Spring has sprung

We are officially into spring, and often wake up to the beautiful sunshine against the background noise of vineyard fans to keep off the frost...waiting for the last 10 degrees of warmth before it is officially "warm" according to most Napa folk. The kids have been enjoying the sunshine, with trips to the farm and occasional afternoons in the yard.

Emily is 8 months old, starting to sleep a bit more, and getting ready to get on the move. She can scoot all over the crib, though isn't (thankfully!) making moves toward crawling yet. Ben is continuing to express himself with his contractions and ever-increasing vocabulary (and Mommy and Daddy are trying hard to keep some choice 4 letter words out of it!)

Brian and I are planning a trip to Anguilla for a friend's wedding a the end of May, and we will be relying on the grandparents to watch the kids...we are really excited (OK, counting down the days actually), though know we will miss then.

8 months old (strategic ring placement dually noted)


About to get into some trouble...


Cubs (and prunes) fan!


Chilling with his friends after a fun dinner


Trying to play nice in their first bath together


Laughing at each other - Mommy wishing Ben still had the delicious rolls featured on Emily!

Lots of fun!

We have had a busy, sick but fun March here in Napa. Pretty rainy weather wise, but the kids toughed it out and we are in the sunshine now. We had some ups and downs last month, but with help from the grandparents here in Napa and all the way from Michigan, we persevered!

Benjamin is up to his usual antics - sassy, still "working on" sharing, and running everywhere he can, battle cry and all.

Eating his food and growling "DRAGON STYLE"


Ready for Mardi Gras


A little ball before school


New goggles for swim lessons


Can I eat it, Mommy?


"Just like Daddy" in his stinky shoes


Here Emily, try this!?


Fun climbing through the kitchen island


Emily is 7 months old (8 months today, actually, but I haven't got all my pictures in order yet!), sitting up on her own with only a very rare faceplant, grabbing everything she can find to gnaw on. She is liking "real food " (pureed baby food) and has a particular fondness for pears, prunes and anything with peas or carrots in it. She is mastering ways to irritate Ben by grabbing (touching, looking at...) his cars, Mickey or other treasured toys. Might be a long few years of toddler-hood here!! We discovered in March that she does have the Perry "chardonnay-loving" gene...good to know I contributed some important genetic material, at least.

Emily, navigating the Blackberry already


Nuff said


7 months old!!


Happy girl


Chubby Happy Girl


Happy St. Patrick's Day!!


Mommy, stop messing with me! (Though, in my defense, she was laughing in this picture)