Easter Sweetness

Miss Julia and her dressing entourage

Happy Birthday Baba Deni

AA belated happy birthday wish to our fun-camping-traveling-gardening-scrapbooking Mom/Mom-in-Law/Baba Deni.  We're so glad we could see her somewhat close to her special day so we could celebrate and gift her a little something for warm weather hotel-travels. :) She's a blessing to all of us.

Pizza Night and Carnival...the Ryans were Here!

It was a quick but wonderful few days when we seized the opportunity to host the Ryans while they were enroute to Maryland. What fun we had!  The weather was perfect and we played hard in the sunshine, both in the backyard and at CMU's Carnival. Once again, I was amazed how you can add two adults and four (out of the womb) kids to an already full house...and somehow the days get easier.  It was so sweet to see the kids pick up right where they left off and for the adults to know that there was grown-up food, drinks, and conversation after kids' bedtimes.  We've missed this family so but only have a few more weeks until we connect again!

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Wishing you a joyous Easter from the Ward family!

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

In the words of Jonathan, on the evening of Brinnly's first piano lesson, "I think something special has just started".

Grandpa's Birthday Weekend

Grandma Sandy and Grandpa took advantage of their spring break schedule and came out here to visit us for Grandpa's birthday.  And what a time we had!  At the girls' request, we did about a zillion school drop-offs and pick-ups so grandparents could see their classrooms and teachers. We walked Laney all over Blackridge, hills included. We made no less than three trips to Monroeville Mall and stocked up on Easter gear, Naturalizer shoes, and a piano. Hey, when you have baby-sitters in town, you need to seize the day!  

But the icing on the cake was a Hibachi dinner and homemade pudding pie afterwards to celebrate the silliest grandpa we know.  He's the kind of guy whose willing to stay home to take care of a sick granddaughter (Brinn) on his birthday, if needed and always a lot of laughs.  We're thankful he's ours!

Five on Friday

1) We had a great visit from my parents last weekend. Yay for long weekends!  I'll post the pictures from that soon, but we have lots more to catch up on too.

2) Check out our newest toy!  It has been up for less than 24 hours and has already been much-loved.  We are planning on Brinnly starting lessons soon and hopefully the other girls will follow.

3) The little girls and I celebrated the spring weather with a trip to the zoo Tuesday morning.  We learned the Black Bear is named Susan and she even responds to hear name.  Who knew?

44) We rearranged the basement family room the other day and are loving the results.  It's amazing what a little change (and a Roku) can do.  Now we can watch Pittsburgh Dad on the big screen. Plus, the basement toys are getting more use.

55) Finally, check here for the Ryan family's recent big announcement!  We are so happy for them to  have a "Crosby" to Jack's "Adam".  (Just a little Parenthood humor there for you)