SUN Days

Scooters

2011-02-21T15:59:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad bought you guys scooters this past weekend. Here is a video of you two scootin' around the house! And, at the end, Dad had to throw in footage of Mommy blowdrying her hair under the fan (taken at our old house) because he thought it was weird that I did that and also just to bug and embarass me.
xoxo

Winter Days Around Here

2011-01-27T07:20:00.000-08:00

Dear Ben & Dan,
Week after week, it's been snowing. We have had snow on the ground since Christmas. Just when it starts to melt, it snows again!
We have been very cooped up lately but we are trying to make the most of it. I'm not going to fib, some days I want to scream and I keep telling you to just wait until spring because it is worth waiting for.
Anyway, here is what you have been doing:
drinking lots of hot cocoa
making (very early) Valentine cookies...you keep asking what holiday comes next (very cute)
watching Mickey Mouse movies on repeat (you are obsessed)
going to our regular rec center classes
hosting and attending playdates with your new friends from the rec center
visiting with Grandmom while Grandpop was in CA and visiting the Marlton Barnes & Noble, of course
watching Mommy paint the kitchen cabinets
eating soup
mastering the art of (finally!) pooping on the potty EVERY time and eating lots of Valentine heart candy as a reward
napping with Mommy in our cozy fleece sheets
climbing into bed with Mom & Dad very early each morning
You guys are the best to hang around & be lazy with.
I love you,
Mommy

Snow Fort

2011-01-14T04:03:00.000-08:00

We've had snow on the ground here in Point Pleasant since Dec. 26th. We got hit hard with a major snowstorm the day after Christmas and had to drive home from Marlton back to Point Pleasant through some of it which was not fun. It took us 3 hours instead of one hour and along the way, we saw a few unfortunate cars getting stuck on the highway. We got home safe though and thank goodness we left when we did (although we had to leave sweet Brooke's 1st birthday party early)because otherwise, we would've been stuck at our parents' for a few days only to come home to 2 ft. of snow! The snow drifts were unreal. It still hasn't melted. It was too deep to even play in but the boys played on the driveway as we shoveled and used their new huge dump trucks (from Mimi and Pop) to load and unload snowballs. We did make it sledding on day too.
I wish I had taken more pictures! Here are a few pictures of the cool snow fort/snowball throwing wall Daddy made for Ben and Dan, only to be knocked over shortly after. This was from the fresh snowfall we had a few days ago.
I think it's going to be a long, snowy winter!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-10T16:00:00.001-08:00

Benjamin and Daniel loved every minute of the Christmas season this year. They understood it all and wanted to celebrate the holiday every single day in December so we did! We made cookies galore plus a gingerbread train, trimmed our tree, drove around looking at the neighborhood Christmas lights, sang carols, made paper doilie snowflakes for every window in the house, went to NYC and Hershey, wrapped gifts, gave gifts, unwrapped gifts, and played in the snow. It was a joy watching them experience the magic of Christmas!

Hershey Park

2010-12-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

We ended Andrew's vacation week with a weekend at Hershey, PA. We stayed at the Hershey Lodge which was decked out in its holiday finest. It was so pretty and it actually started snowing as soon as we reached Hershey which added to the excitement. Ben & Dan loved swimming in the indoor pool the minute we checked in.
We went to Chocolate World where we took the little chocolate tour and Benjamin and Daniel each created their own candy bar along with their very own candy wrapper. We drove through Sweet Lights, a forest lit up with tons of Christmas light displays. It took almost 45 minutes to drive through!
We also visited Zoo America, Hershey's cute, little zoo as well as the amusement park itself which is called Candylane this time of year. About thirty rides were open, most of which were kiddie ones so Ben and Dan had so much fun! It was funny seeing all the kids bundled like fat little snowmen whirling around the rides in the wind. It was so chilly that day, too! The boys crashed as soon as we got in the car going back to the hotel. Later that night, we had a yummy dinner, watched some of the Grinch movie (Ben was scared, Dan loved it) which was the featured flick that night at the Lodge for families.
Lots of chocolate, sparkling lights, sitting by the fire and listening to carols put us all in the Christmas spirit.

