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We had another wonderful trip to Annapolis/Baltimore. This trip we checked out a new attraction Port Discovery. The kids had a blast playing grocery shopping, play restaurant, and the other activities they had there. We also went to Oliver’s favorite The Maryland Science Center, which almost always ends up being a stop while we are in town. Finally on Sunday we took a trip to Camden Yards to see the Orioles take on the Yankees.

Luckily for the kids, the Easter bunny knew where to find us, and they were greeted with baskets Sunday in the room.

Oliver’s buddy Mitchell had a rollerskating birthday party this past weekend.  We were not sure how it was going to go – the last rollerskating party was not exactly the best experience for him, thankfully this time it went better and I am glad we gave it a second chance.  We figured that he would have fun, since he really seems to love ice skating – and its pretty much the same thing, but with wheels. Some of the pictures came out pretty dark – but there are some good shots in there.

Well 2011 is officially here, so I am taking a moment to reflect on what 2010 brought us. We had a pretty interesting year overall I would say. I was just reviewing the posts I have made in 2010, and it is amazing to see how much the kids have grown in just that one year.

Oliver had some interesting milestones for 2010.  He started Kindergarten this year.  He lost his first (and second) tooth this year.  He had his first Halloween Parade, as well as many other school activities this year.

Summer continues to grow everyday, and is really starting to get her own personality, with a dash of little miss boss attitude.  She is still going to dance class and seems to enjoy it quite a bit.  She had her first dance reticle this year.  She  is very much interested in coloring and other artistic things – and she does rather well in my opinion.

Both kids have been enjoying more outdoors activities lately, they like going fishing from time to time, and going on nature hikes at on trails at the local park.

Kim continues to work at the same company – but at the end of 2010 transitioned to a new position which should keep 2011 interesting for her.  She also ran her first Half Marathon in 2010.  She also suffered an injury that put her training back a bit in 2010, but managed to run almost just under 450 miles over 10 months, and is making a recovery and has big plans for 2011.

I made an effort to get back into shape, and even start running myself in 2010.  I was able to shed about 35 pounds over the course of about 6 months.  Mostly accomplished by eating better – but I also logged a little over 332 miles of running myself.  I ran a few 5K’s and also ran the 2010 Run for the Diamonds.

We had a few nice outings as a family.  We had a couple trips to Annapolis / Baltimore - where the kids sparked an interest in baseball and the Orioles.  We also checked out the science musuem an Maryland zoo.  We took advantage of our Philly Zoo membership as always, and Kim and I took a refreshing trip to to Turks & Caicos Islands.  We also had plenty of fun around the house, and other activities in the area.  So looks like overall we had a pretty good year

In other family news,Grandma Larrabee became Grandma Smith (though the kids still call her Grandma Larrabee).  Uncle Tommy got his own apartment in the NYC area, and is engaged to be married, and Uncle Leo ironically also moved to a new apartment and also is engaged.

Here is hoping for a great 2011!

Seems like we have been busy lately – I haven’t posted anything in a while. I think I can put at least a portion of the blame of that on facebook. With quick updates, and the ability to just send pictures from the phone to facebook – sometimes actually posting here gets lost in the shuffle. In fact, thats probably why I don’t have any photos for November to post – just October, and December.

When pulling off the Christmas photos we found that we forgot to get these Halloween photos posted, they are from Halloween – and Oliver’s school parade – as well as some shots before trick or treating.

The kids loved Christmas this year. They seemed to be the most excited they have been over it to date – which makes it all worth it.

Here is hoping to a bright 2011!

We planned another family trip down to Annapolis, MD – since everyone had a fun time with the various activities that we did there last time, and Kim scored a good deal on a hotel for the weekend. We did completely different things this trip though.

One day we went to the Maryland Science Center – which was a pretty big hit for the kids, and mom and dad even had a pretty good time. The next day we went to the Baltimore Aquarium – which we previously did go to, however its one of Oliver’s favorites. Finally on our way home we went to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore – which wasn’t all bad, however I still think the Philly zoo is 100′s of times better. We made the mistake of missing the Orioles game one day, and going to the stadium the next – thinking they were playing….they were just not at home – so that was the only downfall to the trip. I believe with the kids interest in baseball, and the Orioles in general – we have become official Orioles fans.

59 New Images!

We snapped some photos of Summer before she went to her dress rehearsal and photos.  They came out pretty good.  Here is a sneak peak of her costume for the dance recital.

Click to view them all in the June Album

Well after the blizzard of a snow storm we got recently the kids of course wanted to go out and play int he snow. So while we cleared the driveway…and cleared…and cleared the driveway the kids were out having a blast in the snow. We got a few shots of playing in the snow that I just uploaded.

Last night the kids helped Kim bake some Valentines snacks so Oliver could take them to school today. At first he didn’t want to make them for school, but I am pretty sure he was just afraid that we wouldn’t keep any for home!

Check out the February Pics

This weekend was the weekend of family bonding.  First on Saturday Daddy and Oliver went to see Horton Hears a Who at the movie theatre, the first time that I can recall Oliver made it from start to finish of a full movie.  As we were walking out he said “Daddy, Daddy, that was a great movie!”.  Mom and Summer took advantage of this and got some girl time together shopping. 

Then yesterday we had another fun little adventure together to Chuck E Cheese, a day full of games, pizza, soda, and fun, finished off by some play time in the yard.  It was one of our most fun filled weekends in a while.

I finally got around to uploading pictures, which are detailed below

 6 new photos added in Summer’s Feb 2008 Album

21 new photos added in Summer’s new March 2008 Album

 5 New pictures in Oliver’s the Feb 2008 Album

 31 new pictures in Oliver’s new March 2008 Album

I still have a few more pictures to upload.  I will get them on the site either later tonight or tomorrow.

So Kim brought it my attention that we had alot of photos just sitting on the camera – I had no clue, there are some from December, January , and February.  In december there are some photos of the kids during christmas, and a few shots of mommy and Oliver making a gingerbread house. In January there are a few pictures of Oliver and his potty (even though we have not made much progress on that front lately), and Summer showing off one of her new purses.  In February, lets just categorize it as weird – Summer’s new thing is wearing clothes that dont fit her, and often on places they dont go – such as demanding to wear olivers underpants on her head – comical, but weird

 Oliver December – 36 Pics

Oliver Jan 2008 – 16 Pics

Feb 2008 – 2 Pictures

 December – 14 Pics

 Jan 2008 – 15 pics

 Feb 2008 – 5 Pics

We also got some shots of them together added to December and January albums
http://photo.larrabeefamily.com/v/kidstogether/2007/dec2007/
http://photo.larrabeefamily.com/v/kidstogether/2008/jan2008/