Our Journey

Daniel's 4 year pediatrician appointment

2011-08-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, Daniel is now 39 inches (25%) and 34.5 lbs. (50%) - of course this was measured while he moved all around so we just say APPROXIMATELY.

Not so great was 4 shots he needed to get that required myself and the nurse to hold him down with lots of screaming. So Mommy took him to McDonalds for lunch to make it all better.

Thank goodness there are no more shots till age 11!

Chuck E. Cheese Birthday Party for Kate-Kate

2010-11-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

Bowling Party

2010-10-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Family Day

2010-09-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

Daniel gets to celebrate Family Day with the largest Chocolate -Oreo cupcake ever! Three years ago on Sept. 12 we adopted our "forever blessing". He has filled our lives with love and joy beyond measure.
We love him all the way to the moon and back.

sleeping angel

Rocknoceros Band at Jammin Java. Daniel and Mommy night out which was a blast. Daniel could not have been happier dancing to the music with all the kids and with his Mommy

Daniel's 3 year check-up

2010-09-08T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well Daniel is 3 years old so we head to the pediatrician. He is 36 1/2 inches (25-50%) and 29 lbs. (25-50%). So he did not gain any weight in 6 months but he sure is good at running around! Or he just lost some weight over the last week due to his Aug. 30 adenoid and tonsil removal. I am just happy he was well enough to go back to school this week. 8 days at home is a long time and I felt so bad for him b/c his throat was so sore. At least he got lots of chocolate ice cream and TLC from Mommy.

Pictures from School Picnic

2010-07-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

Daniel having a blast at his School Picnic back in May 2010! He loved the parachutte and playing with all his friends.

4th of July - 2010

2010-07-04T19:45:00.001-07:00

Daniel with his best friends - BJ and Robyn

Michael, Miller and Vicki (and Vicki's iPhone)

Holly and Jen

Robyn - strike a pose!

Lots of fun in the pool!

Jen, Bennett and Vicki

Love the bouncer

We all had a great time at Aunt Jen and Uncle Bennett's for the Annual 4th of July Celebration! Daniel even got to do his own sparkler this year! Michael had his endless supply of fireworks that he set off as always.

Big Brother Daniel waiting for his baby sister!

2010-07-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

Daniel is waiting for his baby sister to arrive so he can sing her songs like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". He is going to be the best big brother.

I cannot believe how big he looks in his school photo - almost 3 years old. Where does the time go?

Happy Birthday to Daddy and Daniels Moves to Preschool I

2010-07-03T06:36:00.000-07:00

Daniel said, "Happy Birthday Daddy" this morning before we gave him his presents. Daniel gave him a singing Pac-Man card which was a riot. Daniel danced to the music from the card for 5 minutes.

Daddy got the Complete Set of Calvin and Hobbes which he has wanted forever b/c Daniel totally reminds us of Calvin. He also got a Buzz Light Year collectible (Daniel and Michael's favorite from our recent trip to Disney World). Of course there was a Ravens Shirt and Ravens Door Mat for Michael. And finally some hysterical and fun Daddy books.

Daniel is now officially in Preschool I - he moved up with all the older 3 year olds! We are so proud of him b/c he has started to use full sentences recently and is really growing up quick. But he will still always be Mommy's little boy!

Visiting Cousins Kana and Jake in Orlando

2010-06-28T18:43:00.001-07:00

Will and Jason's Birthday Party!

2010-06-12T18:54:00.001-07:00

Jason enjoying his tiger and lion birthday cupcakes!

Will digging into the hippo cake and ice cream!

Daniel managed to blow out the candles on the birthday cupcakes b/c Will was under the table :)

Mike and Jason

Daniel and Will with the other boys

Lots of fun on the slide and swingset

Jason is so adorable

Boys eating dinner before the cake.

Happy Boy

Balloon time!

Everyone loved the dragons

Will trying to blow up balloons with his friends

Tammy and Jason

The most amazing Hippo Cake

Jason and Claudia

Daniel looking at airplanes!!

Daniel had a great time at cousin Will (4) and Jason's (2) joint Birthday Party in PA at Tammy and Mike's place. He could not wait to get to the party and kept saying birthday party in the back seat which Michael and I heard as "porcupine" several times before we figured it out!!