New York City

2010-12-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

Andrew and I took Benjamin and Daniel to New York City. It was their very first time and they were so excited leading up to and throughout our overnight visit. We stayed at the Hilton Gardens thanks to Grandmom and Grandpop Humphries. (Thank you, thank you so much!!)
After our drive in, we set out for Dylan's Candy Bar then to Central Park where we took a nice stroll followed by a horse drawn carriage ride.
Later that night, we went to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular Show then on to see the famous tree at Rockefeller Center. Daddy spotted the famous Magnolia Bakery so we had cupcakes, milk, and coffee for dinner that night. It was delicious!
The next day we took a long, brisk (understatement) walk to FAO Schwartz ( all the while checking out Times Square & admiring all of the wintery window displays on 5th Ave.) and let the boys each pick out a toy. And in between, we took several taxi rides, marveled at the big buildings and took in all of the sights and sounds of Christmas in the city.
It was such a great little trip!

Hamilton's Grounds for Sculpture

2010-11-22T11:12:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures from our recent day trip to "The Grounds for Sculpture" in Hamilton, NJ. Such a great family day!

My View

2010-11-15T10:29:00.001-08:00

These are some of the trees on our front yard. So beautiful!

A Halloween Dinner

2010-11-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

We had our friends over for a little homemade Halloween dinner. The kids had a blast!
I think we will make it a family tradition. This year we served chicken fingers, scalloped sweet potatoes, corn & peas, applesauce, and a fall salad with apples, cranberries, pecans and blue cheese. Dessert was pumpkin patch brownies and Halloween cupcakes with mounds of icing.

Happy Halloween From Our House to Yours!

2010-10-27T05:27:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Time

2010-10-16T03:28:00.001-07:00

Finally...Some Pictures! (Because I unpacked my camera cords)

2010-09-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

These are all from June to present, both in Ocean City and Point Pleasant.

Still in Ocean City

2010-07-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while! We have been busy working on our new house. Lots of paint, new flooring, etc. It's been stressful trying to get it all done while still living in Ocean City. Andrew has been spending some nights at the new house on an air mattress, pondering how lonely it would be to live there without us! We can't wait to move in...hopefully by the end of July. Will post pics soon. xoxo

Story Time

2010-06-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Andrew is reading to the boys in the other room. All of my boys sound so cute...Andrew reading and the little ones chiming in and commenting on the pictures.
Before they started reading, Andrew was doing "spin booms" on the bed where he spins the boys and then "Boom!" throws them down. Ben and Dan squeal with delight.
I went in mid-spin boom and Benjamin told me to go downstairs!
That's okay - I get it - it's boy time.

Good Morning Sunshine

2010-05-11T17:29:00.001-07:00

Happy, cozy, cuddling children (Don't mind the bed head and puffy eyes)

My Love Bugs

2010-05-11T17:27:00.001-07:00

Spring Beach Days

2010-05-11T17:18:00.001-07:00

Cape May Zoo

2010-05-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Spring & Easter in Ocean City

2010-04-13T12:33:00.001-07:00

We are settled in Ocean City as our temporary living situation. Here are the boys blowing milk bubbles in their cereal.

We took the boys to the Hamilton Mall for pictures with the Easter Bunny. They also rode the carousel which they adore! Doesn't it look like I am wearing a wig here? I dyed my hair darker...I still don't know if I like it.

Uncle Dave spent most of Easter weekend with us in OC. We all went to the crazy and crowded Easter egg hunt on Saturday.

Can you spot a thong in the next picture? (photo courtesy of Uncle Dave)

Here we are at Mom-Mom Dede's and Pop-Pop's house for Easter dinner. The boys had another egg hunt in the yard and Daniel played with this new train all day!

