Way to go Ravens!

Well I am sure you can guess what we were all doing on Saturday afternoon. We were fortunate enough to have our friends the Parmas over for the Ravens' Playoff game. (Tony is a die hard Patriots fan, but was very gracious and cheered right along with Todd throughout the game!) As you can see, we got all decked out in Ravens gear to root on our team. Now we are just waiting patiently to find out whether or not we will be meeting the Steelers (Uncle Chuck's team) or the Chargers in next weekend's game. It should be interesting...



Have a great week!

Grab a tissue

I just saw this on YouTube and had to post a link. It is a thought provoking speech of sorts on friends and family. When you have a moment (and a tissue) check it out. You will be glad that you did. And thanks to all of you who I am fortunate enough to have in my life. I am sorry that I do not acknowledge each of you more often.

Our Little Hockey Player

Well today was the first day that they used sticks at Hockey practice. Andrew had a little trouble holding it properly in the beginning, but he got the hang of it after a little one on one time with one of the coaches. Despite being so excited to bring his new stick to practice (it had been a Christmas present), he did not seem too impressed with it while he was skating with it. That all changed when they brought out some pucks for the kids to hit around. One of the coaches even got in the goal and let him shoot on him! When Andrew got off the ice, he was so excited. He told me that he had gotten at least 100 goals! (Ok, we are still working on his counting skills.) Enjoy the following highlights...







We are bracing here for another storm. They are calling for about 8 inches (last time I checked).

We will all be huddled up around the TV today to watch the Ravens Playoff game! Wish us luck!

Have a great weekend.

Remembering Kathy

Today would have been Kathy's 62nd Birthday. A day does not go by that we do not think about her and how much we miss her. One can not deny the void that exists since her passing. It is, however, comforting to reflect on so many of the good times that we had together as a family. So, in honor of her birthday, I felt compelled to share a few of those moments. We miss you Kathy.

Not really a resolution....

I do not make New Years Resolutions as a matter of course. But I have decided this year to make some goals. Just a few things to work on throughout the year. Normally, I would not think of publically admitting that I am going to try and get in shape this year, but I figured if I put it in writing somewhere, I might be more accountable. Time will only tell...

So, I headed off to this place this morning after the kids were in school to get reacquainted with the treadmill. One day down...

A New Years Tradition Continues....

When we lived in Maryland, we spent almost every New Years Eve with the Workmans. This tradition began long before the kids were born. Most of our celebrations were stay at home, low key events, but a few were a bit more "interesting" (and that is all that I will say about that).

We were thrilled this year when Todd and Jenn said that they would fly up to MA to spend New Years with us again this year. They were booked on a flight from BWI to Providence that should have put them in NE around 11:30 AM on New Years Eve. When Todd (my Todd) called from the airport at 11:45, I expected him to say that he had picked them up and was en route to Plymouth. I was shocked when I found out that their plane had made it to Providence on time, but turned around and returned to Baltimore, because it could not land due to the snow.

Upon their return, they (along with all of the other passengers) had to wait to speak to the Southwest agents to find out how they could make it up north. It was not looking good. The next 3 flights had already been cancelled due to weather. They were finally able to get a flight into Manchester, NH which, if all went well, would arrive at 6:05 PM. (Giving Todd plenty of time to drive from RI to NH to meet them.) Fortunately, there were no issues with that flight. They arrived on time, were met by Todd and then got in the car for the 2 hour ride to Plymouth. Brenna and Andrew were bouncing off the walls when they finally got here!

Needless to say, we were all kind of tired that night. Everyone but Andrew managed to stay up till midnight. We rang in the New Year together and then all headed off to bed.

The next day was a lazy, stay at home and relax kind of day. The kids played together so nicely. We took a trip into Boston on Friday to see the Museum of Science. There was so much to see and we all had a great time.

The kids got their wish on Saturday when Todd and Todd took them out for some quality time in the snow. I peeked out for a few pictures, but it was a bit too cold for me. (I know, it is a shocker.)







We are so very thankful that they were able to spend the past 4 days with us. We relaxed, played, enjoyed each other's company. It was just like old times. I certainly did not expect it to be any different.

We were all sad when they had to head to the airport tonight to go back home. As Brenna began to cry, she commented on how much it hurt when they had to go. But she did say that she understood that it was so difficult because she loves them all so much. A heart-breaking, but very true comment for a 7 year old.

Thank you Todd, Jenn, Kaylee and Emma for making the very long trip up to see us! We miss you already!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD/ PopPop!

We tried to call you but you must have been out celebrating. We hope that you liked our message! I am sure that the kids will want to sing to you again when we reach you.

We hope that you had a happy and safe day and that you are taking care of yourself. You need to be in tip-top shape for Monday!

We LOVE you!

Love, Shannon, Todd, Brenna and Andrew