Of course when we arrived after the drive, Daniel expected Birthday Cake right away - why else would you go to a birthday party. He was disappointed to find out that the cake does not come until the end of the party! Daniel had a great time playing with Will and Jason and all their friends. Mike made a sandbox for Will and Jason's birthdays which was a big hit with everyone. Daniel also discovered that balloons pop when they land in the grass.

The hippo cake and monkey/tiger/lion cupcakes made by Claudia were amazing and delicious. It was a great afternoon with our family.

Chocolate Ice Cream Cone

2010-06-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Cutest Niece Ever

2010-06-06T12:23:00.000-07:00

Our niece, Macall (or baby Callie if you ask Daniel) is so adorable in her bikini from Aunt Holly! We love her to pieces.

Playdate at Air and Space Museum

2010-06-05T17:14:00.001-07:00

Daniel and Kate are so cute together!

Daniel loves the Concord. Too bad he will never get to fly on one.

Hugs!

Cash and Kate laughing while enjoying all the airplanes.

THE BLACKBIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kate and Daniel were so excited to have a playdate at the Air and Space Museum.

Daniel had a super time with his friend, Kate-Kate at the Air and Space Museum! He was so excited to see the Blackbird and the helicopters. He knows all the planes like his Daddy. Daniel and Kate and her brother, Cash, ran around for over 2 hours and had a blast.

Daniel's First Swim Lesson

2010-06-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Daniel did so well at his first swim lesson with Miss Holly! He loved jumping up and down on the diving board and throwing goggles in the swimming pool and then having to jump in and go get them.

Visit with Kana and Jake at Nana and Grandpa's

2010-05-30T18:58:00.001-07:00

Michael with his sweet nephew - Hayden

Nana and Grandpa singing "Riding on a Donkey" to Daniel and Jake

Jake taught Daniel how to play tag. They had so much fun chasing each other around and running through the sprinkler.

Summertime

Kana and Holly sharing a hug

Daphne, Kana, Carlos, and Jake

Kana - strike a pose!

Nana blowing bubbles with Jake, Daniel and Kana

Daniel with his pinwheel

Nana and Hayden

Valerie attempting to get Hayden in the pool

Big boy Jake

Kana, Daniel and Jake having fun in the pool and under the sprinkler! They had such a good time outside on the great day. Daniel adored Kana and Jake. And Hayden even got in on the action since he is walking now. It was a very fun day with family.

Picnic at Lilly's

2010-05-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

Our whole family on Michael's side!!!!

Kana is a character and we love her to pieces.

Daniel finally figured out to look at the camera!

Daniel looking at spiders, ants and other bugs!!!!

Girly pose from Kana

The entire family!

Carlos giving Kana a kiss

Emily snuggling with Hayden

Michael playing with Kana

Jake giving Hayden a love tap to make him feel better

Holly, Daniel and Kana eating fruit at the picnic

Eric and Hayden clapping

Grandpa

I caught it!!!

Daniel and Jake trying to get the balls to fly through the air

Hayden is already a soccer lover

Daniel using bacci balls rather than bean bags in the middle of Kana's bean bag toss

Nana and Hayden

Valerie and Hayden arrive

Kana is such a sweetheart

Sam - our soon to be high school graduate

Daphne, Sofie, Lilly and Emily

Jake taking a big swing with his racket

Jake and Kana playing soccer

Daniel found a big spider on the wall

We had a wonderful time at Lilly's with the whole family! Carlos, Daphe, Kana and Jake flew up to Baltimore from Florida for a visit. We have not seen them for 2 years and now all the kids are running around like crazy and having fun outside with each other.

Daniel's First Baseball Game

2010-05-23T17:35:00.001-07:00

Michael, Daniel and Holly at Daniel's first baseball game (our first time at the new National's Park which is a great ballpark even if we were cheering for the Orioles)

Ella-Anne getting into the game

When I asked Daniel if he wants to be a baseball player he said, "OK". Of course he also wants to be a pilot.

Daniel loves baseball!

Alex and Daniel goofing around at the game

Results of two toddlers with ice cream - sticky hair for Daniel

Alex enjoying her ice cream (notice Greg in the background)

Daniel loved the largest slice of pizza ever!

Daniel and Mommy getting ready for the game

Jefferson with Daniel and Michael

We went to National's Park with Jane, Greg, Alex and Ella-Anne today! We all had a fabulous time and Daniel especially enjoyed his first baseball game even though the Orioles lost in extra innings.