Dean & her girls stopped by for lunch and a play date the following Monday. Here are Ben, Dan, Ellie & Jane:

What's New Around Here

2010-03-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

1. Our house is UNDER CONTRACT! We are out of attorney review, appraisal & home inspection have been done. We should be out of our house by the end of this month or early April. Andrew's parents are so kind... they are letting us live in their Ocean City home for a few months while we look for a new house here in Point Pleasant.
Here are some pictures of a day trip we took to Ocean City on a cold February day to check things out and give the boys a change of scenery. Nicole & her girls, Jane and Clara, stopped by. The boys are learning to kiss girls these days...

2. Mommy turned 33! We had a visit from Christine, Kevin, Grandmom & Grandpop plus doggies. Yes, that is mom licking the ice cream scoop and Ben licking the table...

3. Mommy & her friend Lauren hosted their first Petite Tea party. It went well. Here are some pictures from the party...

We Made Cookies....Can you Guess Which Kind?

2010-02-19T14:08:00.000-08:00

Hugs & Kisses

2010-02-19T14:03:00.001-08:00

More Snow!

2010-02-19T13:56:00.001-08:00

Snowy Morning

2010-02-06T01:54:00.000-08:00

Photo Shoot

2010-02-05T03:57:00.001-08:00

Staying Indoors

2010-01-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

We've been cooped up for about a week now. Sick kids AGAIN! But, I don't want to be Debbie Downer so I'll focus on the good things that happened this week:

I made sherried tomato soup because my sister told me to. It is way too good. She knows I could eat tomato soup everyday. I substituted fat free half and half for the heavy cream & cut the sherry in half. Keep in mind you don't have to use "cooking" sherry that they sell in the grocery store. Buy regular sherry from the liquor store & you'll get more for you money. (Just don't go to the liquor store at 9 am with a child on your hip...you'll get strange looks)

I took Ben out for a change of scenery while Andrew was home with Dan. Ben is now better while Dan's got a worse case of the cold/virus that Ben had last week. Anyway, it was so cute hanging out just me & Ben, sharing a doughnut and tea followed by the grocery store and other errands. It was so easy too! I could use a regular cart, let him walk with me hand in hand & focus all of my attention on him. It did feel weird though, like I was forgetting something. And I must say, I think Ben has more fun on outings with Dan by his side. They make each other laugh.

I caught the twins playing together on our bed several times this week. It was so cute....they were playing hide and seek beneath the covers!

Ben has said several new words this week and is finally putting words together as phrases.

Andrew folded the hugest mound of laundry I have ever seen last night when I went to bed at 8:30. I just didn't have the stregnth to do it & I assumed the pile would be there this morning but NO! That alone made my week. Not to mention that his folding skills are near perfect...I am a stickler for folding certain things certain ways (nerd). So, thanks babe!

Here's to next week when we are all healthy and I will have some pictures of smiling faces to post!

Hope you are well!! xoxo

Welcome Christmas Baby!

2009-12-28T09:24:00.001-08:00

Congratulations Matt & Jackie! Sweet little Brooke Noel Veronica Barlow was born on Christmas Day!

She weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. & was 22 inches long! Look at her light blonde hair! She is too cute.

Proud Daddy

We have another niece!
Benjamin & Daniel can't wait to meet their new cousin!

We are so happy that Mom & Baby are healthy. She's the best Christmas present ever!

We Had Ourselves a Merry Little Christmas

2009-12-28T08:53:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas week started off with celebrating Andrew's 33rd birthday! Happy Birthday Daddy! Uncle Dave came for a visit and we all went to dinner then came home for yummy vanilla cake.

Later in the week, we got snowed in. It was the perfect time for baking Christmas cookies. Did you know you can make your own colored decorating sugar using plain granulated sugar and liquid food coloring? We made pastel pink and green for these "Vanilla Pillow" cookies.

The front and back of our house mid-way through the storm.

