Sick Day

I've not been able to get a whole lot done today, because somebody's needed to be held.  This is the first time in all of her almost 16 months that she's been sick...and I'm thinking it's an ear infection.  She's not sure what to do with herself.  But we've rocked a lot and read lots of books.  Guess the housework will have to wait!

In other news, Evi got some awards yesterday at a ceremony at school.  We're so proud of her.  She's worked really hard.  We loved that the ceremony was during the day so that Nelu could be there, too.  Evi was funny, though--when Nelu tried to take a picture of her, she wouldn't let him.  And when he tried to hug her, she moved away.  Guess it's about that time...trying to avoid being embarrassed by your parents! 

Our Lovely Little Impromptu Family Vacation

After deciding to leave Facebook a couple weeks ago for various reasons that I won't go into, I took some time to think whether I should keep up with the blog or leave it as well.  And so you see that I've decided to keep it and continue to use it to share little gilmpses of our life with those of you who are at all interested.  We miss those of you who are far and with whom we don't get to share everyday moments. 

We recently took a trip to Virginia and spent a few days enjoying time with family, at the coast, and experiencing some of our nation's history.  The trip was long for the little ones, but they were troopers!  And a couple of flat/dinged tires made for a disappointing glitch, but we were so thankful for a loving brother and his family who stayed and helped even though they should've been on their way home long before.

Here are some beach pictures.  It was Nadia's first time at the beach and the boys' first time seeing the Atlantic Ocean.  You can see that they loved it.  And Nelu had been wanting to go to the beach this year, so I was really glad we could make it, if only for a couple hours.

 One of our vacation days was spent at Jamestown Settlement.  The kids loved it as well, since it was so kid-friendly.  And the boys got to hear cannons being fired and see guns being shot and even two guys sword fighting (fencing), which was "awesome," as they described it.  Evi enjoyed the interactive learning activities--she and her cousin learned firsthand how knots (on the water) are measured and how early boats/ships navigated their course.  And Nadia just enjoyed being outside most of the day.

 Here's just one of the pictures from my sweet sister's house, where we stayed.  Here Nadia's visiting with an old friend who stayed with us for a few months.  She still looks out our back window and says, "woof-woof," even though no doggie is there anymore.

Trick or Treat!

Chillin' out before the big night



All dressed up:  a Power Ranger, motorcycle driver, lion and flapper



On the go

Checking out her loot

Raiding the candy stash

Back in Business

Sorry, Mom (and anyone else?), for waiting over two months to post new pictures.  Seems like we're always busy.  But no excuses here.  I just got out of the blog for a little bit.  Here are some more pictures of what's been going on around here.



Playing at Grandpa's



Enjoying the little Gator



My big girl



The boys enjoying the sticks and leaves of nearby woods



The beginnings of our new TV stand



Getting closer to being done...



Evi as Martha Layne Collins at the Culture Night Living Museum



Sweet Pea enjoying a book with Tati



Samuel took it upon himself to sweep the leaves off the back patio one day this month.



Pumpkin carving!

Now we're just getting ready for trick-or-treating in a couple days.  I'll have to add those pictures as well.  Hopefully sooner rather than later.

First Year

I have a rare moment of quiet now.  Evi is off with friends.  The boys are all watching a soccer game at a nearby field.  And Nadia has gone down for her second nap of the afternoon.  (Not sure why she's so tired today.)  So I wanted to take the time to update a little. 

Nadia celebrated her first birthday this past week.  It's hard to believe a year has passed already, but at the same time we can hardly remember life before our little Nadia Beatrice.  She has become a playful, curious toddler who cannot stand to be without her siblings and all the activity in our house.  Along with Daniel, she's trying to adjust to the new school routine and quieter house.

Here's the birthday girl!

Another Birthday Boy

Samuel turned five last week.  And this week he started school.  He had his first day of all-day kindergarten today.  It is hard to believe he's here already!  Daniel had a hard day without his best playmate.  He'll have to learn how to play with his little sissy, with whom he got a little rough today.  (Having two older brothers, she can take some of it, but I keep having to tell them she's not a toy.)  Anyway, the first day of school was good for Evi and Samuel.  They were very excited to start, and we're hoping a good year is in store for both of them.

Samuel and the Ninjago cake he'd been wanting for a long time

A serious face before his party

Ready for school!

Notice a Difference?

After talking about it for months (maybe even a couple years), she finally got her ears pierced.  I think she feels more grown-up with the earrings.  She was so nervous about it, so I think she has a little more confidence from getting up her courage and getting through it. 

Evi are cercei acum, dupa ce am discutat asta luni (sau ani!) de zile.  Cred ca se simte mai mare de cand si-a pus cercei.  A avut emotii foarte tare, si cred ca se simte bine acum ca a avut curaj sa mearga inainte cu planul.