Spring Break

Spring break means no school and an "uh oh" what fun thing should we do to fill our week that doesn't cost any money? Lucky for us our favorite family up north was having the same issue. So we joined forces and hosted Alaine, Delphine, Sophie and Daisy (poor Ian had to stay behind and work) for a couple of days to break up the week.

The four girls always get on like wildfire and spent their time playing endless rounds of princess and dress up, interlaced with a picnic in the park and some egg dyeing and tons of eating. I know of families with five kids but have no idea how they do it. We went through a gallon of milk a day and ate almost a loaf of bread for our French toast breakfast.

We got great pictures - with Alaine's awesome camera - while they were here:

The girls play at the park.

John Patrick cried when I took him off the swing.
He could have swung all day.

This one will be their record cover when they cut their first album.

Pushing the baby was a much sought after task.

The lovely Spring weather allowed for plenty of backyard time.

Dude is starting to think he's a big kid.

Love this picture. Click on it to get the full effect.

I dug out last year's plastic eggs and the girls had a practice egg hunt.

There was nothing in the eggs but half the fun is in finding them.

Delphine was our hider and the hunt kept the little kids busy for the better part of a morning.

Alaine's baby Daisy and our little Dude came into our respective families on practically the same day. (And apparently dog toys are delicious.)

These egg hunters honed their skills and are now ready for the big day this upcoming weekend. (Zoe is looking a little wind-swept and interesting here.)

I borrowed Alaine's camera to take some indulgent pictures of my little man.

Um...who needs a Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera?

Bubbles and Sandboxes

End of the Season

Chris' face says it all.
*sigh*

Ladies of the House

There is something really delicious about a random Sunday afternoon with nothing to do. The girls love their "stay at home days" and will come up with endless games, usually involving dress-up and role-playing. Athena, as the oldest, typically imagines the scenarios often casting Zoe as her prince or her "honey" (aka "husband").

However, on this specific Sunday, they decided they were going to be "ladies" and put on their "clip clops" and gloves and purse with a little help from Mommy (fyi, putting gloves on a three year old really sucks).

Athena just had to be totally matching - all in white - while Zoe went for the eclectic look - Cinderella dress, Snow White shoes and Tinkerbell bag.
Then their game was disrupted by the tinkling sounds of the ice cream truck stopping at our neighbors house (seriously? at four forty-five in the afternoon?).
They begged the paparazzi for a popsicle, but were denied. It was quickly forgotten and then they went on to put a tutu and fairy wings on their little brother.

"G'ah, Sisters!

Home Again

One of the best things about going away for a few days is coming home again. It was a great trip - we spent time with family and old friends, John Patrick bonded with his Yiayia and I had a ton of meetings - but my home is my bliss and my fragmented family really missed each other.

Chris was the happiest to have us all back together again. His week of single parenting has made him, uh, very appreciative. To say he missed me is an understatement. Last night he even watched a truly terrible Matthew McConaughey romantic comedy with me while giving me a foot massage.

The dude traveled well on the trip home. We were lucky enough to have an extra seat on our row and he enjoyed his trashy magazines while remembering to keep himself hydrated.

The time change has been killer on him though. He's ready for bed right around dinner time.

While we were away, Chris didn't hack the blog but did remember to dress the girls in green for St. Patrick's Day and take a picture for me. The sweet little pig tails he made for Zoe just melt me.

The girls didn't say they missed me. I think they enjoyed their steady diet of pizza and Burger King and the more relaxed "Daddy routine" of movies and no bath. They have, however, not been further than two feet from me all day today and fighting over who gets to sit next to me.

So nice to be home.

Off to New York

John Patrick, Mimi and I are heading off to New York for a few days. Mimi to meet with her business partners and manager, me to observe my theater's ongoing NEA project and chat up some funders and John Patrick to snuggle with his YiaYia and bond. The girls are staying with Chris because, well, they're in school full time and can no longer fly sitting on my lap.

Although we will be able to see some friends it really is a business trip. As I was going over my daily schedule of meetings and workshops with Yiayia, and feeling a little guilty by how much I will be out of the house, she told me "not to worry" and that she really didn't want me around. She wants her time with John Patrick without so many other people distracting them.

So off we go (atfiveinthemorninghoweverwiththetimechange itwillfeellikefour) wish us uneventful travels and a happy baby.

Drool on you soon, YiaYia!!

The Dude's Big Day

What a day, what a party! What can I say? It was so much fun and the least amount of work we've ever had to do for a birthday celebration.

John Patrick says: when throwing one's first birthday party it really helps to have someone who loves you in the event business. Thanks to Mimi (and with help from Baba) we were able to host a lovely family gathering to celebrate the first year with our little Dude in style.

Mimi works at an events center in Long Beach, very close to many family and friends, and set up a wonderful luncheon - for a fraction of what it normally costs - plus lots of extras thrown in.

In the main lobby, it was clear where
the guests were suppose to go.

Mimi held the birthday boy before everyone arrived. This is the first of three shirts John Patrick wore throughout the day- all in an effort to keep him "picture perfect."

And speaking of picture perfect...

Zoe was feeling a little bit shy at the party. But warmed up eventually.

There was mounds of food. But the girls (and cousin Matt) were most impressed with the chocolate fountain.

(click to enlarge)

Our little guy was literally surrounded by friends and family: Granddaddio, Grandma Andree and lots of Liebel Aunts, Uncles and cousins. It was so wonderful to have everyone there.

While the adults ate and chatted, the kids ran around playing Hide and Seek...

and Tag (ahem...can you say "chocolate fountain").

The little guy hung with the Liebel men.

Question: Who would give a baby beer?

Answer: These guys.
(alternate answer: Unca Stu)

Then there was The Show.
What everyone came to see.
And the Dude did not disappoint.
"Seriously? I can eat this?"

"What the heck is this stuff?!"

"Hmmm, interesting..."

"Hey, a balloon!"

The paparazzi.

"Pretty cool when you smash it between your hands."

"Don't go near the baby!"

"We told you not to go near the baby!"

"So, can I have another one?"

"Up?"

The cleanup.

A total outfit change is necessary.

And finally lots and lots of present. Everyone totally spoiled him again with so many fun new toys and clothes that we can't wait to try out. The biggest hit was the toy laptop (Thanks Jenny and Jeremy!) he cried when I took it away to try to get it out of the box and has played with it all morning.

Thank you everyone for sharing this great day with us. We had a blast and hope you all did too.

Good thing your Mimi loves you so much, kid.

"Is it over yet?"