Mother's Day Celebration

2010-05-11T17:18:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic Mother's Day with the whole family in Galveston at the beach! Daniel stayed in the ocean until his lips turned blue. He was jumping up and down in the waves with me and Michael as well as throwing shells into the ocean. Then we all had ice cream in the Strand at a real ice cream parlor.

In the morning at the hotel, Daniel came into my room and said, "Happy Mother's Day" which is all I really needed to hear to make my day perfect.

Our Niece's Baptism

2010-05-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

We had the honor of attending our niece Macall's baptism in Houston on Mother's Day. It was such a special occasion with the whole family there! God Bless Macall who is such a little angel.

Macall's First Birthday Party - Part III

2010-05-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

Macall liked playing her new instruments with Daddy!

Pop-pop loves Macall

Gram has a kiss for Macall

Macall enjoyed opening her presents with Mommy and Daddy

Daniel with a classic look!

Daddy hugging his little girl

Mommy and Macall playing house

Macall took two steps on her own
while we were visiting!

Macall and Aunt Holly

Pop-pop and Macall

Uncle Chris installed the bottle opener

Daniel and Daddy had so much fun at Macall's birthday party

Macall's First Birthday Party - Part II

2010-05-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Daniel gives Macall a hug for her birthday!

Gram with her little birthday girl!

Macall was not convinced to smash up her pretty little cake. She took a few bites of icing and then it just ended up in her hair. Maybe it was too pretty to eat?

Daniel making a surprise face - his new one this week :)

Macall with Nana enjoying the birthday balloons

Could she be any cuter?

We had to give Daniel some sprinkles b/c he could not wait for the cake.

Aunt Holly and Macall checking out the fish in the water

Mommy and Macall sharing a hug

Daddy and Macall on her first birthday

Macall's First Birthday Party - Part I

2010-05-10T17:43:00.001-07:00

Gram and Pop-pop getting ready for Macall's Birthday Party

My brother (Scott) made this butterfly cake from scratch! He needs to enter it in a contest :)

Macall playing with a birthday hat as she waits for all her friends to arrive for the her party!

Gram and Pop-pop brought Daniel some cars to play with and Macall liked them too!

My niece is the cutest little angel

Daniel and Pop-pop playing with Uncle Scott's matchbox cars

Gram and Macall having some breakfast before the party

Our Trip to Houston

2010-05-10T17:24:00.000-07:00

My sweet boy after a long day of playing with his cousin (Macall) in Houston!

Macall and Daniel loved the water/pool toy that Pop-pop and Gram brought to Houston! They went fishing and got water everywhere.

Erica, Scott and Macall

Daniel and Macall had the best time at the Houston Children's Museum! Daniel would have stayed all day at the water park section.

I just love this picture of the cousins playing together!

Uncle Scott giving Daniel a Tan-Tan ride (introduced to Daniel by Michael - something to do with Star Wars)

Holly and Macall Dancing!!

We were so happy to head to Houston to visit Macall for her first birthday and baptism! Daniel got to ride on an airplane, train and bus during this trip so he was in heaven.

Fun with Friends and Scooter Time

2010-05-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Daniel got to try out his scooter from Uncle Juan and Aunt Kari and he loved it!

Plus Robyn and BJ came over for a visit and all the kids had a blast.

Daniel's School Picnic

2010-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Michael was excited to see this shot b/c apparently Daniel can throw a spiral!

Daniel starting early with the ladies!

Our Happy Boy!

Daniel and his buddy Nicholas with matching outfits.

+++++++++++

Daniel and Kate-Kate

Happy April

2010-04-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

Spring Pictures of Daniel - April 2010

2010-04-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Fun outside!!

Daniel's big boy room with AIRPLANES

Daniel investigating the tulips - hopefully he will have a green thumb since Michael and I kill all our flowers/plants.

Fun with his airplanes and helicopters.

Happy Easter 2010

2010-04-04T04:53:00.000-07:00

Our sweet boy!

Daddy and Daniel playing "Riding on a Donkey"

Cousin Hayden is walking!

Grandpa and Hayden

Nana and Daniel laughing

Our happy boy!

Daniel, Grandpa and Nana on Easter

Daniel and Grandpa playing with cars

The Easter Bunny even went to Nana and Grandpa's with presents for Daniel

The Easter Bunny brought Daniel a second basket today!

Easter Egg Hunt at church!

Mommy and Daniel sharing a hug

The Easter Bunny brought Daniel a basket full of goodies! He loved hunting for eggs with marshmallow chicks and playing with his talking Donald Duck. His favorite were the airplanes and cars of course :)

Easter Egg Hunt at Cox Farms

2010-04-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone and God Bless!

