Easter Egg Hunt in Bethel

We hit up the Bethel Parks and Rec Easter Egg Hunt this year for the first time. I was impressed how organized it was. It had to be in the gym since there was still snow outside, but Keeley had fun looking for eggs and running around with the other preschoolers. Neither one was too keen on the Easter bunny who was walking around taking pictures with families. Cora left in tears whimpering, "No bunny."

Mengel Fun at Mark's

The great thing about going up to Western Mass is that we get to see both sides of Emmet's family; we both started and ended our family weekend at Emmet's Uncle Mark's rectory at Holy Name Parish in Springfield. 

The girls got the grand tour of the rectory and loved exploring all the rooms ( Somehow we managed to visit twice without breaking anything or leaving with bruises or tears). Emmet and I got spoiled with lobster rolls and clam chowder with Mark and Betsy on Friday and on Sunday, the whole Mengel clan met up again for lunch and beers and a quick party before we all drove and flew in our separate directions. Although we missed Emmet's Nana very much this year, I know she was smiling down on  her big Irish family. 

 Conor, Emmet, Paul, Zach, Fritz and Mark

Also around the table that day we were lucky enough to have Betsy, Allison, Kit, and Katherine. The girls were in their glory with all the hugs, kisses and attention and were out cold before we were even on the highway home to Bethel :)

St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Holyoke

If you know us at all, you know that we never miss the annual Ferriter St. Patrick's Day celebration in Holyoke, MA at Emmet's grandparents house the Saturday after St. Patrick's . Every year, his Dad's family reunites to share some delicious meals, to run the St. Patrick's Day Road Race, to go to mass, and to just be together in the town that Emmet's parents fell in love, and the house where so many priceless memories have been made over the years. It was neat for Emmet and me to see that even though Keeley is only 3, she already was looking forward to this event this year for many weeks, remembering how much fun she had the year before with all of her aunts, uncles, cousins and great grandparents.

Ama still has her touch. She had Cora belly laughing on many occasions this weekend!

 This elephant was a big hit with the kids as the balls "pop, pop, popped" into the air in all directions.

Peek a BOo!

 Patta Cake Patta Cake Baker's Man- Papa Ferriter's still got it!

 Mae Mae bought the girls the cutest shamrock bows- I can't believe COra kept hers in for so long.

 Papa reading to his grandson, Kelton, and his two great grand daughters in his famous chair. It was very touching for me too see so many generations spending time together under one roof. I can't believe how blessed our children are that they get to have two sets of grandparents and two sets of great grandparents that they love so much.

Keeley being spoiled rotten having her toes painted green by Mae Mae and loving every minute of it

Emmet found his best way of keeping an eye on Cora was to put her up on the pool table downstairs and let her roll the balls. Whatever it takes!

Super Daddy ran the Road Race with Auntie K, Uncle Conor and the rest of the gang- 10K! I took the year off to keep an eye on the girls during their nap time. Someday I'll get back to it...

The Ferriter Sisters on the Longfellow stairs- if your lucky enough to be Irish, you're lucky enough :)

Happy St. Pat's!

We were lucky enough to be invited down to Fairfield to the Gaelic American Club for St. Patrick's Day Lunch with the Gleasons. You couldn't ask for a more family friendly place to celebrate your heritage. I won't soon forget the image of Keeley and Maddie dancing to the band in their Irish sweaters  or the three girls standing under the bar with Irish grins as wide as the day is long. A few Guinness's among family and a bowl of fish and chips and the Ferriters were as happy as could be.

New York City with the Gormans

With Emmet officially on vacation, we always plan a few trips to get out of Bethel and make some family memories. We are lucky enough to have Aunt Joanne and Uncle Dennis in downtown Manhattan and we have been dying to go down and see them and explore the South Street Seaport with the girls.

Uncle Den took Emmet and Cora to Chinatown to pick up dinner the first night we were there. Cora especially loved her tour of Uncle Dennis' apartment because he is watching my Uncle Pat's turtle. She has been talking about this turtle ever since.

Uncle Denny with Keeley and Cora ( who decided she was done wearing pants).

When we woke up the next morning, we set out early to do a walk along the battery and see the STatue of Liberty. HOwever, it was still only about 30 degrees and the girls did not last long. Cora did take enough of a nap to let us sneak into Starbuck's and get some much needed coffee to wake up and warm up.

That afternoon, we decided to cut our trip short since the girls coughs were acting up and they hadn't slept too well in the apartment. But we still had a ton of fun and we always love to see the Gormans!

Special thanks to Aunt JOanne and Pip and Flag for the hospitality and to Uncle Den for the best parking spot on the Seaport! We love you.

The Thaw has begun!

We finally got up into the 40s and it feels like paradise compared to the winter we've had. When Keeley asked to go puddle jumping, I was all over that in a heartbeat. LEt's Get OUtsidE!

Cora was not so happy about putting on rain boots and getting dirty on this particular afternoon, so  she stayed in and did what she does best - climbed and explored endlessly. Doesn't get much cuter than a little girl in overalls :)

Cabin Fever

I have to say, I really am a winter person. I love a cozy day inside, a time to craft , a time to bake, a time to read- just cuddling up and watching a good movie with Emmet is always appealing. I love a warm fireplace, a pot of stew, a nice cup of hot cocoa. And we have had A TON of cozy days. 

 This winter was so much better than last, because the one year of maturity in both girls made for much more attention span and much more choice of things to keep us busy. Keeley, especially, loves to play and pretend, and can now watch an entire movie by herself now ( LIFESAVER). All of that being said,  however, enough is enough with this winter. I have finally reached my 2015 limit for days stuck inside. Even Keels is asking for spring. I am dying to get outside and take these little girls on a good long stroller ride in nothing more than a light jacket, but I think we are a few weeks away from that. 

 Keeley "teaching" her dolls the ABCs in our basement.

 Cora waiting for me to read her "books, books, books." It's the only thing I can do to make her sit still.

On a "Train ride to NYC."

Keeley hard at work on her painting downstairs.

 Lots of dancing with Mommy and ballet "recitals" in the living room and kitchen this winter.

 Baking up a storm- that's what we do. Cora struggles with waiting her turn, but we're getting there.

Cora's favorite hiding spot lately.

At least if she's strapped in, I know where she is :)

LET us OUT! My kids have officially gone stir crazy!