Our humble little tree

We set out to Mimi & Pop's Christmas Eve afternoon and ended up staying over two nights. The boys had so much fun. Christmas Eve dinner at Mimi's was delicious. Christmas morning, the boys opened presents at Mimi & Pop's & then also at Grandmom & Grandpop Humphries' house.
Daniel and Benjamin in their new rain boots & backpacks at Grandmom and Grandpop's house on Christmas morning.

Christmas dinner at the Humphries' house.

Benjamin having some fun with Abby.

Grandmom Dede & Daniel

Ben

Giggly boys

Aunt Christine & Grandpop

Rosie girl

We hope you all had a lovely Christmas as well! Happy New Year! xoxo

Christmas Card Bloopers

2009-12-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

It was pretty hard getting the right picture for our family Christmas card this year! Here are some funny outtakes of the boys as we try (and try and try...) to get the perfect shot.

So, you may be wondering if we ever did get our boys to sit still, smile and look at the camera? You'll have to wait & see! Keep checking your mailbox!

Fall Days

2009-12-03T11:10:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving Day at Mimi & Pop's.

Snuggling before bedtime.

Benjamin

Daniel

Georgia

Benjamin

Daniel

Standing on a hay bail.

It's been a beautiful fall season...many unseasonably warm days meant lots of time outside. As the weather gets colder, we will miss spending hours on end in the yard but we are ready for the holiday season to begin! The decorations are up & the carols are playing in the car. Come back to see lots of Christmas-y photos throughout the month!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

2009-12-03T11:04:00.001-08:00

Daniel playing trains and cars.

Looking at planes.

Peek-a-boo!

Benjamin playing with his bulldozer.

Pointing at planes.

The End.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T03:14:00.001-08:00

Benjamin and Daniel were scarecrows this year for Halloween. Mommy made their costumes.

Scarecrow Daniel

Daniel munching on some treats.

Ben would not wear his hat.

Ben showing me his pumpkin shaped pretzel.

Daddy was a Phillies fan...not looking very excited here in this picture. Does this really qualify as a costume, Dad...especially since the Phillies were playing that night and you would've worn that shirt anyway? Just wondering.

I was a cowgirl...wearing a leftover hat from their birthday party. We were in the car for these photos trying out the car-to-driveway-to-door method of trick-or-treating (aka the lazy man's trick-or-treating) because we wanted to visit a few of Daddy's co-workers.

We did make it through our own neighborhood quite a bit beforehand (on foot obviously) and the boys were loving it. By the end, they had the whole thing down pat. They tried to walk right into a few houses, though, and were as equally amused with our neighbor's lawn decorations and pumpkins as they were with the candy.

All in all, a great Halloween!

Birthday Boys

2009-10-30T15:56:00.001-07:00

Benjamin and Daniel turn two today! Here is their cake. Here is the recipe.

This is their new special teepee fort from Mom and Dad.

Daddy and Daniel

Benjamin

Peek-a-boo

Ben was a little confused about us singing to him in the dark.

Make a wish!

Mmmm... M & M's on top!

We love chocolate!

This cake was REALLY good. You REALLY should make it!

Such big boys!

Dan

Ben

We love you so much, boys! You are the lights of our lives... Happy Birthday!

Point Pleasant Aquarium

2009-10-30T15:53:00.001-07:00

Andrew and I took the boys to the aquarium one morning this past week.

It was the perfect thing to do on a rainy day.

Breakfast at the Beach

2009-10-20T12:28:00.001-07:00

It was beautiful and sunny this morning so we decided to go to the beach. We brought Georgia since she can run free in the off-season.

It was windy but the sun was so warm and felt so good.

The boys ate their breakfast at the beach...
yogurt covered raisins, OJ and strawberry breakfast bars.

It was a good morning.