The train is always a big hit

Robyn and Daniel on the frog slide

Daniel got a butterfly painted on his hand

so cute - Daniel and Robyn holding hands

Daniel and Mommy playing a game to scoop the ducks out of the water

Daddy and Daniel checking out the bunny rabbits

The Easter Chicken was giving out candy :) Daniel went back several times!

Daniel was so happy to see the Easter Bunny (who is going to bring him presents if he is a good boy)

Daniel and Mommy after the Easter Egg Hunt

Daniel and Robyn found lots of eggs!

So many eggs and so little time (at least with 500 kids there)

Waiting for the Easter Egg Hunt to begin

Palm Sunday 2010

2010-03-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was very proud of Daniel today b/c he walked in the Palm Sunday processional with all the other kids at church (with some help from Mommy). He kept asking about his palm the whole way home. When I asked him who loves him at church he said "Jesus"!

First Day of Spring

2010-03-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Daniel and his friend, Nicholas, enjoying a beautiful Spring Day at the park.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-20T04:13:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Robyn and Jen's Birthday

2010-03-06T18:23:00.001-08:00

Daniel was thrilled to have BJ and Robyn visit us for dinner. The kids ran around and played with Daniel's toys. He loves it when he gets together with his buddies.

After dinner we had a cake for Jen and Robyn's birthdays! Daniel managed to get his finger in the icing before the candles were lit.

Robyn, BJ and Daniel coloring together!

Daniel was so happy to get finally get outside to play on this lovely day.

Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players at Jammin Java

2010-03-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Happy to be jumping and dancing

Daniel somehow looked over right when I was taking this picture

Daniel with his friends Lilia and Mischa

Love this picture of Daniel and his friend, Mischa

One of the girls decided she liked Daniel and just started dancing with him. Daniel is not so sure . . .

Daniel and Lilia before the show

Daniel had a great time at Jammin Java with Mommy and his friends - Lilia and Mischa! He loved the music and jumping/dancing until he discovered all the colored lights at Jammin Java. And somehow he spotted a real pig outside the door and wanted to chase it!

American Heart Association Heart Ball

2010-02-27T21:08:00.000-08:00

Olympics

2010-02-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

My "two boys" watching the Olympics and playing with airplanes.

Daniel's 2 1/2 year checkup

2010-02-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Daniel now weighs 29 lbs. (50%) and is 35 inches tall (50%). After several minutes our doctor was able to figure out that we have a strong willed child :) Now we have to think about potty training - oh my.

Big Boy Airplane Bed

2010-02-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

Daniel got moved to his Big Boy Airplane Bed on February 14th b/c he took a header out of his crib. Very scary for me, but Daniel was fine.

He really likes the airplanes on his bed, but needed a lot of convincing that he should sleep in this new bed. He woke up in the middle of the night screaming at the top of his lungs while standing on top of the bed. So I ended up sleeping on the bed and on the trundle with Daniel for a good chunk of the evening.

These pics are of Daniel before I tried to convince him to go down for a nap. He took his flashlight, doggy (Gram and Pop-pop gave it to him when he was a baby) and his blankie. After three attempts to get out of the room, we will see how he naps.

Happy Valentine's Day - 2010

2010-02-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

Daniel gets an airplane for Valentine's Day - what a surprise

Happy Valentine's Day from Daniel

THIS IS SO DANIEL! I CAN JUST IMAGINE HIM THINKING WHAT KIND OF TROUBLE CAN I GET INTO TODAY!

Disney on Ice at the Verizon Center - Saturday, Feb. 13

Cupcakes

2010-02-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Daniel and Michael loved the cupcakes I made (Martha Stewart chocolate chip cupcakes with Hershey icing). They were delicious and Daniel got his with sprinkles.

Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-07T08:42:00.000-08:00

We officially had 32 inches of snow at Dulles Airport. Michael has been shoveling forever with a little help from me. We lost power for 4 hours which was scary since it is so cold and Daniel had a cold. We did manage to light our gas stove with a match without burning down the house.

You might notice that Daniel has sprinkles in his hand. He has been working on me all weekend for cupcakes so I am going to make some fancy chocolate chip cupcakes with sprinkles while he takes a nap today!

