Yes, we are still here.

When I take so long in between posts, it sometimes seems overwhelming to try to catch up with all that I missed, so I just need to jump right back in...

Here it goes.

Christmas shows went great.  Kerri was a master of all her motions and had no problem being up in front of the class.  B actually sang her songs... not loud, but I did manage to hear a word or two.

Kerri just loves going to school every day.  She loves her friends and can tell me what each child in her class did that day, probably what they wore too.  Right now Kerri wears a tutu pretty much every day.  Various outfits, tights, pants, leggings, jeans, go under it, but a tutu is still on top.

B is still weary of school.  Most days she goes reluctantly, some days willingly and somedays, only with a bribe.  It is getting a little old for this mama, but this too shall pass.

Our Christmas may have been the best one yet (will I say that every year from now on?).  The girls were fully excited.  Everyone believes.  And we can still hold the "I will tell Santa..." threat over them. Sometimes it even works.

We had a special treat this year.  Sean's parents rented a 15 passenger van and took the whole family to NYC to see the Rockettes on the 26th.  Every seat was full, and it was great.  We had fun at FAO Schwartz.  Surprisingly no one aksed for anything at FAO.  I was prepared for some tears, but we were spared.  We went to Rockefeller Center, lunch, walked around a bit, saw the show (perfect for all ages in our group) then headed to the Starlite Diner for an early dinner.  Girls were fascinated by the singers.  We had great seats and were able to unwind before our long drive home.

We did lots of hosting over the break.  In fact I think we had people for dinner 6 out of 8 nights.  Very fun though, and very relaxed.  Dave and Colleen (and the twins in utero) were here for a while.  It was nice to see them and the girls loved it.  We saw our cousins.  New Years was spent at the LeComte's House, an impromptu party because the Stagnaros got sick last minute.  Loads of fun.  All the girls, except B, stayed up past midnight!  B came up to me at 11:30 and said she just could not stay awake another minute.  She then quickly fell asleep on my lap.  We had planned to leave around 9:00, but I should have known better.  We always have fun with this group of friends, and this night was no different.

Back to school was welcomed, but I will be honest, I enjoyed the sleeping in and, not so lazy, but less scheduled days.

We had a shotgun babyshower for Colleen.  It was a great time.  So nice to see all her friends and celebrate a very special person.  I am so excited to see Colleen and Dave be parents.  I still look at Colleen as the little sister I never had (but always wanted).  Can't wait to see her in this new role.

2013 has been great so far.  Sean and I took a little weekend trip... to Pittsburgh.  I tagged along on a business trip.  Maura made her first penance.  B registered for kindergarten... again.  I got a job (at Trinity, teaching a nature explorers class).  All is good and getting better by the minute (to loosely quote my father in law).  Looking forward to the Trinity Auction coming up and a trip to Disney and Naples! Very fun.

So there it is.  My first attempt to catch up.