Yummy

Kelley used a new breakfast muffin recipe that Evelyn loves.

Aunt Arlene

My great Aunt Arlene passed away this week.  A great obituary about her life was published today in the paper.  You can read the obituary by clicking here.

Cat In the Hat

Evelyn and Her Friends

After a nap, these are the friends Evy hangs out with.

Emma in School

Emma and her story map.

Grandma Giacomelli

When Evelyn makes this face, she reminds me of my Grandma Giacomelli.

Evelyn Dancing

I'm in some serious trouble. When dance music is playing, Evelyn finds something to stand on then fist pumps. Like an even smaller Snookie.

Emma's Report Card

Emma's school does give her letter grades, but you get the point.

Emma got a very good report card sent home this week.  She is meeting or exceeding all of her progress goals.  Emma has been very fortunate to go to an amazing school and has great teachers.  The principal, nurse, and all support staff have made school a great experience.

That's Your Favorite Number?!

"I find your lack of the number 1 disturbing."

Kelley recently asked Evelyn her favorite number.  Evelyn said, "Darth Vader."

Morning Text Message

Just got this text message from Kelley and couldn't stop laughing.

Lego Star Wars Sets - Complete!

Emma during the set up.

Since Christmas, Emma and I have been building her Lego Star Wars sets.  We just finished them all tonight and Emma set them up on a table.  After taking a few pictures of her setting up the Legos (perfectly to her liking), Emma took the camera to take pictures.  She is still taking pictures of the Lego sets as I write this.

Emma photo of ground zero of Lego Star Wars action.

The inspection.

Huge Puzzle

Emma just completed a huge puzzle from her Uncle Ryan.

Christmas Emma

Emma really wanted her picture taken in this sled.

Rock Climbing Evy

Rock Climbing Emma

Bettendorf Family Museum

We're spending part of our day at the family museum. The kids love the grocery area.

Christmas Spirit

My dad was overcome with the Christmas spirit in 2011.  So he doesn't kill me, I should note that this shirt was made by my mom for him to wear during an "ugly Christmas shirt" party.  He may have won.

Meet Samantha

Emma with Samantha.

If you have seen Emma since December 26th, you have probably already met Samantha.  Samantha is Emma's new American Girl doll and prized possession.  She goes everywhere with Emma.  Noni and Papa got her the doll and some accessories.  Grandma and Grandpa Nic got her more accessories and a volume of American Girl books to go with her.  We started reading the books tonight and she loves them.