Family Pics - April 2013

Sweet Daniel at 5.5 years - love his blue eyes

 This is how our family roles with pics :)

 Mommy and her best boy

 Great shots of Daddy and Daniel

 so sweet - Rebecca is my little angel

 LOVE!!!!

 Like both of these!

 Most precious

 Daniel loved the fish at Meadowlark Gardens

 Rebecca at 2.5 years

 I love how her personality shines through

 Running to Mommy

One of my favorites - love her expression


Great photo shoot with Becky A. Gardner Photographer at Meadowlark Gardens.  So precious.

Hanging Out with Daniel

Daniel and I headed to Reston Towne Center after school today.  He got a perfect score at school today so I bought him chocolate ice cream (think he discovered that Ben and Jerry's tastes better than frozen yogurt). Daniel loves the fountain at Reston Towne Center!  Plus there were airplanes flying by the whole time.

Daniel and His Buddy Nolan (plus Rebecca)

 Daddy Tries out the Zip Line!

 Bubbles for Becca

 Tag and Chase on the Trampoline

 Daniel LOVED the Zip Line

 Lets tackle the adults and tickle everyone!

 Holly on the Zip Line - not just for kids anymore

 More bubbles

 Daniel had the most fun ever with his buddy, Nolan

Daniel before he tries the zip line

Sandy Hook/Boston Marathon

There is definitely evil and sickness in the world, but there is even more love and compassion.  So many heroes who risked their own lives to save others at both events.  Children lost to families who will never be the same again yet choose to remember and love and move forward.  And the innocence of children lost way too young.  Children who God loves with all his heart.  Families who need God's grace and love.

It makes you realize what really matters in this life.  How do we treat each other?  How do we get back to the values that matter in our society.  We can do it because LOVE always eventually wins over evil.  That is what I want to teach Rebecca and Daniel as they grow up. Life is hard and scary but there are helpers and good people everywhere.  Love others as you want to be loved.  Believe in God and hope and peace.

I have to admit that I am hugging my children extra tight from these two events.  I can only pray for God Grace to fill these families who are impacted by these tragedies.

Inner Harbor and Baltimore Aquarium

We had a great day in Baltimore.  We went to the aquarium first and saw the fish, jellyfish, sharks, turtles and dolphin training session. Then we had lunch at Noodles and Company with a great view of the water.  Then Daniel and Michael went on the Constellation Ship and Torsk Submarine while Rebecca and I enjoyed the great day.

A Walk in the Park

Today was a beautiful Spring day!  I decided to take a walk and sat down in the grass at the park.  I cannot remember the last time I actually just enjoyed the moment in a park.  A little girl and her mother walked by and she gave me the sweetest smile.  Pure happiness on her face that made me happy.

Michael and I have been having a blast at bedtime with the kids.  We chase them around and Michael pretends to be Frankenstein (or a bear or a shark) and I pretend to be a robot.  It is hysterical b/c we also play hide-and-seek with the kids.  They absolutely love it!!!!  And they are often naked when they are running around.  Seeing those happy faces and hearing their laughter and giggles is the best moment ever.

Being in the moment with the kids and Michael has been the greatest gift of my time off.  Seeing them be so happy b/c I am playing with them and loving every second.  I feel blessed for sure.

Then I read some articles about politics, bullying, war, gun control, etc. and I think to myself why can't we all find solutions to our challenges and make this a better world for our children.  Life seemed so much easier and simpler when we were kids.  No wonder parents are hovering all the time now.  Lets bring faith, values and love back into the equation.

SmartCEO Executive Management Award - March 2013