Birthday party

The kids went to a birthday party at a gymnastics studio. That's their friend Gracie in the middle. Jack says, "Yah, she really likes me, I think I should marry her." He is a real pushover for the ladies.

Pizza day with Pizza Joe

The kids had a field trip to Dominoe's Pizza and got to meet Pizza Joe. I didn't expect that they got to make their own pizzas. I liked the cheese dispenser, distributes the perfect amount of cheese. Jack picked bacon and ham for his pizza, he is a little man. Go Meat! The adults were put to work too, cutting the pizzas, and the boxes. We were pretty slow. Pizza Joe said that in about 10 years the kids could apply for a job there and put they had work experience. Cute. He actually hired a former Bridges Student who went on the same field trip. Good to know.

More fun in Chicago and Gary-exercise man

We went to Trader Joe's (wish we had one!!!) Noodles and more, and Ikea, before heading home. We love Noodles and more, I wish we had one of those too. Matt bought Lily this HUGE rice crispy treat, it was as big as her. The people in the restaurant were laughing at her. She actually finished it by the end of the night. It took her allllll day. Jack can really pack it in. He had an order of potstickers-his favorite, and mac-n-cheese. Ate most of it, it's the Graber in him. Speaking of Grabers-at lego land, Jack made his own lego man. Interesting choice. He looks like my dad from the 70's with the hairdo. Although, my dad would never wear a rainbow star wifebeater. Jack called him exercise man, so now it's Gary, the exercise man. Sorry dad.

More legos...

I think Matt was just as excited to go as the kids were. He is a big kid himself sometimes.

Lego Land in Chicago

For Lily's Gotcha day, we went to Chicago and went to Lego land. More of a guys destination, but Lily likes Legos too. Pretty amazing to see all of it was done out of legos.

Easter morning, Ruby, and great weather.

The kids had a blast looking for eggs this year. Lily though is getting too smart because she noticed that the Easter Bunny uses the same eggs that we had and the same kind of candy. This year I put an egg under their pillows. Kinda creepy, I know, but I wanted to WOW them this year. Matt told them that the bunny asked me to do it so that they don't get nightmares. Oh well. We went to my parents for dinner and met the new little member of the family, Ruby. I actually got to name her, originally it was Lily, but that wasn't going work, so Ruby it is. She is a real sweetie, and gets along great with the kids tormenting her. Can I just say how great the weather is again. This has been one of the best springs we have ever had. Keep it coming. Also, just have to say, I LOVED Lily's outfit. More gymboree I know, but just love it. A little 60's retro. Dressing Lily is so much fun- all girl.

Birthday party at Heathworks and Bunny cake

Went to a birthday party at Heathworks museum and the kids had so much fun. Lily and I made an Easter Bunny coconut cake to take to my parents house for Easter dinner. Lily loves to help me in the kitchen.

Easter egg hunt

Went to an Easter party with the kids and it has been so nice out here. The kids were able to look for eggs outside. I forgot their easter baskets and it was a little difficult for Lily to hoard all the eggs at her extremely fast pace. I had to pass a 6 egg limit to ensure everyone got their share because Lily is so competitive.

Tickling the Easter bunny, he was a good sport.

Lily looks like she's saying "Hey, you guys shouldn't be doing that." and then the next photo, she's like "ok, I'm in." Jack was so sweet and insisted we bring the Easter bunny some carrots. I had to peel them and then cut them. I think the bunny doesn't eat them that way, but I did it anyway. That bunny had a lot of patience with us.

Easter bunny at the Mall

Had some time to kill while waiting for the big Mr. B so grabbed a few pics of the kids. Look at the height difference between Jack and Lily. Wouldn't guess they are 6 months apart. She hasn't even hit 40 inches yet. I told her she had to eat more vegtables so she can get to 40 inches by fall when we take the kids to Disney. She has been scarfing down her veggies like crazy now. I just hope she gets there otherwise I will be spending my whole time at Disney in the Princess department at the gift shop.

St. Patricks Day and someday Jack will appreciate this photo

Every week we meet up with the China friends over at Mc Donalds and get our fix of fast food and our immune system a run for it's money. Anyway, the kids were jumping off a landing and laying on top of each other and each time Jack was last. I finally told him he needed to be first since he was the biggest. The girls loved this and piled on top of Jack. I think he liked it. He's going to look back at these photos and really think he was quite a lucky boy.

Beach day at school.

The kids went nuts over beach day at school. We took the picture in the soon to come formal dining room. No more playroom, everything is in the basement. We are growing up around here. Just had hardwood floors put in, it looks wonderful. Next, paint and furniture.

Chinese New Year 2010

Last week we went out to a Chinese restaurant with my parents. Today we had our local China group party. All of the girls looked soooooo cute in their Chinese silks. Lily and I just went while the guys had some male bonding.

The next Karate Kid

Jack started Karate class a few weeks ago. So far so good. I really like the coach, he assigns "homework" for the kids, and the homework is usually taking out the trash, respecting your parents, things like that. Plus, he gets to kick the coach in the head-when he wears a helmet, and break paper with his hands. Awesome.

More wedding photos

Julia took this photo of Matt and myself. I like this one.

I love weddings

Matt, Tom, Julia and myself drove to Cleveland to attend Matt's cousin, Chris and his new wife Theresa's wedding. It was located in an old renovated castle-like bank owned by the Rockefellers. Matt's Aunt Jane and Uncle Dutch, Tom and Julia, one of Tom's brothers, Johnny and family, and the last is another one of Tom's brothers, Ed and his whole family. Nine kids in that family. That's not the wedding party. Every time we meet up with the Romanins, we always quiz ourselves in the order of the children. It's not that easy. Last, is the cake, my favorite part, besides when the minister tells the groom he can kiss the bride. It was a spice cake, nice choice, doesn't get too dry.

South Bend Clinic Reception

Matt and I went to the SBC winter reception at the Studebaker Museum. Had great sushi, and a great gin and tonic. We had a nice time.

Let the chaos begin!!

We had some time to spare, so to open gifts, or wait, is the question. I thought, well, they are doing great so far. Oh man, they swarmed Jack and I felt like we had no control over these super sugared up kids on a mission. OPEN MINE FIRST! NO MINE! HERE, I'LL OPEN FOR YOU. I should have known, but kids love to see their gift opened by the birthday kid. All in all it was fun, hard to believe my little boy is 5. He told me it was the best birthday party ever. It was all worth it then. Well, I am already getting requests for our little princess' birthday by no one other than herself. She is counting the days. Pray for me.... This one may do me in.