We went to Philadelphia last weekend to visit Barbara, Paul, Christopher and to meet baby Nicole! She is such a sweetheart! Daniel had a great time with Christopher and keeps talking about him:)

"I want to ride my tricycle"

2010-01-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

Daniel rode his tricycle to the park and back yesterday! He has learned how to peddle at school this winter and we final had a nice day to go outside. He is so cute when he has these bursts of energy on his bike. What a big boy.

Cousin Hayden's First Birthday

2010-01-16T13:16:00.001-08:00

We had a great time at Hayden's first birthday party! He loved the wrapping and tissue paper the most. Plus he got to eat cake for the first time.

Daniel ate fruit and icing - what a meal! Daniel said "Happy Birthday" to Hayden and tried to get everyone to put on their party hats. He was very happy to play with Will and Jason. I think they all had a chicken nugget going up and down the elevator in the garage!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T13:23:00.001-08:00

Daniel in his Santa Hat - you have to be quick to catch up with him on Christmas!

Happy Couple

Gram, Daniel and Pop-pop

Nana playing with Daniel

Nana and Hayden

Daniel and Hayden playing with the trains

Christmas Elf???

Holly, Daniel, Hayden and Eric

Valerie and Hayden unwrap presents

Daniel and another helicopter

Daniel watching the birds and squirrels in the snow

Daniel and Daddy playing with the train

Sofie and Barbara

Michael, Eric and Hayden

Valerie with her little angel fast asleep

Bob telling us a story with finger puppet

Michael and an autographed Raven's football

Hayden learning how to open presents

Santa Baby

Holly laughing with Hayden

Hayden with Dudley and Barbara

Daniel goofing around with Mommy

Our little elf

Daniel and Gram open a present

We had a wonderful Christmas with our two boys - Hayden and Daniel!!! Daniel loved playing with the train and his new presents. Plus he really enjoyed Christmas dinner. Hayden was so adorable and very happy just like an elf.

Christmas Morning 2009

2009-12-26T12:56:00.001-08:00

Santa brought Daniel the blue helicopter that he asked him for when he sat on his lap 2 weeks ago! The sheer joy on his face says it all!

Family picture

Breakfast of Champions - JELLY

Daniel and Mommy sharing Eskimo kisses - my favorite picture of the morning

Pure happiness from Daniel with the airplanes and helicopters he received from Santa and Mommy/Daddy!!!

Holly gives Michael a Colts helmet signed by Johny Unitas!!!

Daniel gives Daddy "Star Wars Battleship" which they will both enjoying playing when Daniel is a little older

Michael, Daniel and Holly

Holly found cards and chocolate in her stocking

Gram and Pop-Pop (Daniel said Gram for the first time this week). Notice the Snoopy Golf Clubs that Gram and Pop-pop gave Daniel.

Airplanes, Cars and Jumbo Bugs - what more could a boy ask for?

Cool butterfly

The helicopter that Santa delivered!

Daniel was so happy with the airplanes, helicopters, cars, trucks, bugs and blimp that he received. Daniel was holding on to several planes in both hands and he could not even open the rest of his presents so Mommy and Daddy had to help! He kept saying "Open" and "More" until we got through all his presents. He was so amazingly happy that it made my heart grow several sizes. This is what Christmas is made for - little boys.

Christmas Eve - 2009

2009-12-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Mommy and her sweet pea on Christmas Eve!

We had a great dinner at Emily and Rick's place. Daniel "borrowed" Sam's airplanes and played with them the entire evening (right through dinner)!

Daniel in a serious mood before bed. Contemplating what Santa might bring him tomorrow as he watched "Finding Nemo".

Daniel sharing with Baby Hayden!

Michael and Hayden having fun

Rick teaching Hayden how to play the drums

Hayden was all smiles and giggles with Nana and Grandpa

Tons of airplanes to play with all night!

Michael and Holly

Daniel and Hayden with the airplanes - too cute

Holly and Hayden

Happy Family of Three on Christmas Eve - Valerie, Hayden and Eric

Emily and Hayden

Daniel showing everyone how airplanes fly

Airplanes!

Sofie, Bob and Lilly

Emily and Hayden

Mom and Dad

Daniel and Mommy share a hug

Daniel and Pop-pop playing together

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

We wish all our friends and family a blessed Christmas!

Christmas Cookies on Mommy's Birthday

2009-12-20T15:12:00.001-08:00

Daniel of course loved the airplane cut-out cookies the best.

