Mothers Day!

It was a beautiful day...

 We were cleaning up the grotto at school for the May Crowning 

...so we had a picnic dinner down there...

the kids picked to eat in the trailer. ;)

Germany

Thank you so much for the incredible time we had with you Margaret, Alex, Pierce and Gretel!

The whole time we were there it felt to me I was in a dream. 

Prior to: I kept hinting to Pat that we could go visit "the Freis" 

but when he never made any response and only talked about his alternative 

vacationing spots (tropical islands) I resigned myself to believe it was merely a 'pipe dream'. 

However, my Christmas stocking of 2013 proved me wrong. 

St. Nick gave the go to travel abroad.

 A walk to the park.

 Enjoying sister-time ...and ice-cream, thanks Alex for the generous helping. 

Alex and Marg let us use their car to travel down to Salzburg for a couple nights. 

These are the barracks in Dachau. 

We shouldn't look so happy.

 Walking on the wall surrounding the outside of the city (Salzburg).

 Pretzel stands in the courtyard. The idea was much more appealing than the taste.

 So, many quaint little streets.

 I love this image across Europe of the many Church's, always at the highest spot in the town with the intent of drawing our hearts and minds to Christ, to elevate our attention and desires toward Heaven.

If only society here still lived this way. 

 Brugge, Belgium:Across the street from our hotel. 

Thanks again for arranging all the accommodations M &A!

Just perfect! 

I am still impressed with the van you drove us in Alex.

The boat ride going around the city. It was quite enjoyable until I felt a soft WARM sensation melt into my hair; evidently a bird thought this was a good "dropping" spot. 

Another walk to the park before we leave...I am not sure Gretel looks excited about it though.

Gretel, you sure liked your Uncle Pat. 

Happy Birthday Drew!

To our special guy. Happy 9th birthday!

 You picked Lumpy Bumpy Cake......just to make Dad happy! :) :)

Grandma was here for your Baptism!

Happy Birthday Isabelle!

The day finally arrived! The night before you told Mom how excited you were. 

When questioned why,  you replied "because it my birthday! and I like the #7, it is my favorite number, it is fun and I just like the way it looks."

You informed me you did not like cake so you wanted rice crispy cake with chocolate instead, 

and hearts because its almost Valentines.

A shirt from Drew, that he made for you himself.

 A music box from Grandma and Grandpa.

Just hanging out.......observing.  

Just another Day

Thank you Aunt Maggie for my new tea set.....Love, Hannah 

 It is about time....we have something to sit you up little T. 

The bouncer is just not cutting it any more.  You love the bumbo!

Feast of St. Blaise

Breadsticks with Soup.

Merry Christmas!

A few highlights from Christmas Eve and Day

 The Barn. Louis's gift which he became possessive of quite quickly.

 since some of the other littles tryed playing with it....he discreetly climbed on top the couch and stacked pillows around it and whispered to Isabelle: "hide".

So, the sisters fed into it  ("so cute" they told me) and helped him keep it hid.

 We took her out Auntie Margaret after all....it was a beautiful day and glorious sledding,

I gave the "babes" to Pat and took over the sledding duties!

 It was great snow for snowman too. If you look closely you can notice the rosy cheeks

from our leftover cranberries.