Erin received the best surprise yesterday - she got to see her cousins. Joe's sister, Aunt Michelle, was in town for a funeral and she, Uncle Mike, and their girls, Ajah(15), Elisha(13) and Jasmine(11) stopped by afterwards to surprise Erin and meet Baby Anna. Erin loves these girls and doesn't get to see them often since they live in Northern Virginia. It's so neat to me to watch her with all her cousins - she somehow knows there is something different in their relationships - she knows they are family and she loves them abundantly because of it. Of course, Erin went right to work giving the girls a tour of the house and then directing them as a Marching Band. Aunt Michelle got lots of Anna squeezes in and said she reminded her of their middle daughter Elisha. Anna enjoyed all the attention and excitement.
We only got to spend a short time with them, but it was the highlight of Erin's month. This morning she said, "I don't feel so well, my tummy hurts, I miss my cousins; but Uncle Mike said that next time they come they can stay with me!!!" I'm afraid she'll have to fight Baba for that one, but she will be grateful for anytime she gets to spend with her wonderful cousins!
Okay, everybody - let's boogie!
Baba, Papa Joe and their 5 granddaughters!
The Maggiore/Courts Family
from the top Jasmine, Uncle Mike, Elisha, Ajah, Hidden Baba, Papa Joe, Jen, Joe, Aunt Michelle, Anna, Nana and Erin
Playing her musical stage - she has to love to sing like her momma!
Always loving on that thumb!
Wow...I do have a big toe!
Fireman Cody to the rescue with his handy Dalmatian helper, Erin. We got to show Cody one of our favorite treats - The Jumpin' Monkey. It didn't take him long to get his stride and have a blast. Ryan and Emily were there too, but it's hard to catch Ryan for a picture - he was too busy having fun.
Okay, so get a crink in your neck checking this one out, but I don't have the energy to go in and flip it. Erin was thrilled that there was a Dalmatian costume - she is in the 101 Dalmatians phase.
Baba got Erin this cool ballet mat and bar and outfit for Christmas so she was showing her some moves. It also came with a cool follow along DVD. Who knows what's in Erin's future!
This is my best friend Jenny and her husband Mark, with Elena Kay(3) and Cassia(1). Yesterday was Cassia's first birthday party. These little girls are very special to us and will be my girl's life long friends.
Peek-a-boo I see you
Nothin' like a good ole cup of juice!
I had the privelege of hosting a baby shower for my "baby" sister on Saturday. I was so excited to be able to host it and to have a home that could accomodate it. We had a great time celebrating the upcoming arrival of my little nephew Blake(set to arrive in March)! Erin was a little confused over the whole thing. She finally understands at showers we don't all get wet, but she thought it was a birthday party for Blake and that he was going to "pop out" of Aunt Kim. She was bummed she was going to miss it all. Thankfully, Blake stayed in and we were all dry at the end of it-just very stuffed, and Erin had a fabulous day with Daddy at CiCi's and an ODU basketball game.
We went to IHOP with the Jacksons on Friday night. Cody and Erin rather enjoyed their pancakes. Erin got the Funny Face pancake, and although Cody ordered chicken fingers - his mommy's blueberry pancakes looked more appetizing to him. That's true love, when you give up your pancakes for your little man. Chris, Joe and I battled it out with the all you can eat pancakes, and let's just say, there was no catching Chris!
Anna has embarked on the world of real food and has had cereal for the first time this week. As you can see by her rice covered smile - she loves it. She took right to it and is ready for Chick-fil-A now!!!!
