The fire station

The boys have been really into fire trucks and fire safety recently. So, we went to the fire station near our house on Friday afternoon. We got a tour of the station, and the different trucks. The boys loved to see the trucks, hoses, axes, and wearing the hats They especially liked seeing where the fire fighters hang out while they are on duty, and they thought their big kitchen was really incredible, too. It was a fun little thing to do, and a great memory for all of us.

Back home

This is our fort in our front yard that Tom dug out the day after we got back from Florida. Talk about a contrast, but it was really fun for the boys to say they built a sandcastle, and made a snow fort in the same week.

Florida!!!!

We had a wonderful time in Florida last week. The weather was gorgeous, and a nice break from our winter. We spent a lot of time with our friends, the Rooneys, who live in Naples, and Grandpa and Grandma Berg. The kids had the best time playing at the parks, swimming at the beach, eating ice cream, and fishing with Daddy. The last day Freddy and I took a pontoon ride to see Manatees. They are his favorite animal right now, and we got to see a bunch of them. We also saw some alligators and really incredible birds. Freddy even got to drive the boat for a little bit. It was an amazing vacation, but it is good to be back home.

The boys skating at the park

We have had some gorgeous winter weather the last week, and we are trying to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. The boys are enjoying skating, and Tom has been taking them to our park to practice. Fr. John, I thought you would enjoy these pictures. They are doing really well.

Christmas with the Pierces

We had the most wonderful visit with the Pierces, Heils, and Browns for Christmas! We really just enjoyed being together with delicous meals and hanging out at the house. The children had the time of their lives together at Grandad and Grandmom's home. Some highlights of the week included; going to the Brandywine museum to see their amazing train display, the gift exchange between the cousins Christmas night, a beautiful lunch outting with just the adults a couple days after Christmas (an incredible babysitter watched ALL 8 children!), the Brown's wonderful wine and cheese night, and witnessing the children play so well together . The whole week was very relazing and peaceful. Thank you Mom and Dad for all your generousity. It was a beautiful Christmas.

Christmas with the Bergs/Kisters/Bergs

We had a breakfast and gift exchange with Gandma and Grandpa Berg.

Jack really loves trains right now, and all he wanted for Chirstmas was a railroad crossing sign, so here it is. He carries around almost everywhere he goes.

Christmas cookies and gift exchange with the Kistlers.

Gemma got a rosary made by Anna, and her first cell phone from Catherine.

We had the Tim and Robin Bergs over for dinner and a gift exchange the night before we left for Philly.

That same night, we exchanged a few gifts to each other. The boys gave Gemma the dress up jewelry and ice cream cones. WE do this in MN becuase it is way too hard to bring a lot to Philly.