It has been so long since I have posted that I’ve had people ask if I had stopped the blog. No, I haven’t stopped – well, yes I had – but not really intentionally. We got back from Florida and life seems like a whirlwind. I haven’t had time to blog at work (which I shouldn’t be doing now!) and by the time I crawl into bed with the laptop, I am exhausted and find it difficult to put together a comprehensive post.

So, let’s see….what has happened since we got back from Disney….

Thankfully, Grayson recovered from his flu he got in Florida – but Leanne got it. Less than 12 hours after getting home, Leanne was struck down and was down most of that week. Mia succumbed at the end of the week. Naturally, I was the only one who didn’t get it. Yay me!

At the beginning of March, we celebrated Leanne’s birthday. I took the kids to Target to let them pick out the plates/cups/hats for Leanne’s party. She ended up with Sesame Street hats and cups and Tinkerbell plates! That weekend boys and I made chocolate dipped strawberries for Leanne and Jen and Jurgen came over to babysit so we could go see The Reader (really good!) On Leanne’s actual birthday, the boys and I made blueberry muffins (from a box – YUCK) – although the kids ate them – and then we went to celebrate with friends at one of our favorite restaurants.

The Birthday Girl and her boys.


For St. Patrick’s Day (well, the first Saturday in March) we headed down to Old Town Alexandria for their annual parade. But before we went to the parade, we had to make a stop at one of my traditions – Pat Troy’s Irish Bar. My friend Katie and her family have been going to this bar for their festivities for years – and I’ve joined them many a year since I was in college. Over the years it has become increasingly less rowdy (well at least the section that they reserve) and there are more and more kids every year. This year we added our two in - along with our friend Suzanne’s son Rhyder who also came with us. The three boys had a blast dancing to the Irish music, wearing green beads, and being silly while the adults enjoyed burgers and beer before noon! Afterwards, we went to the parade where the kids got to see bands, fire trucks, dogs, and dancers. Plus, the weather was beautiful! When we got home, Suzanne graciously agreed to stay home with our kids so we could go to dinner to celebrate our anniversary (can you believe it has been 6 years since our wedding!) We had a great dinner outside and took a leisurely stroll around Target! I know you are in awe of our celebrating!

The gang enjoying St. Patty's Day!


The remainder of March was consumed by consignment sales for the two multiples groups we belong too. We volunteered at both and sold at one. I spent hours entering items into the new online selling system, tagging the items, sorting them, and getting them into the car. While we do it, I always question if it is worth it – but when we get out check back it seems worth it!

Leanne has also been really busy with her class and her dissertation. As most of you know, Leanne has been working on her PhD since 1999 (when she started taking classes.) She finished her coursework in 2005 (?) and took some time off before the kids were born – to get ready for them and then after their birth. During that time, she decided that she would change her research methodology to a phenomenological study. Because of this, she needed to take two additional classes that weren’t being offered until this semester and next fall. So, she is back in the swing of classes again – with all of the reading and papers that it entails. She’s been burning her candle at both ends. Working all day and then reading/writing 2-3 nights a week and from 7a-3p on the weekends. She is hoping to have her dissertation finished by 2011 – but DEFINITELY by 2012. Keep tuned. We’ll be having a party. J

That brings us to April which I’ll do in a separate post. Whew!

The boys enjoying the only day of snow we had all year - and it was in March!


Leanne and the kids riding the new train at the mall.