A Day in NYC

The kids had the day off of school and Ben also didn't have to go in to work. When we first moved to West point, our very first trip to the city was to the museum of natural history. They seem to have done a lot of renovations on the displays since that first trip--and it was fun to see how much the kids have grown over the past three years when we got our cheesy souvenir picture taken.

The entire Museum really is incredible-- I know we didn't see all of it, which means we have to go back again!

For our evening adventure, we got tickets to see the Broadway show Matilda. The boys were excited because Ben had read the book to them at night just a little bit ago. It was fun to see the artistic interpretation, music and story that was presented on the stage. The kids stayed awake and were entertained the entire time.

Connor looks especially thrilled to be going to his first Broadway show!

Everyone gave two thumbs up, and laughed really hard at the Trunchbull... A man played her part, and he played a very ugly woman!

February Fun!

Here are some highlights from February:

Rockland Bakery- I just love the aroma around this large and delicious bakery. You can walk in and grab bagels right off the conveyor belt. Stacks and rows of all the kinds of bread you can think of right in front of you! Pick up what you want and bring it to the front-- it is pretty fun! Well, the dentist for the kids is not too far away, so just had to swing over and grab a treat before heading home. I'm laughing at the size of this turnover! It is as big as Connor's head! Messy flaky crumbs everywhere, but worth it!

Here is a quick shot of Brielle interrupting me while I am doing homework at the computer... We have taken hundreds of pictures like this. "Let's take pictures, mommy!" Love that little pipsqueak!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! All the kids showing their love on the day of love. We usually rush home and grab something quick to eat and then it is quiet time for the afternoon. I sure LOVE these adorable kids!

GIRLS TRIP- I had so much fun with these ladies. There is always something to see or eat- and we manage to do both!

I don't remember what happened to Cael that caused such a bump... but check that thing out!

GROCERY SHOPPING- It isn't an easy feat to bring 4 kids along to the grocery store, but when they are THIS ADORABLE... somehow we manage to make it out alive. I think Cannon sure is a cutie squished between Connor and Brielle. Everybody loves him!

SWIMMING TEAM- Cael and Brecon are swimming two nights a week. Cael has been a strong swimmer since we were in Texas, but Brecon hasn't had as many chances to practice in the pool. They are both getting faster, and I'm glad they can do this together.

SKELETON PUZZLE- We put together this puzzle that we've had for years. I think it is always funny to see the proportions of my children next to this skeleton. Brielle is practically the same size!

HOMEWORK- I actually like this picture because it shows what I am doing from Brielle's perspective. Computer, book, intent look-- and crazy sweater! That is the life of a student/mom!

FRIENDS! We had a little friend come over to play and Brielle just loved it. They were so busy and also made some beautiful art for each of their Mom's.

Girls Day Out

I was lucky enough to jump on a girls trip to the city on Saturday. Ben was so great to take the kids for the day, especially since Cannon is still my baby- but thankfully he is great with a bottle.We loaded into my awesome mini van, parked in our favorite garage by the temple, and took the subway down to Chelsea market and the meatpacking district. We were all super hungry and a few of us grabbed the most delicious tacos for lunch... Seriously they were so good – my mouth is watering just thinking about them right now.

Then we jumped on the high-line which is really cool. It's a neat walk on an old subway track that they've converted with plants and different sitting areas, perfect for people watching and checking out the city.

 It was such a gorgeous day and we were all enjoying our walk and stroll up to Times Square.

 A girls trip to the city would not be complete without going to the quintessential chick restaurant – serendipity... The only problem was the hour and a half week time to be seated! Without staying for more than 10 minutes, we backed out and found another place to enjoy our dinner together. It wasn't such a bad idea since we were going to be trying to make our show at the Lincoln Centre to see the King and I.

We had great seats and the performance was incredible – I felt bad going to the show without Ben because he had mentioned how much he would enjoy seeing it! 

It was such a fun day with my friends... And we were home before midnight!

Army VS Navy basketball

We took the family for a little outing up to the men's basketball game. We walk from the house, which is so nice to do! The boys run up the hill, cross the roads, and see who can climb the highest on the cement between the sidewalk and the building. We also seem to have a good time cheering on the team, but some members of the family can fall asleep no matter how noisy the arena is-- Brielle must have really been exhausted!

Skiing at West Point

Family fun and firsts

Brielles hair was starting to look pretty crazy – tons of layers and pieces from when she decided to give herself a haircut-- it was mostly tangled all day and generally what you would call a hot mess. Thankfully my good friend Trisha is skilled with the shears and evened her sweet blondness back to a more manageable length. 

These two little cuties keep me busy during the day – it's hard trying to concentrate on my school assignments when they are giggling, screaming, crying, and wanting to eat! But it's also so much fun, giggling, chasing, playing, and having doing the wonderful things being a stay at home mom gets to do.

Ben has started a nighttime tradition of reading stories to the boys. They've already listened to many of Roald Dahl's books (the BFG, Matilda, George's Marvelous Medicine, etc). Ben will usually read until Connor falls asleep or they get to the end of a chapter- which ever happens first. When I took this picture I loved the way that Connor was staring so intently at the book, smiling up at Ben during the funny parts, and staying involved and awake. It was a sweet moment in time... Even if the lighting is really bad- oh well!

Brecon and Connor sure love baby Cannon. He is like their little buddy and they are getting really good at making him laugh. He was just learning how to hold on and stand up next to this chair, and they thought it was so funny!

This is me trying to take care of school assignments on the computer with my two side kicks! Brielle loves to grab my phone and look at pictures, which turns into us taking pictures, which is a fun little distraction from my school work. Cannon is getting to that tricky stage where he wants all of my attention and he is reaching and pounding on the keyboard if he is sitting on my lap. Nap time = school time for me!

Christmas break with Gma Gpa Hoopes