Oh No You Didn't... Yes I did!

To my Dearest, Most Beautiful Daughter,

First and foremost, I love you. I think that there is no being in this world that is as sweet, beautiful, and adorable as you are. However, these next few pictures might suggest otherwise. In the result of you being furious with me in later years for taking these pictures, I apologize sincerly. At the time, I was laughing so hard that I could hardly keep them in focus. Somehow, I muscled through the fits of laughter and the result was worth it. In the words of Christina Aguilera "You are Beautiful no matter what they say....."

The Flat Stanley Take OVER....

Over the past 2 weeks we've had a TWO special visitors that go by the same name: FLAT STANLEY! We've had a ball showing him around Rosendale, Kingston, and the Lower Hudson Valley mostly because it got us out of the house and commenced the explorations of 2011. Thank you to Abbie and Cooper, Flat Stanley's owners, for sharing him with us. We've enjoyed every lightweight, easy to carry, easy to lose and tear moment!

Rosendale Cement Mine Kilns - cement from Rosendale was used to construct the Brooklyn Bridge and the base of the Statue of Liberty.

Dunkin' Donut - a must have in the East.

The Red Brick Tavern.... one of our favorite resturaunts here, and located on Rosendale Main street, the street of the Hippie Takeover.

Rosendale Library a renovated stone church built in the 1800's.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Library and Home in Hyde Park.

Washington Irving's Home on Sunnyside in Tarrytown - author of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow (AKA the Headless Horseman)

The Senate House in Kingston - Kingston was the first capital of NY, until it was burned down by the British during the American Revolution. This is where the state constitution was written.

Wonderful Easter Morn

Jack LOVED hunting for eggs - I think he would make this a life profession if he could. Once he realized the wonderful fact that there was a candy inside, eggs = happiness. Jack was all business, no kidding around or dawdling. Lucky for him, there were plenty of Eggs to be found in the 3 egg hunts we attended over the week. We had some fun with lots of friends - which turned out to be a blessing for me and the kids as Shawn was gone over the weekend to Gettysburg with the Scouts.

Hunt #1 - Playgroup KidsHunt #2 - Famous Schreniger Homestead Hunt Hunt #3 - The Summers' Family Easter Morning HuntSam and Jack scored big time this weekend - and BEWARE: They are armed and dangerous...... the Easter Bunny brought them bows and arrows, and Daddy brought them sling shots from Gettysburg. Rules have been established, whether they will be followed is still questionable, a word of warning: Enter our premises with caution!
Our kids looked adorable in the Easter best! I think each one of there pictures matched their personalities so well that I had to include them as well: Starting off with Sam -always handsome, but insisting that I no longer do a "mohawk" in the front of his hair. The result the "I just got out the shower and matted down my hair with my hand" look!

Jack always the wise guy and jokester, but looking extremely polished in his sweater vest.

Lyv's flower is a bit large, but she it seemed to suit her lately - big butt, big attitude, big girl, big flower.

This year especially Easter has a much deeper meaning for me. I am so grateful for the gift of the Resurrection. What a beautiful morning that was when the Savior showed himself to those whose hearts had been broken by His loss. Binding up the broken hearted - providing a perfect brightness of hope when all seems lost - Easter is truly a holiday to celebrate. I cannot express my love and gratitude to my Savior and Redeemer for His mercy, His love and most importantly His life, given so that I can have

this for all eternity.

Sweet As Pie...or Cake!

Lyv's birthday was a pretty typical day other than the new presents and the fun Skype session we did with our families while she ate her birthday cake. I have to say that was a super great way to share the celebration with our families. When your thousands of miles away... what else do you do?


She was spoiled rotten - she got a ball (Sam) and baby bottles (Jack); a swimming suit (G & G Hill); a trampoline (G&G Summers); a birthday outfit (Robinson's); and a baby doll (Freeman's). We got her a kitchen and to be honest I put it up a few weeks ago.... I just couldn't help myself. I"ve been dying to get a kitchen for the kids and until our girl came Shawn put the skids on these plans. They have all loved it! My too... except (Katie, you'll appreciate this) I have some OCD tendencies and it drives me crazy when the food is not seperated according to refrigerated items and non - and that the dishes have to be in their slots. INSANE, I know!)

R is for Rodeo

For preschool last week we talked about the letter R - and we had ourselves a little RODEO. Oh, yeah baby! They LOVED it....

we did some roppin' and some barrell racing' and made our own homemade bandanas. Here's some pics of the little buckaroos:

My boys have been totally awesome that past little while. I don't know what it is, maybe its that they are finally playing together, or that they get to burn off some energy outside with the change of season, but they have been great. I feel like I need to post that - just so they know how fun they are (most of the time!)


Sam has really taken upon himself the "big" brother role - he is so responsible. He also causes a lot of the tears, but he does try his hardest to inforce the law around these parts. Lately he has been into building the Pillow Club - a huge pile of couch cushions and pillows in his room, where the boys jump into and climb through like a big bouncy cave. This is a daily activity - and he usually helps clean up! He also is so sweet with Lyv - we took her to the doctor and he refused to stay for her shots because he doesn't like to see her cry or get hurt. I love it.

Jack is HILARIOUS!!! Oh my goodness - this kid has got the funniest sense of humor and brings Shawn and I in tears from laughing so hard. He is in a stage where he "hates" everything... but these are the most random things you can think of. He'll say: "I have the Statue of Liberty" or "I hate the letter "R". or "I hate F-4 (from the game Battleship)" He'll say it and than I'll say no you don't and he'll laugh. He also says things like "For crying out loud!" and "Jeeze Louise" and always in the right timing. He is so funny. I wish I could capture these candid moments on video because they are wonderful!

Our Big Birthday Girl

Today is Lyv's 1st Birthday. I can't believe one year has come and gone, the time has flown. But we have loved every precious moment with Lyv. She is such a sweet girl and so full of smiles, dance moves, squeals, and most importantly hugs. Last night she keep on squeezing Shawn when he got home and the smile on his face was unbelievable.... if she played her cards right she could have walked or crawled away with a new convertible and a trip to Hawaii courtesy of Daddy Summers. Here are some quick tidbits of Olyvia Jeanne - our little sweet thing.

Weighed 7lbs. 7 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. She came at 4:59 p.m. about 4 hours of labor.

She goes from happy to gnashing and wailing of teeth in seconds... she's already very dramatic!

She loves to eat...but is picky only fruits, meat, cheese, and oh yeah.. sweets! No veggies.

She loves to play outside, and puts everything and I mean everything in her mouth, including ladybugs and dirt.
She is a good napper and sleeper and is always happy to see you when you come in.

She gives great hugs and kisses.

She loves playing with the boys, but only on her terms. She doesn't like to much love from them.

She is the funnest, most adorable girl in the world and we are so blessed to have her! Lyv we ADORE you! Happy Birthday.