Grandpa's Funeral...

Early Saturday morning we drove over to Indiana to say our final goodbye to Grandpa and attend his funeral. Fortunately Daddy was able to fly home for the weekend and go with us. The service was very nice, and fitting for a retired Naval Aviator, State Senator, and high school teacher. Despite the sad occasion, it was so nice to be around family. The girls were thrilled to play with all their cousins, and see Grandpa Joe who was able to return from Afghanistan.

Carsyn, Grandma, Grandpa Joe, and Logan...

Cousins...

Goodbye, Grandpa...

It is with a heavy heart that we write this post. Yesterday the girls' great-grandfather passed away. We are comforted with the knowledge that he went peacefully, led a very full and successful life, and is now in Heaven. We love you Grandpa!

Sunday Girls...

We actually had a bit of a warm up today. It was in the 40's, but it was raining...so it still left something to be desired. But, the girls were happy not to have to bundle up for mass this morning. Here are some pics from our weekly photo shoot ; )...

(She's talking to her dad--not her boyfriend ; )...

Ice Princess...

One of Carsyn's classmates had an ice skating birthday party. Carsyn was super-excited to go skating. She did really well--of course mommy couldn't pass up the chance to get out on the ice with Carsyn. We had a blast (yes, me too!)

Carsyn and her friends trying not to fall...

Fashion Week...

What have we been up to? A whole lot of nothing. So, I figured I just post some pictures of the girls and their fashion trends for 2010 ; ). Of course there are many more photos of Carsyn because she doesn't have to wear a uniform to school. And, Maren only goes twice a week. Here they are...

Last Sunday before church...

Monday...

Tuesday...

Lucey and Carsyn in the school library...

Maren at school...

Wednesday...

Thursday (a dress-down day for Logan!)...

Friday...

This is a picture of Carsyn from last week--so cute...

Petite Ballerina...

Maren had her first ballet class this afternoon. It was supposed to be last Thursday, but the studio was closed because of the snow. She's been so excited to start dance. She taking lessons at the same place as her sisters, so they'll all be in the same recital this Spring!

Maren's ready to dance...

I had to post this one of Carsyn before her dance class too--she will still let me do stuff to her hair. Logan doesn't want any part of that, and Maren's isn't long enough yet.

First Reconciliation...

In preparation for her First Eucharist coming up this Spring, Logan (along with the rest of the second grade) made her First Reconciliation this morning. She was not as nervous as I was when I went to confession for the first time. And, surprisingly enough it didn't take her the whole afternoon--she must have left a few things out ; ). What a big girl. She is really looking forward to her First Communion.

Logan getting ready to go over to church...

Logan and her friends at church...

Snow Day: School's Closed!

The girls had their first official snow day of the year today. Earlier this week they had a two-hour delay. So with the initial two inches from Tuesday and the five inches from yesterday, they closed all the area schools today. It was really nice to get to sleep in. It also worked out well that neither Logan nor Carsyn's classes missed the Feast of the Epiphany parties at school on Wednesday. However, Maren's first ballet class was supposed to be last night, but it was canceled. Today it was so cold and windy,we didn't really get to spend our snow day playing outside. In fact we only lasted about 20 minutes out there...brrr! But, the girls had fun anyway.

Logan and Carsyn ready for the first school day of 2010...

Snow day fun...

Caution: Wet Paint...

Over Christmas break we finally got around to painting. Well, only one and a half rooms. We painted the front room "toasted almond" and we gave the powder room a two-toned thyme color. We're very happy with how they turned out. Now if we could only get the girls' rooms done...

Our front room...

After mass this morning...

The girls...

The powder room...

How We Rang in the New Year...

When Daddy had to go back to work in Washington, the thought of not spending New Year's together really didn't settle well. So, we decided to fly out to D.C. too. The girls and I had a super-early flight Wednesday morning. However, due to a non-functioning navigational system, our flight was delayed for four hours. Let's just say that keeping three little girls entertained and fed--not to mention taking them to the bathroom--for four hours in an airport, by yourself, is not the easiest task. But, somehow we made it.

The girls were real troopers...

We finally arrived at BWI at noon (we were originally supposed to be in at 7:50.) Daddy drove us to our hotel. The girls were very hungry by that time. Luckily there's a deli right across the street. After lunch we were ready to go see the sights (well, of course we've already seen them, but it's still so amazing.) We walked up the Mall to the Capitol. It wasn't nearly as cold as it was last year when we went to see the Capitol Christmas tree. Afterward we went to the U.S. Botanic Garden to see the Holiday train and decorations. The girls loved it. It was like a miniature fairyland, all made of plants and natural materials. Then we went back to the hotel for dinner, and put the girls to bed early--it had been a very long day.

The girls on the National Mall...

The United States Capitol...

Logan...

Carsyn...

Maren...

The Capitol Christmas tree...

On the hill...

Political talks?

At the USBG...

Check out the sun shining on the Capitol...

Thursday morning after breakfast at the hotel, we headed out for a day at the museums. The girls loved both the Natural History and the American History museums, so that where we went. Nothing really new to report on, however the girls were very disappointed that they have not added a dress belonging to Mrs. Obama (preferably her inaugural gown.) After getting their fill of the museums--and lunch--we walked over to the White House to see the Christmas tree on the Ellipse. Then we returned to the hotel and ordered pizza. After dinner the girls enjoyed swimming and splashing around the pool with Daddy. We had no real plans for the evening, just waiting for midnight. But, the girls (predictably) dropped before the ball. Actually, they almost made it...Maren fell asleep at about 10:20, Logan at 10:45, and Carsyn at 11:25. But, at least we were all together! We had a great 2009, and hopefully 2010 will be even better!

The girls in front of the Washington Monument...

Carsyn ready to check out her favorite Smithsonian museum...

The girls at the White House Christmas tree...

Maren loved looking at the trains...

Logan with the Ohio tree...

Maren and Daddy in front of the White House...

Carsyn and Logan...

Splashing, good time...

Dressed up for New Year's Eve...

Little Carsyn...

Logan getting tired already...

The girls and I slept in Friday morning. Poor Daddy was working nights all week. So, even though we were glad to get to spend our days with him--he didn't get much sleep. We ate breakfast at the hotel, and enjoyed a late check out before driving back up to Baltimore to fly home. We had such a fun time in Washington...love you, Daddy!

The girls (not quite) ready to go home...