Work in the Back Yard

Ian helped out with the framing of the new shed.

Walls!

And the deck got framed out.

Anya Plays Kiddie Soccer

Despite only wanting to play when her little friend was there, Anya was pretty good!

2009 Baseball Season!

Opening Day Parade

First time at bat. He swings and hits!
A turn as catcher.

Anya played in the dirt while Ian played.

Group shot after first win!

Lincoln Elementary Goes to "Imagine That!"

Ian and his two pals, who I had the privilege of chaperoning.

Ian likes the firefighter section!
Ian broadcasts the news.

Ian and a pal learn a little anatomy.

This is the closest he'll get to a motorcycle for as long as I have any say in the matter.

Easter 2009

Ack. I uploaded backwards, but am too lazy to fix it so here it is!

Uncle Michael helped out a bit with construction of our new shed.
Bobcat likes any food.

It was a chilly day, so coats were necessary!

We always hunt for eggs on our yard and our neighbors. Thank goodness, since we had no backyard this Easter!

Early Spring Beach Trip

Nana took pity on me back in April, when I had such terrible morning sickness. She took the kids to Jenkinson's.

Despite frigid water temps, Ian was right in there!

The princess stayed dry.

Destruction of the Patio

That bramble bush behind Scott went the next weekend.

Scott, Rob, and even Ian all had fun tearing down the overhang atop our patio.

Roofing went first, then they tackled the walls.
Getting there...

That brown wall concerned me, but I was happy to see progress!

Oh yeah, the sheds were demolished too!

Late Snowstorm

We had a snow day in March. The kids had a blast!

Lefferts Cleaning Crew

Anya actually enjoys cleaning.

She's not great, but she'll improve!
Ian is eager to clean if money is involved.

I'll take any help I can get!

Dinner with the DePauls

I figured if Laura was gonna get out her camera, so was I!

Danny enjoyed Ian, though he seemed as composed as Mike.
Ian taught Danny how to rock out!

Anya joined the crazy parade.

A Few More Wrestling Pics

I just like his angry face here!

Two 55 pound kids, going for broke.
I wanted to be sure to get some pics up with him in his singlet!

Christmas Day 2008

Uncle Michael slept over so he could be here for the early morning festivities!

Crazy Uncle Michael bought them the Wii!

Star Wars is always a hit.

Nana was unfazed by the lack of pants. Of course, Scott wore pants!

Ian has wanted a DS forever (to hear him tell it). Scott had him open a game first, then the case, and finally the actual DS. Poor kid.

Christmas Eve 2008

We went to see Santa on the firetruck at Rainbow Lakes.

Ummm, yeah. This is the "3 year ols girl" gift that Anya received from the firetruck Santa. We assumed the slot on his head was for a hat, but it did not come with a hat. It DID come with a hatchet...
Later, Uncle Michael geared up to play Santa!

I let Ian peek at Santa, but he was nervous that Santa might see him, so he quickly ran back to bed.

Santa didn't seem to mind the homemade cookies!

Cookies for Santa

Ian was insistent that we make homemade cookies.

They didn't look so hot, but they made them themselves!

Snow Day!

Yeah, Newark Public Schools were open, so I went to work. Scott and the kids stayed home and shovelled. See Scotty's new truck there?

Why walk when you can crawl?
The kid is nuts.

The next day we went sledding. Well, Ian and our neighbors did. Anya was terrified, and I figured my back surgeon would frown on it!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

We decorated the house in record time this year because the kids were super helpful!

Giants vs. Eagles

Sooo, we purposely picked a game against an NFC East rival. The Giants had been doing so well all year, we were really excited. Were. The Eagles didn't win it so much as the Giants LOST it. Add to that the ridiculous temperature, and it was a ridiculous day. However, it was the first pro game for Ian and his friend. They did really well for kindergarten boys! No whining. They really watched the game!

It probably helped that the seats were so good. We were high, but on the 50 yard line. Also, we were on the sunny side of the stadium, which meant a precious extra 10-20 degrees!

All in all, a very fun day. Big thanks to Mom's friend Christie, who got us the tickets!

Wrestle Mania

When I told Ian that there'd be 4 matches going on at the same time, he asked if there would be bars separating them. I think he envisioned cage matches...

They go three 1-minute rounds. I recorded each round, naturally.

Anya's First Dance Recital

So, I was wary. I'm not terribly girlie. Then I saw her in her leotard and tights. She was so excited. I was still nervous, as all she had shown me was a little bit of "the Robot."

Such a cute little belly!

Then she came out in this costume and I nearly died! I was alternately laughing and getting choked up.

Each group had 2 routines, hence the differrent costumes.
Ian (grudgingly) gave her flowers at the end.

But she seemed most happy with the candy cane her teacher gave her.

The first one is a bit long, but I was enthralled!

You'll notice that neither dance is the Robot. The boys did that one. Whatever. Also, their instructor was down in front, doing the moves for them to follow and remember, so they're all looking off to the side a bit!

Chocolate World!

"Working" as Hershey Kiss packagers. Anya at the helm here.

Then Ian.
Mmmmm. Kisses where they're made (sorta).

This is the best-smelling part of the tour!

It's milk chocolate, you know!

Hershey Park, 2008

Anya and me on the train.

Had to be sure everyone had their pic taken at least once!

Cheeeeese!

Getting along so nicely!

I had to yell at them while they rode this one. We could see tussling in the cab of their car, lol!

This will be Ian's last year as a Reese's Peanutbutter Cup!

It might be Anya's last year as a Kiss!

Breakfast with Santa at Hershey Park

This year, neither kid was afraid of any of the characters.

Yummm

Silly. See video, below.
Anya tossed a ball to Jerry the Elf.

So Ian did too.

Orange slices on the platter.

The irresponsible Santa who told my kids that if they were good, and left cookies, milk and carrots out on Christmas Eve, they'd get what they asked for. This was after Ian told him he wanted Nintendo DS!!!

Anya just asked for a doll. You know, because she only has 27 in her room.

Mrs. Claus.

Anya and Kourtney shakin' their groove things.

Again, the silly Peanutbutter Cup.

Santa better leave Mommy a check!

Thanksgiving at Nana's

Anya and Ian's first experience with the "kid" table. They were less that overjoyed at the prospect of being ostracized.

Cutie Kyle.
I just think this is a good pic of Nana.

My little hambone.

Let's not forgwt that Cassie was there, too!

Thanksgiving Eve

Dinner with Grandpa, Candy, Uncle Michael, Aunt Devon, Uncle Todd, and KYLE!!!

Again with the face.
Ian loved playing with Kyle.

Really, with the face?

Anya and Ian took turns sitting next to Kyle. He was quite the hot commodity!

Ian's Family Parties

Ian's actual birthday was spent with his cousins and a small Coldstone Creamery cake!

Then the following weekend he had the shindig. Nana and Uncle Michael were on hand, as were his cousins.
Uncle Michael must make this face in at least one picture at every event. Steve was unfazed.

A lot of Star Wars, the Clone Wars stuff.

Regular ice cream cake for the bigger party.