Pumpkin Muffins for my Pumpkins

2009-10-20T12:15:00.001-07:00

Benjamin showing off his messy hands after eating these delicious pumpkin chip muffins. Here is my new and healthier version of the recipe (but still just as delicious):

2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 mashed banana
1 grated apple
1 can (soup can size) pumpkin
1 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups regular flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
2 cups chocolate chips

In large bowl, beat eggs, sugar, banana, apple, pumpkin and oil until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients (minus chips), mix well then add to pumpkin mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Fill muffin cups and bake at 400 degrees for 16-20 min. Cool 10 min. before removing to a wire rack.
*Makes 24 muffins.

Enjoy & Happy Fall!

Happy 2nd Birthday Party!

2009-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Our boys are almost two! It's hard to believe!

We threw a birthday party for Ben and Dan last Sunday at our house. It was a cowboy party. The boys loved the balloons!

Who needs new toys? Buy me balloons!

Daniel is his new car from Mimi and Pop.

Benjamin in his new car.

Mmmmm...cake.

Mr. Benjamin Icing Face

It stopped raining just in time for the party but it was still very cold and damp. The kids played a bit outside anyway. Here is Ben with his new basketball from Teen and Kevin. The hoop is on its way, boys!

Katie, is that M & M evidence on your face? I won't tell!

Daniel with his new helicopter from Uncle Dave

Here are some pinata action shots.

Jane

Daddy breaking free all the yummy candy!

Georgia is looking for a dog treat in there I think. Sorry, girl!

More balloon fun...

& static hair!

Yee Haw! The end.

Favorites

2009-10-07T04:22:00.000-07:00

Daniel Barlow.
Favorite word: Car
Favorite fruit: Apples
Favorite color (we think): Green
Favorite toy: Car(s)
Favorite past time: Running (he rarely ever walks)
Favorite TV show: Little Einsteins
Favorite book: "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie"
Favorite person: Benjamin

Benjamin Barlow.
Favorite word: Ball
Favorite fruit: Watermelon
Favorite color (we think): Blue
Favorite toy: Anything that stacks
Favorite past time: Spinning around in circles (aka dancing)
Favorite TV Show: Little Einsteins
Favorite book: "The Color Kittens"
Favorite person: Daniel

Ocean City

2009-09-14T08:50:00.001-07:00

What do you do on a beach vacation when everyday is cloudy, windy and/or rainy?

You go to the boardwalk every day &/or night and eat massive amounts of junk food including: ice cream, cotton candy, funnel cake, pizza, fudge, fries & caramel corn.

You go on ride...

after ride.

You drive the surrey carts early in the morning just to watch your kids giggle and ring the bell continuously.

You go on more rides...
at Wonderland Pier...
and Playland.

You go to Storybook Land for the day...

and (you guessed it!) go on more rides.

You let your kids have free reign of the park because everyone else is in school and the place is empty.

You play dress up.

And you give your children rides around the house in a large beach cooler (which never made it to the beach). Yes, we got creative, especially on Friday when we were literally stuck inside the house because our street was flooded.

We still had a great time just being together. The boys loved having their Daddy around everyday. It was nice to have a change of scenery and change of pace for a week.

Now, back to reality and back to work!

Rolling in the Grass

2009-09-04T10:37:00.000-07:00

It's been a favorite past time of ours this summer... and I'm sure we'll continue it into the fall. But until then, we have one more week of enjoying Summer's brilliance...off to Ocean City for a week. See you when we return...with lots of pictures I am sure!

Manasquan Reservoir

2009-08-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

We all went to the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell one morning this week. It was a beautiful day, the humidity had dropped and the boys enjoyed the playground there.

Benjamin

Daniel

We also took a short walk along the trail (the whole trail is 5 miles long) then ate breakfast (cinnamon toast, bananas & granola bars) while watching the boats & ducks on the water.

