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!

Winter 2015

We will always look back on this winter and remember the mountains and mountains of snow that surrounded our little house on Greenwood Avenue. Thankfully, almost every storm came on a weekend, allowing Emmet to help shovel and clear paths and more importantly, to get Keeley out, who is always dying to play in it. Cora, not yet old enough to understand, does not last long in the cold. Here are the images we'll keep.

The view out our front door during one of the many blizzards that came through the northeast.

 Our little Cora, peering out at Keeley and Daddy in the yard.

 Me and my girls, all bundled up and stepping around in the heaps of fresh powder.

Pretty deep snow angels this year!

Sledding with Daddy on the hill behind our house

Keels got a little more brave this year :)

 Snow as high as you can see!

A sign of spring around the corner- we got the gift on one 30 degree day on that felt like tropical paradise after two months of not getting over 15 degrees. Keeley and Daddy had a field day building this tall guy out back.

Home Friend REunion

This President's Day, we went down to my parents' and, as a bonus, I got to see all of my girls from home and their families. Things have changed a bit since high school :)

Valentine's Day

In the middle of all the ice and snow, Valentine's Day came like a much  needed boost in the middle of the coldest February on record. Keeley was very excited to celebrate at school and came home elated about all of her cards from friends at The Village. Packages from Nana RoRo and Nanny and Papa and cards from all the relatives made for fun filled trips to the mailbox the entire week. Happy Love Day everyone :)

 A package from Nana RoRo with purple glittery shoes created lots of squeals of joy around here.

 Keeley in her glory up on her bed after school surrounded by all her goodies

 Valentine's Day red and pink on the Ferriter ladies today

Cards are always the best!

A snowy day February 14th that ended with a burger and a beer with the Ferriers at Greenwoods. Can't beat that!

WE love our CousIns

Another way we get through the winter weeks is by playing with Keeley and Cora's favorite people in the world, Maddie and James.  I am so grateful that KErin and Sean are right down the BlackRock Turnpike in Fairfield. Cousins are the best!