Christmas Morning Surprise!

Opening presents from Santa, playing with new toys, cookies for breakfast....doesn't get better than Christmas morning!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was spent at my parents this year.  You could feel the spirit of the night through Audrey's excitement. 

Christmas Party

Every year we get together for a Christmas celebration with our friends.  It was a great evening with many laughs and missed company.

Dress up!

We had a little dress up play today in hopes to get a Christmas photo for out holiday card this year.  I think we captured a few keepers.

Tis the Season

First preparation of the Christmas season, making a gingerbread house.  Audrey is so detailed oriented putting all those little candies on the house (I wonder who she has taken after?).

Dance class

Audrey before her dance class this morning

Me and my girl!

Park Day!

We had to get out on this warm November day.  I took the girls to the park to enjoy one of these last warm days before the winter cold was upon us.

My Saturday morning girls

This Saturday morning, the girls woke up and we made pancakes and watched good, old Saturday morning cartoons.  We love mornings like this one

Ready for school

Audrey heading out the door to go to school this morning.

All dressed up

Audrey was so excited to get dressed up to go my mom's party. She said she was Ariel from The Little Mermaid because she was wearing a pink dress just like Ariel.

Help!

Audrey loves to hug Francesca but she can get a little aggressive with her strength at times. Today, Audrey started off her affection sweet and gentle but the next thing I knew Francesca was calling for me. Mom to the rescue!

Snug as a bug in a rug

Look at these two kiddos cozying up together. Too cute!

Birthday cake number 3!

Averys' dad and fiance Cyndi came over another birthday celebration. We love birthday cake!!

Happy 4th Birthday Audrey!

Birthday cake number 2

I can't believe 4 years have come and gone and this is my little girl. She brings me sunshine everyday. Love her forever!

Even Francesca dug into some birthday cake.

4th Birthday Party

Audrey had a great time celebrating her birthday with her friends at CNY Gymnastics. She said it was "the best party ever".

Yum Yum!

Francesca can't get enough food. She is always eating whatever is offered to her. Her willingness to try and eat a variety of foods is such a refreshing change to her older sister.

Swinging days of summer

We took a ride out to Ryder Park this evening. Francesca enjoyed swinging in the bucket swing as she swung her legs out and laughed.

Evening sky

Another beautiful evening here on the hill.

Happy Birthday Sweet Francesca

Age : 1 day old

Age: 1 year old

1st Birthday Party

Today, we celebrated Francesca's birthday.

She really dug into and enjoyed her cake!

The older kids climbing the slide, which occupied much of there time.

Friends

Dakota and Izzy (Cathie's dog) have become friends over the weeks. Where one goes, the other follows.

Playing sisters

Fireworks

Audrey and Raegan sharing a hug before the excitement starts.

Audrey, Raegan and Ryan discussing the importance of their Kit-Kat snack.

This is the first time Audrey has been to the fireworks. This is how we started the show, with Avery holding his hands over her ears while they both watched the sky light up. She did warm up and no longer needed those little ears covered.

Forth of July Parade

For the last 3 years the Burke and Thousand families meet at the Manlius 4th of July parade. We have the same designated spot each year where we gather. The kids gather up the candy when it is thrown and wave to all the passerby's. Such a great tradition that we look forward to every year.