Bye Bye, Papa and Ghio!

We had a wonderful visit with Phyllis and Jim - Shawn's parents. We were able to do many things including a traditional British tea for Phyllis and I, photos at Sears, birthday and Easter celebrating and lots of giggles with the kids. Anais learned many new words and Phyllis did lots of laundry (THANKS!!!). We had lots of good food thanks to Jim and he even put up a beautiful birdhouse in our back yard. We miss them very much and look forward to their next visit.

Easter Celebration!

We went to a special Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at Longwood Gardens on Saturday to celebrate the holiday. Everyone looked their best with Ellen and Anais in their special Easter dresses and bonnets.

Enjoying Easter Brunch

The kids (and adults) were on their best behavior as we sat down to brunch before the egg hunt.

Meeting the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny made an appearance. Anais was a bit traumatized but Ellen wasn't afraid to check him out.

The Hunt!

The kids enjoyed looking for eggs - even the boys managed to snag a couple.

The Gardens

After the egg hunt, we strolled through the conservatory, enjoying a bit of spring on a rather cold morning.

Scientist Jim

Papa spoke to both Ellen and Anais's class about rocks and geology. The kids really enjoyed looking at the rocks and the girls were very excited to have him there. Thanks Jim!

Papa and the boys

Too cute!

Happy Birthday, Boys!!!

The first year is now officially over and the boys are one today! It zipped by and yet feels like an eternity. We had great fun celebrating with Papa and Ghio here. Jim made a very delicious cassoulet. After dinner, we had cake, the boys had a bath :-) and then opened up presents.

Ghio's girls

Ellen and Anais are very happy to have Ghio here!

Anais

Anais is learning to use a scissors at school and finds it very exciting.

Thanks, Grandma Sandy!

The kids had a surprise package from Grandma Sandy today. Summer outfits for all - Grananimals, no less. Ellen is very curious to know how it is that Grandma Sandy knew how much she loves short sleeves and skirts. It's become a bit of a battle to get her to wear anything else - regardless of the weather :-)

Aunt Susan and Karsten visit

Shawn's sister, Susan, and her son, Karsten, who currently live in Brussels, came back to the states for a few short days to go to a friend's Bar Mitzvah in D.C. They were able to drive over and spend Friday with us, meet the boys and play a game of field hockey in the basement. Thanks for coming. It was great to see you both!!!!

Bubble Hats of years past...

Here's a photo of Ellen and Anais a couple years ago with their bubble hats. Anais was probably about 9 months old.

Bubble Hats

In true Bratt tub time tradition, Nicolas and Dylan put on their bubble hats.

Spring is almost here

Easter can't come soon enough for Ellen!