After 19 inches of snow, Daniel and I stayed home today and made cut-out cookies. Daniel's favorite part is DUMPING as many sprinkles as possible on the cookies :)

Michael headed to the Raven's Game so we are going to go out for my birthday in January. It was a fun day with Daniel who is the best present anyone could ever ask for in life.

Blizzard of December 2009

2009-12-19T19:42:00.001-08:00

Meeting Santa

2009-12-14T18:31:00.000-08:00

Daniel was so excited to meet Santa and tell him that he wants a helicopter for Christmas! He must have said helicopter a hundred times at the mall. Then he had to wait in line to see Santa. He did manage to tell Santa all about the helicopter while he was sitting on his lap but we could not get a smile for the picture :) Maybe he was concentrating too hard. Now I know that he expects this helicopter to show up tomorrow.

I forgot to mention that Daniel tried to go back to see Santa after his turn was over. He was climbing up the path and I had to grab him to stop him. I could just see him making it into the next picture by accident. It definitely reminded me of the scene with Santa Claus from "A Christmas Story."

Decorating the Tree

2009-12-13T16:12:00.000-08:00

Nana and Grandpa came over on Saturday to help us decorate the tree. Daniel is fascinated with all the airplane ornaments on the tree. He is determined to touch every single one including the new airplane from Nana and Grandpa:)

Let It Snow

2009-12-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

Daddy and Daniel played in the snow this afternoon. They tried to build a snowman which turned into a hill???

Oh, Christmas Tree

2009-12-06T10:42:00.001-08:00

Daniel loves the Christmas Tree! He discovered one of our neighbors had a huge tree outside that turns different colors so we bought some color lights this year. Daniel points to the lights whenever we turn on the tree and tells us all the colors. He is also decorating the tree with his airplanes and bugs (wait till he sees the ornaments).

More Thanksgiving Fun

2009-11-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

Erica, Macall and Scott = a very happy holiday

Poor Daniel had to fly home to VA with a fever. He was exhausted and then his ears hurt on landing (as we heard screaming for 20 minutes). We finally got him home and he was a sick little boy last night.

Uncle Chris (Erica's Brother) and Macall

Uncle Scott and Daniel saying "Oh man!" - Daniel's favorite saying from Swiper on Dora

Macall and her Mommy

Daniel running around outside!

Sweet Pea

Daniel learning how to share with his cousin

Erica playing darts with the boys

We went to the Houston Zoo the day after Thanksgiving. Daniel especially liked the tiger which was roaring while we were there!

We had the best holiday ever with our family! It is so much fun to see Daniel and Macall together. We are THANKFUL for our wonderful family and friends. And we are blessed by having Daniel and Macall and Hayden in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T08:22:00.001-08:00

Holly and Macall sharing a hug. She really likes my singing and my laugh!

Macall and Mommy at Thanksgiving Dinner

The whole family at our Thanksgiving meal. Scott did an amazing job making a delicious meal including deep fried turkey (the best ever). Daniel had a bagel and fruit so he missed out on the wonderful food.

Michael with his niece

Pop-pop and Macall

Daniel just wanted to run around outside all day!

Pop-pop has a soft spot for little girls

I had to take some adorable shots of Daniel and Macall

Mommy sneaking a hug for Daniel while he was outside

Daniel and Skylar during Thanksgiving dinner

Gram and Macall

Daniel Meets Cousin Macall

2009-11-29T07:59:00.001-08:00

Scott and Macall on Thanksgiving! She is such a sweetheart!

Happy Family of Three - Scott, Macall and Erica

Pop-pop and Daniel hanging pine cones on trees (just like you would on Christmas tree)

Pop-pop takes Daniel out to see the ducks and collect pine cones

Daniel loves the ducks that are right across the street from Baby Callie's house (Macall's nickname that Daniel uses)

Daddy and Daughter picture

Mommy and Macall - could she be any cuter?

Daniel playing with baby Callie. She was fascinated with Daniel and wanted to touch him all the time.

Great shot of Mommy and Daniel

Macall playing with Gram

Watching the ducks with Mommy

Daddy, Daniel and the ducks

Happy Boy

Daniel loved playing with Skylar and his frisbee

Gram and Macall

Daniel and Kirby (two dogs to play with!)

Cousins!

Holly with her precious niece - Macall at 6 months

Daniel had such a great time on his trip to Houston to visit Aunt Erica and Uncle Scott and to finally meet Macall. Plus Gram and Pop-pop were also there! Daniel went on his first boat ride at Houston Harbor and saw lots of huge ocean liners and military ships.

