The Hills are Alive

Recently a very talented friend took some pictures of Jacob and Bria. The kids were great sports since I dressed them up in traditional German outfits. During the photo shoot I had visions of Fräulein Marie singing in the hills. The photographer, Nicole, was also a great sport since Jake wouldn't even look at her for the first 30 minutes. She not only takes fantastic pictures, but also managed to get a 2 and 1 year old to sit long enough to capture some priceless moments. We loved them all, but here are some favorites: (all photos compliments of Nicole Barker Photography- nicolebarkerphotos.com)

Classic Jake, "Don't even think about looking at me."

 

LOVE

Our blue-eyed girl.

I love this one, looks like they are in trouble, but they did that on their own.

 

To Bria, with love...

Dear Bria Jane Keleher,
                Today you turn 1, and what a year it's been! You have laughed and smiled your way into many hearts this year.You have also grown and learned so much. Sometimes we are still celebrating a milestone and then you go and try something else for the first time. From the start, you have stayed true to your Gaelic name meaning "strong." You have proven yourself to be fearless and always up for an adventure. While you might look like your brother, your personalities differ. Jake still needs to play it cool on the sidelines for a bit before joining in, but you like to jump right into any new situation. You love to put your arms up in the air to anybody nearby as if to say "hold me." We have loved all of the sweet snuggles you have given us this year, but these days they are harder to come by as you would clearly rather be on the move.

Your squeals of delight can clear a room, and while others find these squeals less endearing, someday we might actually miss them. You always scream when you see food. You have a voracious appetite for food and for life. We know that this is just the beginning.

While you are only one, we are already so proud of the daughter and sister you have become. You keep us on our toes, and you keep us entertained. Your big brother adores you and has lovingly called you "Baby" since day one. He won't share his trucks with just anyone, so you must be special.

We still remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. Before that day we didn't think it was possible for our hearts to grow any bigger, but we were wrong. Our family was incomplete until you came into our lives.

 We love you sweet baby girl!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Jacob and Casey

 

You and your brother when you were 1 week old.

You and your brother now.

I'm ONE!

Such a happy girl, always smiling.

May 15, 2013

Celebrating your birthday with Daddy.

So nice of Nana and Grandpa to come all this way for your birthday.

 

Finally a child that likes cake!

 

You and Jake enjoying your new water table from Auntie Duddies.

Look out world, I'm on the move!

 

Reims rhymes with France

I have to begin this post by thanking my terrific husband who made this all possible. For some reason things always seem to go wrong when daddy is deployed or away. There was one particular trip, a few months back, where I was covered in toddler, baby and/or dog throw-up everyday Bill was gone. One night while skyping, still covered in said throw-up, and having just finished scrubbing diarrhea out of the bathtub, Bill (while trying very hard to hold back the laughter) said, "I think we should find a time for you to get away with the girls," so that's exactly what I did!

A few weekends ago I cashed in on this offer and headed to the Champagne region of France with 3 friends for the weekend. Between the 4 of us we left 8 children behind with our very competent husbands (diaper bags were packed, outfits were laid out, schedules were typed). The dads did great and even got together for a barbecue where I am sure they discussed how easy it was going.

Reims (which does in fact rhyme with France, and whose pronunciation goes against all my phonetic instincts) was the perfect destination for a girl's weekend. Despite the chilly temps and occasional rain, we didn't let the weather get us down. We spent all day Saturday on a private tour of the area and several Champagne Houses. I think it is safe to say that Chris, our British tour guide, will never forget the time he gave a tour to 4 lactating moms!

Here are some highlights-

Julie, Cara, Chris (the guide) and Katy in the Vineyards. Unfortunately due to their harsh winter the vineyards were bare.

View of Reims from the Vineyards (this and the other really great photos are compliments of Katy!)

The perfect pour.

Reims at night.

Reims Cathedral, site of coronation of French Kings.



Tasting room at Nicholas Maillart Champagne House

Katy on the suspended bridge to get to the champagne bar in the trees.

The destination at the end of the bridge.

Epernay, France

Statue in the gardens where we stopped for lunch.

A fun group of moms.



 

Pasta, Pizza and Prosecco, OH MY!

In mid-April we were thrilled to spend a week of relaxation and family on Lake Como, Italy. My sister, Laura, and her family flew all the way from Boston to join us for the week. It was my niece and nephew's Spring Break, so what better place to spend it than Italy? I know they would have made their Italian ancestors proud! The only drawback of living so far away is not getting a chance to see our friends and family more regularly. This trip was extra special because it was the first time Bria got to meet her Auntie Laura, Uncle Ryan and cousins. Mission accomplished- Bria was thoroughly entertained by her "new" family members. Jake, on the other hand, had a different approach. We are not sure if it is a phase, but he has definitely perfected his "toddler scowl." He is rather shy in new situations so it took him a few days to warm up, but by day 3 he wouldn't stop talking (in his English/German/toddler babble). Before day 3 he was quite entertaining to watch as you would ask him a question and he would pull the cover of the stroller over his head as if to say "I don't want to be bothered right now." Bella and Noah were not only superstar travelers, never getting jetlag or slowing down, but they were such great helpers and babysitters. Similarly, Laura and Ryan also deserve an award. After finally having kids old enough to take care of themselves, they decide to vacation with a 2 and almost 1 year-old. Maybe not the most relaxing vacation they have ever had, but they were major troopers. I think the fabulous Italian food, drinks and gelato might have helped!

Lake Como (Lago di Como), in my opinion, is one of the most picturesque places I have been. Located in Northern Italy, it is the third largest lake in Italy, and one of the deepest of all of Europe. Not only is the Y-shaped lake lined with elegant 19th-century villas but the snow-capped Alps to the north add to it's beauty. We took advantage of the ferries, hydrofoils and speed boats to visit several towns including Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Tremezzo and Como. We especially enjoyed the little town of Argegno where we rented a lake-side Villa for the week.

The mood turned somber when we learned about the horrible bombings on Marathon Monday, but we were especially grateful that Laura and family were with us in Italy and not at the finish line. Similarly, my brother and sister-in-law, who are regulars at the marathon were also out of town that day, so we counted our blessings! Our thoughts and prayers were (and remain) with friends and family in Boston as they recover from this terrible event. Having lived in Boston and also having run the Boston Marathon, I know what a unique place the city is. I am so proud of how the people of Boston have responded to this tragedy and I have no doubt that they will emerge even stronger. You never tell a runner they can't finish a race, so Boston will finish this race. (On a side note, Laura will be running Boston's "Run to Remember" 1/2 Marathon on May 26th and is raising money for "The One Fund Boston" an organization created to raise money for the families affected by the Marathon bombings. If you have any desire to contribute please contact me at etrumble8@hotmail.com for Laura's info).

Needless to say, our week in Italy was memorable for many reasons. Ciao Italia!

We made it! On the bridge in Argegno.

After a very long and dark winter we were thrilled to see the sun.

View from our villa.

Bella and Noah ready to explore Lake Como.

Having some sister-time in Menaggio.

Jake enjoyed watching the Italians play futbol.

Waiting for the ferry to head to Bellagio.

View of the Swiss Alps.

The real Bellagio

In Bellagio

Cousin pajama party

The infamous "toddler scowl."

Johnny our 77 year-old chef.

The kids are in bed, the wine is poured, this is vacation!

Bria playing in a park in Como.

Helping Daddy Captain the boat.

Varenna

The Fays

House from a James Bond movie.



Can you guess how Jake feels about Italian food? Even when wearing his sister's bib?

Outside Villa Carlotta, given to Carlotta for her wedding.