonderful day for her. The whole family was there, and then we went over to Joanie & Tim's house for a delicious brunch. Yummy as we were all starving. This picture is my sister Mary holding Elizabeth - Mary is lucky enough to be her godmother! I'm not jealous or anything - I hope you read this Joanie!! Just joking - have to give her trouble since she still gives me trouble about Jo!! We still have sibling rivalry even at our age!

Brentwood Days Parade

The annual Brentwood Days was on Friday and Saturday. The Junior Girl Scouts walked in the parade, and you can see that Rosie & Gabriella were having a blast. It was a beautiful day for the parade & the festivities. Pete took Rosie to the festivities (rides, etc), but I took Jo home for a nap. Anna went to her knitting class (yes, she is learning to knit, my little arts & crafts daughter), and then Grandma brought her straight over to the rides. Fun day for the kids!

Hailey, Caroline, Anna & Jo waiting for the parade to begin (& making silly faces for me). These two girls are Anna's best buddies! They played soccer in the morning & had another successful winning game. More pics soon once my hubby lets me onto his computer. He took some great pics of Anna today.