Flying on an Airplane and Riding a Bus!!!

2009-11-29T07:34:00.000-08:00

Daniel went to the airport to fly to Houston to visit Uncle Scott and Aunt Erica for Thanksgiving. He loved looking at the airplanes land and takeoff at National Airport with Daddy! Then he got to ride a bus as well which is something he asks to do every day.

Daniel enjoyed the first part of the flight, but then he got overtired b/c he did not have a nap. Even with portable DVD he was not happy! I am sure the folks around us loved it. He did eventually fall asleep 30 minutes before we landed :)

Raven's Game Day

2009-11-08T16:04:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately the Raven's lost to the Bengals today big time. But Daniel had a great time at Nana and Grandpa's house with his cousin Hayden.

Daniel's School Halloween Party

2009-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

Mommy's Office Halloween Party

2009-10-27T16:31:00.000-07:00

Daniel had a great time at my office Halloween Party. He got tons of candy and a super airplane balloon. He was on the go the entire time!

Halloween Party

2009-10-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Daniel is a pilot this year for Halloween! He can even say pilot and knows that pilots fly AIRPLANES! Life does not get any better than this :)

We went to Jane and Greg's Halloween Open House today! Daniel had a great time running around with Alex. Ella-Anne was adorable in her little Pumpkin outfit.

The kids running around outside:)

Alex and Daniel - so cute holding hands

Daniel with his serious pilot look

Jenny and Rachel

Princess Alexandra (Alex)

Daniel loves the ball pit and slide

Princess Alex

Nora

Alex even posed for me (plus we got to dance together at the party)

Daniel is a PILOT this year for Halloween

I love this picture of Daniel and Daddy laughing on their pilot costumes

Daddy and Daniel looking at the ants

Daniel pointing out airplanes in the sky

More ants . . .

More airplanes . . .

Daniel in his flight jacket

Leaves are so much fun

Mommy finally takes Daniel outside after the rain

Nicole's 5th Birthday Party

2009-10-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

Daniel and I had a great time at Nicole's (our goddaughter) 5th Birthday Party at Pump It Up!
Daniel did pretty well keeping up with the older kids. Daniel did managed to get stuck in the obstacle course so I had to get him out :) He just needs to be a little taller. He loved the slide and the moon bounce.

Nicole had a Thomas The Train cake which Daniel LOVED. He did not even eat any pizza b/c he spotted the cake and wanted the icing.

All You Need Is Love - Gladney Humanitarian Aid

2009-10-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

We attended a Gladney Event at the Waldorf-Astoria to raise funds for humanitarian aid for orphans around the world. The entire evening was so touching - to see all these Gladney parents and supporters gathered together for such an important cause. Hugh Jackman was the Master of Ceremonies and we had performances by Kerry Butler and Pat Green.

Michael and I saw friends from our Gladney orientation and I ran into several folks from my Gladney retreat. There is such a special bond you have with others who are also adoptive parents! Without Gladney we would not have Daniel in our lives.

The night before the Gladney event, Michael and I went to Fabio Piccolo Fiore for dinner and had a lovely meal including songs from a friendly piano player. Then we went to see "In The Heights" on Broadway - excellent show that won a Tony.

Michael and Holly at the Waldorf-Astoria.

Cox Farms - Pumpkin Patch

2009-09-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the Pumpkin Patch today! Cox Farms does an amazing job for the kids. Daniel even got to milk a cow!! Plus Jen, Bennett, Robyn and BJ joined us for the fun. The kids loved the slides and so did my big kid (Michael). I think Daniel would have played in the corn box (vs. sand) all day if we let him.

Daniel Moves Up

2009-09-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

Daniel moved up from Toddlers to Early Preschool today! I cannot believe it b/c it just seems like yesterday that he was moving out of infants (even though it was really a year ago).

My little guy is growing up and learning so many new things. BUGS are the big attraction lately - not exactly up my alley, but I am learning fast. Plus we are putting together his AIRPLANE toddler room (painting is done and furniture arrives in early October). We are still not sure when the transition will occur b/c Daniel has not tried to climb out of his crib yet.

AND Daniel is also sitting on the Potty! Pee-Pee has only landed on the floor so far, but he loves to flush the toilet as many times as possible. I guess it is fascinating to try to figure out where the water actually goes. (New update: today at school Daniel went pee-pee in the potty 3 times!)