Friendly Visit

Hi All,
We had a fun two plus days with our friends Scott, Tracy, Evan and Rowan. Drew, Bree, and I traveled to their home for a visit while Jim was working out of town. It was great to see the whole bunch interact, as Evan and Rowan are 6 months older than Drew and Bree. And it's always nice to to catch up my good friend Tracy (and Scott, too). It turned cool outside this week, so we spent our time inside. But we weren't lacking for entertainment! Drew and Bree got to experience some new things that we don't have or do at home. For instance, they LOVED Evan and Rowan's big kid beds and their plethora of toys that were all new to them. We also got some exposure to the stairs, as their home has several half flights. To be sure, Drew and Bree both took a tumble or two. But it was a good experience for them nonetheless - gotta learn sometime! As far as Evan and Rowan (along with their parents), they were perfect hosts. Rowan was talking up a storm, and was incredibly polite about sharing most toys, even when they were impolitely grabbed from her hands. Evan, in true boy form, said everything with an exclamation point. :) Thanks to our friends for having us. We can't wait for the next visit!

Evan agreed to pose for me, but not smile!

Scott jumped in on playtime as soon as he arrived home.

Drew was a huge fan of the rocking horse. This was one item that did invoke a squabble or two between all the avid riders......

Rowan being very gracious standing by and watching as Drew and Bree enjoy her big girl bed....

Here are Drew and Bree hoping that big kid beds are in their near future.....

The coloring squad in action. I think Bree missed the mark a bit here and is actually coloring on the floor!

This is Rowan insisting she doesn't need an afternoon nap, at least not in her bed anyway!

Here is Drew in toy euphoria - so many new toys, so little time!

And story time for the whole crew....

Schools (Almost) Out for Summer

Hi All,
We paid a visit to my Mom today at her school. We got to meet all her co-workers and students. They were all happy to see us, but I think my Mom was the happiest! We got to meet my Mom's co-worker Brie, who was actually the inspiration for my Bree's name. Her grandfather, Mr. LaBrie, was one of my most memorable high school teachers. At any rate, I had heard years ago from a friend that had Brie as a student that she was named in honor of the family name. Ever since, I have always liked that name, and apparently it stuck!
After our visit, we got lunch in town with my Dad. Aunt Lucille was at the restaurant, and we also stopped to see Aunt Kathy. Kathy's grand kids were all napping, but Drew and Bree still acquainted themselves with everything in their toy box. Then we headed back to my parents' house, where my Mom eventually met up with us again. We stayed and played for the evening, before putting on pajamas and heading home.

Big Brie, Little Bree

Mom's school building

Sassy grin

One of the kids' favorite toys at the Grandparents - a dancing, flashing frog - hmmm....

Snooze ready for the car ride home!

Eggstra Fun Easter

Hi All,

We had a nice Easter celebration. We hit the road and started out at Oma and Opa's house. We had a nice dinner there and got to play with our cousins. Then, Oma brought out lots and lots of eggs filled with goodies for us! The big kids did an egg hunt outside. We also got to celebrate our cousin Carter's birthday - 7 years old! As if that wasn't enough fun, we then jumped back in the car and headed to Grandma and Grandpa's house. We had supper there and got to visit with our Auntie and Uncles. Oh, and more Easter goodies from Grandma and Grandpa! Then we were in for some real fun outside on the swing set. We both got to swing and even try out the slide. When everyone was tired pushing us on the swing, we didn't want to leave! We sure love being outside - hope the warm weather comes back soon!

Drew and Bree

"Where to start? How about with this big one?"

CPA in training?

Ready, set go!

Happy birthday Carter!

"Did someone say cake?!?"

"Enough pictures, show us the goods!"

"I just love the breeze in my hair!"

"If you push me higher, there's some Easter candy in it for you, Grandpa"

"I could go faster if Mom wasn't holding me."

"Grandma's pretty tulips - I'd like a closer look!"

Official Business

Hi All,
Drew and Bree visited Dad in the office today. Jim reserved a conference room for our official business.

"This meeting is called to order!"

"I move we break for lunch!"

"We vote for Dad to take the afternoon off!"

"Is there a nap scheduled after lunch? I brought my blanket just in case."

Christmas Eve

Hi All,

We spent Christmas Eve at my parents. We had a huge spread of food (too many to name) and festive drinks. My brothers and sister were there, and we all enjoyed the time together. Presents came later in the evening. Drew and Bree held up well, although they were cashed out by the end of it all. Overall, a very Merry Christmas!

Drew and Auntie Sarah

Did somebody say "presents"?

Sittin' pretty

Up on the tower of gifts!

It's a two finger evening

Due to the overabundance of gifts, Christmas Eve will be moved outside next year

Wave in progress

Not everyone wanted their picture taken - ahem, Marc

The whole gang

Wake me when my gifts are here

Patiently watching

At last!

"Way too busy here to pose for pictures!"

"Books, my favorite snack!"

Time for a quick snooze

Grandma liked the calendar we made

We think Marc liked his beer pong sweat bands

Drew trying them on for size

Tuckered out!

One more sleepyhead

Evan and Rowan Turn 1

Hi All,

Our twin pals, Evan and Rowan turned one recently, and we had the pleasure of attending their birthday party last Sunday. It was a beautiful September day in the park, and it could not have been any more perfect. Evan and Rowan were champs, as were Drew and Bree. We enjoyed the time with our good friends and look forward to many more! I have to admit I had to pirate a few of these pictures. It's sometimes difficult to find a free hand to snap pictures these days!

The happy Miller family

Drew and Daddy enjoying the party

Evan and Rowan enjoying their cake - notice the difference in "the attack"!

The cakes were so cute!

And after party fun......

Rowan says "Evan, who are these kids?"

Evan says "I don't know, let me poke this one and find out!"

"Oh yeah, these are our future BFFs! Smile!!!"