Walking...Food...more walking...way more food...

So Ron and I spent the weekend in Philadelphia. My sister, Kathy, had volunteered to watch Ally and Patrick so we couldn't pass that up. Although it felt like 3 days were over in 5 minutes, it was nice to get a break from parenting, work, dog, etc...
We saw a really funny musical called Parenting 101, ate dinner at some great restaurants, and walked all over the city. We learned that the Philly Chinatown is nowhere near as nice as NY, but Little Italy has some great places.
Ron was in heaven at the Brazilian BBQ restaurant, Fogo de Chao. I quite enjoyed it, as well. We tried to get a little history in, but quite frankly, it's not my cup of tea. But we did see the Liberty Bell through the window. (The line to get in 10 miles long)
Thankfully Patrick was very well behaved. He loved having Jack to play and bunk with all weekend. He was so beat, he passed out at 8:30 last night. I don't think he's gone to sleep that early since he was in infant. And of course Ally had a good time with Emily.
Can't wait for the next weekend away....(wonder if Kathy knows that. hahah)

We miss you...

Happy Birthday.

We are getting tired of snow days, but the kids aren't...

GOTTA LOVE A SNOW DAY!

Another year has come and gone....

I can't believe it's 2011 already. I know EVERYONE says this, but time really does fly. It's crazy. Christmas came and went so quickly this year. It seems like it was over in a second. The kids had a great Christmas. Patrick was beyond pleased with his yellow dump truck and pillow pet from Santa. And I havent seen much of Allyson since Christmas. She is in her room with her new Ipod Touch and all of her scrapbooking.
She was the only one with New Year's Eve plans this year. She spent the night at her friend's house. Ron, Patrick, and I just relaxed. Watched Dick Clark and actually made it to midnight (as did Patrick).
I am trying to think of a good resolution that might be able to stick. What I would LIKE to do is to be able to let things go easier. I have a problem with grudges. I hear it's an Irish thing. I also worry about everyone else way too much. I need to relax.
Hopefully a February trip to the Bahamas will help. Ron and I decided to escape alone. My wonderful sister has volunteered to keep the kids. I'm sure they will have a lot of fun with Emily, Kevin, and Jack for a long weekend.
Now the countdown begins. Of course for this...time will not fly.
We hope everyon ehas a helathy and happy 2011!

Away in a Manger...the performance of a lifetime!

Today was Patrick's Christmas show. He was an awesome sheep. He sang every word and did every dance move. We were so proud. He's a natural. Takes after his Mom and YeYe, that's for sure!

Countdown to Christmas...

This year I am finally excited for Christmas. I feel like every year I get a little crazy towards the end and it makes me lose the excitement of the day. I think it helps that Patrick is beyond excited for Christmas to come. Allyson isn't much for showing a lot of excitement. Even when the best gift ever is under the tree, she will just smirk. I look forward to screams and jumping up and down...and I can absolutely see Patrick giving us that this year. (As long as Santa comes through with that yellow dump truck and pillow pet)

Patrick's extreme excitement is more helpful then he realizes, too. I always get weepy around this time. Watching certain shows...making certain foods...special ornaments and Christmas tree skirts. The memories they bring back are bittersweet. We know that Grandma Alice and YeYe are with us all the time. But God we wish they were here.

We can't wait for Christmas Eve dinner (the menu is in the planning stages..I'm getting hungry just thinking about it). Ron always outdoes himself, so I can't wait!

I think Ron and I will be the ones who can't sleep that night. Hopefully this year the kids will wake up on their own. I hate having to wake them both up to open presents. They are supposed to be waking us at at 4am!

This year I decided to go back to my childhood and join my family for Christmas breakfast (in my pajamas of course). It will be a lot of traveling (Me driving to Matawan at 8am by myself...then back to PA...then off to Manalapan) but worth it. We tried to start our own Christmas Breakfast tradition, but I just need my Dad's breakfast this year.

I think another thing about this year that is getting me more weepy and sentimental then usual is that my baby is turning 13. THIRTEEN! I just can't believe it. But I am so thankful that she is such a wonderful and loving person. She has certainly tested my patience over the years and I'm sure will test me more as she gets older, but this year she has just blossomed into a young lady. And a great one at that! I hope we can make her big day extra special this year.

So the countdown is on...17 days to go!