I might have a problem

As I was going through the last couple months of pictures, I realized that I might have a problem. I never thought I would be that mom that dressed their girls alike but I have fallen into the trap. They are so close in age and just so darn cute! It is also a lot easier to just pick out one outfit and know you can go to the next closet and get the same thing. And I realize that Madeline will not think it is cool for much longer so I will do while I can. Below is some evidence and these are only the days that I took their picture!

New Years Weekend

Our good friends from Raleigh, The Smith family, came to visit for New Year's weekend. We had a fabulous time playing with them. The kids miss the girls so much and we miss our adult friends. It is so rare when you find a couple where both the wives and husbands get along well and have common interests. We found that with Barb and Bret immediately and we miss them so much!

Because we had our favorite babysitters in town, we got to go out for New Year's! We haven't had the opportunity for many dates lately so it was much needed!

When we left, Madeline was snuggled up with Paige...

 and Jack and Macey were making cookies.

 When we got home, Madeline was sound asleep on Macey!

 Since there were five extra people to watch the kids, I actually cooked a real meal! Paula Deen's black eyed peas, mashed potatoes, a yummy salad with pecans, apples and blue cheese and

 this spicy fruit stuffed pork loin with roasted pears and onions from Southern Living. Can't ever go wrong with a SL recipe!

We had a great start to 2012! Here is to a wonderful year!

Christmas 2011

Going to play catch up here. We had a fabulous Christmas in Knoxville. We drove over Christmas Eve morning- so nice to be only 3.5 hours away now! We played and then went to mass with my family and came back to my parents for a yummy dinner. The kids had a great time serenading us with all the songs they knew from school- Go tell it on the mountain, Jingle Bells, etc. They all got to pick one present to open ( a Connor tradition) and then everyone headed to bed to wait for Santa.

This is what the main tree looked like after Santa came.

 And this is what the kids tree looked like after Mimi and Goose came :)

They are way better than Santa!

 All the stockings

Jack opening his BatCave- the only thing he asked for and was so excited!

 Madeline wanted a crib for her babies. We are in serious baby doll obsession stage!

 Virginia Ann slept through most of the chaos- she is my late riser! But joined us at the end.

 Madeline and her bff, Aunt JuJu

 My parents wanted a family picture so we told the kids we couldn't open any presents under the kid tree until they took a good picture. This is how it started.

 But we got a few good ones! We are so so blessed!

 Mom and Dad and the grandkids

Madeline (2), Jack (5), Quinn(9 mos), Cael (2), Virginia Ann (13 mos) and Maeve (5)

 Big Squish

Madeline giving Maeve a thank you hug

 Mom has given Ryan a Nerf gun every year since forever ago. This year he and Jack got matching guns and Ryan and Cory went to town.

 It was a Batman kind of Christmas for Jack- sleeping bag, shirt, hat, rain boots, etc

 Maeve and Madeline bonded over their babies and played well together. Jack kind of got the shaft b/c he wanted to play with "boy" toys.

 We won this peeing Santa at a Christmas party and it was a big hit. It is supposed to be a liquor dispenser but it works great with water too!

 My mom's friend Patti got a new English Bulldog puppy named Walter. Madeline was in love!

 Goose and Jack in their matching polos!

We had a such fun time- lots of playing, eating and hanging out with family. Loved being at home- no place like it!

Gram and Papa's visit

Gram and Papa came to visit yesterday and today. It was so fun having them here!

They brought Christmas presents including this apron and chef's hat for Madeline who loved them and the mini spatula, wisk and rolling pin. She could be "just like mommy."

 Amazing! Everyone smiling and looking in the same direction!

 We all went to Monkey Joe's and Virginia Ann loved the toddler area!

 Jack helped Madeline navigate the big slide. He is such a sweet brother!

 Of course, Clay had to slide too! 

It was a really fun time! I am not a big fan of places like MJ's b/c I get stressed out trying to keep track of everyone. But when you have four adults and three kids, it is a breeze! Thanks Gram and Papa!

Trouble

Having three kids 5 and under can make for lots of mischief. Especially from Jack and Madeline!

The other night I put them to bed and then heard them talking. I didn't mind that they were still awake, as long as they were quiet and didn't come out of their room. Their chatter went on for about 30 minutes and got louder and there were some thuds too. So I went in and found this. 

 They had taken all their bedding off and piled every book from the bookshelf on Jack's bed. Lovely. They "just wanted to read a little." 

 Virginia Ann's favorite place in the house is our pantry and she has figured out how to climb the stool and get to the fruit snacks!

Visit to Santa

 We have had a big few weeks. On November 30th, four very nice men showed up at our house in Raleigh and packed everything we owned and moved us across the state to the Charlotte area. Clay was transferred and has been spending most weeks since August in Charlotte. We were all so ready to be together again! We are settling into our new house. The kids love their new school and we are all slowly making friends and trying to find our way around. We miss our friends in Raleigh SO much but love seeing Clay every night instead of every weekend!

 Madeline made a rice krispie gingerbread house and insisted on taking a picture of it

and sending it to Goose. 

Last weekend we headed to Ikea (yay for being close to Ikea!!!) and after torturing the kids there for a couple hours, we took them to see Santa. At the Bass Pro Shop. You may chuckle but they actually had a great Santa. And the store is decked out for Christmas! 

Jack loved the train he could control. 

 Virginia Ann loved all the decorations especially the fake snow.

 The best picture of the three I could get!

 Working on her letter to Santa! She should get whatever she wants b/c she has been a very good girl!

Delivering their letters

 Jack trying to remember what he wants

 Madeline would talk to Santa but would not sit on his lap.

 Rare tears from Virginia Ann but they were BIG tears! She was not a Santa fan!

Excited about all the new adventures we will have in our new city!