Obadiah insists that it is called, "Pirate Boobie". Makes me smile, every time he says it.  Every time.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

My grandmother, Agnes Patricia O'Reilly, would be quite disappointed with my choice of dinner tonight.  We are having rainbow trout from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Fish Hatchery, which is two doors down from my house. The director there was kind enough to give us some yesterday and we shall have a feast tonight.  As a child, every March 17, I would attend church with my grandmother or mother and we would ALWAYS have corn beef, boiled cabbage, and potatoes for dinner.  On occasion we would attend a party, in honor of St. Patty, at the Emerald Club, which was a pub for those who were of Irish decent or who pretended to be at least. When I look back, my Irish heritage was a big part of my upbringing, but not so much now.  In an effort to remedy that, I will make an effort to talk about the significance of the day with my kids and what it was like for me as a child but unlike my childhood, it will be over a feast of trout and not corn beef.

Lisa & Mom, Thanks for the memory!

These toes belong to Christine and not Joel.

Spring?? Where are you?

Lucy's 8th Birthday!

Yes, this is store bought.  It is an Oreo ice cream cake.

Birthday girl!

Sleepy boy, taking it all in.

Joel and Lucy.  Happy Birthday Lucy!

Make a wish!

Lucy had a tea party with a few friends to celebrate the occasion.

Emily

Kellette

Zoe

Christmas 2010 (Christine is in the house! (That was for Josh))

My parents came to visit us on Dec 23rd.  We had a wonderful time exchanging gifts and then we went to Applebee's for lunch.

My mom and the girls.  Fact:  My mom's name is Jean Elizabeth.

I never thought I could love a TV but I must say that I love this one.

Can you see the subtle grin?

Christmas morning was celebrated with the VT Tates.  As I look at these pictures today, I was reminded of how much we were missing the company of the CA Tates on that morning.  We do wish that we all lived in the same state or boarding states at least.  

I love these girls!

Checking out his loot from his stocking.

Breakfast.  Check out Obie's sweet roll.

Crazy eyes!

Grandparents!

Presents.  Note: subtle grin

Tear it open Lucy!

CA Tates, do you recognize the blanket?

Peeking.

Job. So. Serious.

Toy packaging.

"I'm not interested in archery.  I am interested in weapons."

What are you doing now that your kids are in school?

Playing with my son, of course!