Cute as Buttons

2009-08-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

Revisiting

2009-08-23T01:02:00.000-07:00

It's 4 am. Why am I at the computer you may ask? Well, if you read my last post, you will see that the babes are sick. Actually, I think they are on their way to feeling better. But Ben was just up for the past hour until I finally decided to give him a bottle like the good ol' days...
I had (almost) forgotten what it's like to get up from a deep sleep to make a bottle in the middle of the night. A year ago, I would already be back in bed snoozing away. Now, I am up. At the computer. Knowing that when I go back to bed, I will still be up. For quite a while . Watching House Hunters on mute.
Anyway, here's a pic of those good ol' days. Night nite.

It's No Fun Being Sick...especially in the Summer

2009-08-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

It's been so hot these past few days that I decided to take my kids to any air-conditioned place that could be even remotely fun for them. Not to mention that Ben has some serious mosquito bite issues going on...so I'm boycotting the great outdoors.

Here is where we've been this week:
the playroom at Sunshine Daydream
toy store
Barnes & Noble
Pet Smart
ice cream shop
Target

Well, at one of these fine indoor establishments, my kids got sick. Thanks a lot, heat and humidity.
No one deserves a fever when you are already burning up from the heat. Or a stuffy nose when the air is so thick with humidity that it's already hard to get a nice fresh breath of air.
So right now, I am anti shopping carts, public high-chairs and friendly-on-the-outside-yet-lurking-with-germs-to-its-core play train tables.
I know, that's life...but I just had to complain.
Because having two sick babes is no fun!

Happy Anniversary Christine & Kevin!

2009-08-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this a few days ago! Christine and Kevin got married last August 16th.
Happy Anniversary!
Our whole family was in the wedding. Ben and Dan were ring bearers (look how little they look!), I was the matron of honor and Andrew was a groomsman.
It was a beautiful day all around.
Christine looked so pretty and take my word for it, Kevin looked handsome. Why don't I have any pictures of the bride and groom? I was too busy drinking champagne, maybe?

Life's A Beach

2009-08-18T16:14:00.001-07:00

Saturday was a beautiful day on the beach. What could be better than a bright sun, a warm sea, happy children, good friends, good food and sweet tea vodka cocktails? Can't think of anything at the moment.

First Week in August

2009-08-10T05:52:00.001-07:00

On Sunday night, I made pizza dip for Andrew and I to munch on while watching our HBO shows. I finally got him to watch True Blood with me and although he will probably say he doesn't, he really likes it. Here's the yummy (and EASY) recipe:

1 large container whipped cream cheese
1 small jar pizza sauce
1 bag (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

Layer all ingredients (in above order) in oven safe dish and heat at 350 until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Serve with chips or crusty bread to scoop.

We all went to Atlantic Farms on a hot and muggy Monday morning to see our animal friends.

Benjamin loved it. He was feeding the animals on his own.

Daniel not so much. We had to take turns holding him.

He especially doesn't like the roosters.

I wanted to take some good pictures in the pretty sunflower field. But no one was cooperating. And it was muddy. Plus, I saw a dead bunny under the flowers. I screamed.

Our friend Dean came over on Thursday with Micah, Ellie and Jane.

Dan and Ellie in the playhouse.

Sweet Jane

These are the cheery hydrangeas that Dean brought me from her yard.

I made grilled cheese and fresh tomato soup for lunch. I used this Barefoot Contessa recipe for the soup which calls for fresh summer tomatoes. It's really good and will make you want to eat hot soup on a hot day! Here it is:

3 tblsp. olive oil
2 red onions
2 carrots, chopped
1 tblsp. minced garlic (3 cloves)
5 large fresh tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1 tblsp. tomato paste
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh basil
3 cups chicken stock
1 tblsp. salt
2 tsp. black pepper
3/4 cup heavy cream

Heat olive oil in large pot over med-low heat. Add onions and carrots and saute for about 10 min. or until very tender. Add remaining ingredients and stir well. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer for 30-40 min. until the tomatoes are very tender.
Add the cream to the soup and process it in food mill. (I used my food processor)

Enjoy!