Train Ride with the Easter Bunny

Claire met the Easter Bunny for the first time today. We climbed aboard a train at the Whippany Railway Museum for a 45 minute train ride. We knew several of our friends would be there and, luckily, ran into Janelle and her parents in the parking lot. It was so crowded that we only saw one other friend in the distance. By the time we picked up our tickets, many of the train cars were filled, so we boarded a car near the back of the train. After riding for a while and buying some train cookies for a snack, a conductor came through and gave the kids little chicks (Claire named hers "Forsythia."). He said the chicks were a gift from the Easter Bunny. Shortly thereafter, the Easter Bunny entered our car! We were so excited!!! He stopped by to see Claire and Janelle and let us take a picture with him. Claire was thrilled. It was a fun experience that Claire will hopefully remember for a long, long time!

Madelyn's Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Madelyn's 2nd birthday! Lots of our little friends were at Madelyn's house for the party. The kids had fun playing downstairs and upstairs in the playroom while all of the mommies and daddies chatted. Madelyn's mommy made adorable Elmo cupcakes for the kids! We had such a nice time.

The Guest of Honor

Brooke and Claire enjoying their Elmo cupcakes (Hello, red frosting!).

Peter's First Haircut

We went to Snip-Its with Peter so he could get his first haircut today. Claire was very excited about going to support her little cousin. Both Claire and Ryan predicted that Peter would cry. They were correct! Peter was not very happy about sitting in the chair or having the stylist touch him/cut his hair. It was both sad and cute. He did, however, enjoy two lollipops during his first haircut experience. All in all, he got an adorable haircut and he now looks even more like his big brother (as if that was possible!).

Pre-haircut

First. Lollipop. Ever.

"Make this lady stop touching me!"

A quick trim for Claire.

Nick's Bowling Party

We had a great time at Nick's 5th birthday party today. The party was held at a local bowling alley and was so much fun! Claire's technique hadn't changed since her first attempts at bowling a few weeks ago. It involved me helping her roll/push the ball towards the pins. Her final score was 83.

We were so happy to be able to help celebrate Nick's birthday! We met him and his mommy years ago at a baby sign language class, then realized they lived in my brother and sister in law's neighborhood.

Date Night

Occasionally, I take Claire out for dinner. Just the two of us. Usually it's when my husband is away or working late. A few times, Claire has gone out on a "special date with Daddy" and I stayed home or did something on my own. This week, Claire had date night with each of us: On Monday she went out for pizza with her dad while I was home feeling under the weather. Tonight she and I had a special date night at one of her favorite Chinese/sushi restaurants while my husband was away (Coincidentally, he was feeling under the weather in his hotel room.).

Pizza Date Night with Daddy

Sushi/Chinese Food Date Night with Mommy

P.S. I almost forgot! On our date night, Claire informed me that I would have to "do the thing that Daddy always does when we're done" and that she'd "put the credit card back in my wallup." She was referring to me paying the check!

Bounce U

My nephew is on Spring Break. Woooo hoooo!!! He is enjoying this relaxing time away from the rigors and stresses of kindergarten life.

The week off offered us the perfect opportunity to load up the minivan and drive to Bounce U for a morning play session today. While we have been to other bounce places before, this was our first time at Bounce U. Our 1.5 hour open play session was scheduled for 45 minutes in each of two bounce rooms containing similar, but different inflatable structures - slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses, basketball games, etc. There were even a few ride-on toys scattered in each room for the younger kiddies.

The youthful employees were all really enthusiastic and friendly, talking to, helping and encouraging the kids as they participated in the various bouncy activities.

The kids had so much fun or as Claire says when something is really great, "too much fun!" We will definitely be back again and may even bring a few friends with us.

After our trip to Bounce U, we headed to my parents' house to get some quality grandparent-time in!

Birthdays!!!

Birthday party season has begun!! For the next month, we have at least one party per weekend, sometimes two. It concludes with Claire's 5th birthday party on May 1st. Our social calendar isn't quite as full in May (hint, hint).

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Yesterday, we went to our friends' house to celebrate Maddie's second birthday! The kids had a great time playing and the beautiful weather allowed them to play outside on the deck. It was wonderful to get some fresh air and sunshine! Maddie was especially cute when her whole face lit up as everyone sang Happy Birthday to her. We even sang it a second time, then she blew out the candles on her adorable "hop bum" cake (translation: bunny) designed by her mommy. We had such a nice time helping Maddie celebrate. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pictures at the party, so I will copy a few once Maddie's mommy posts them. : )

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Today, was Peter's first birthday party. We can hardly believe he's one already! It seems like just yesterday I got a call at 1:00 am asking me to come over and watch Ryan because my sister in law's water broke. Little Peter arrived early on Easter morning 2010.

My brother and sister in law had a small family party. Peter was a little shy at first, but completely adorable. He slowly warmed up to all of his guests. Ryan enjoyed his favorite pastime, playing Super Mario Brothers on Wii with some of the older guests. Claire was quite social, talking to everyone, telling jokes and stories. It was a relaxing, low key party.

We ate lots of great sandwiches and salads for lunch. Later, we sang Happy Birthday to Peter. He was very interested in the cake and tried to get his fingers on the #1 birthday candle. Eventually, he ate bite after bite of cake and frosting. He loved it! I think Peter's favorite part of the day was opening gifts! He loved playing with the gifts as they were opened (So did Claire and Ryan!). All in all, it was such a special day. We were so happy that we were able to celebrate Peter's birthday because he has such a special place in our hearts!!!