Pink = Girls

If babies are wearing pink, usually that means they are girls.

But sometimes you just have to wear a little jewelry to show your femininity.

Definitely GIRLS!

First Annual Turkey Bowl

We had our first snow of the season last night. It was a light snow, but this Thanksgiving morning found us scraping crusty ice off our windshields.

Ten brave souls made history by showing up for the first annual Turkey Bowl (touch football). It's a long-standing tradition in Chicago, and PR decided to try transplanting it here on this, our first Thanksgiving in Sterling.Who won? Everybody!

Who is My Neighbor?

I got a coupon for a free turkey from the Good Samaritan nursing home where I've worked for the past year.
The funny part happened when I went to the supermarket to pick it up. The cashier announced by way of the store-wide intercom:

"I need a Good Samaritan Turkey!"

I don't really know what I expected...

A Coffee Convert?

PR has never been a coffee drinker... (he did try 2 cups during our 15 years in Brazil)...but has recently been reading about its good benefits, so...
...he decided to give it (another) try, and joined Mark in a (half) cup this morning.
It was newsworthy, so we had to give Karina a call.
Mark is finding it interesting being back home.

Big Weekend, Part 2

On Sunday, we celebrated Ella's dedication.


She wore a family christening gown several of us have used in the past six decades.Ellanora Grace is 4 months old already.
Papi read.......and fed.We took turns cuddling with Ella.

Big Weekend, Part 1

Saturday we celebrated Josiah's 3rd birthday.

Larry, Moe, and Curly?6 grandchildren, patiently (?) posing......Sometimes, life is a blur...Sometimes, it's cozy...
Sometimes, cheezy.
There were twelve of us for the overnight "slumber party"... in a two-bedroom apartment.Now that's cozy!

Happy Birthday, Josiah.

Rub a Dub Dub

Madison and Kate love their bath time...
It's a race to see who can get there first!

Uncle Mark

PB, as you requested: a picture of Uncle Mark. I'll try to get a smile on film.
How about a half-smile for now?

He's having fun getting re-acquainted with his nieces and nephews.

Taking Turns

With only one high chair at Vovó’s house....
...you have to improvise...
...and take turns...

...all the time.

Autumn Leaves

We had the work crew over to help with raking leaves.Reiley was the foreman (as usual).

Luke worked hard.

Kate ate her weight in leaves.

Madison thought that was funny.

The girls worked on their climbing skills.

Madison tried the "stretching" technique.

Big sister Kate showed her how to do it.

Trick or Treat!

Look who showed up at our door...

Reiley the Bear

Luke, the M&MKate, the 1st Little PiggieMadison, the 2nd Little Piggie