New York

We got tickets to see RENT on Broadway for Thea's 18th birthday. She was going to invite a friend but that didn't work out so my sister Joan filled in. We had a great time. I LOVED the show...wasn't sure that I would. Thea is a huge fan of the movie and has wanted to see it for some time. She loves going to visit my sister Beth in New York. She once said that Beth was the person she most admired. I think its because Beth is young, single, successful and "fashionable". Thea always begs to borrow her clothes! I can't complain. I like that Thea admires her. I admire her too. Anyhow, Thea has now seen 4 broadway shows and she is only 18! I didn't even go to New York until I was 30. There is definitely a benefit to having a sister live there! Mamma Mia was by far my favorite show. I have seen it twice and would love to see it again! It is a show that is centered around all the music from ABBA. You want to stand up and dance during the whole show! In fact, most people do, at the finale. Yes, I admit to dancing but it was dark enough that nobody noticed my sorry white boy moves. Anyhow, I would definitely recommend it for older kids/teens. Wicked is really good for kids too! Dave took us to see that in Philly last March. Enough rambling...

Last photo is of Thea with fake hair! FUNNY. She looked like Paris Hilton, only MUCH prettier!

Eighteen

Conner and Wertz cousins...can hardly see Jack and Audrey, but they're there!

Thea turned 18 on March 10th. As usual, the whole family was here to celebrate. Thea's friend Lindsey joined us as well. I can't believe she is 18! I remember the bus pulling away from the bus stop when she went to first grade...she looked so small, waving out the big bus window! I was actually crying as the bus went out of sight! Seems like yesterday. Now she makes me cry for other reasons...LOL. She's been tough, no doubt, but we love her very much.

Audrey At 2 Months

Can't believe she is 2 months already! She weighs 9 lbs 9 ounces. Still a peanut! I'm loving it! After all those big chubby babies its nice to enjoy a little one. She is really smiling now and starting to coo. I love, love, love her big "Italian" eyes! (At last!) My mom says they are so big they almost wrap around her head! (Dave said that sounds like she is describing an alien but I know exactly what my mom means!) She's not all Italian though...those big eyes are looking like they're going to be blue! Anyhow, I wish she would stay this age forever!

Home Improvements

We have been wanting to replace our builder's carpet with hardwood since we moved in 7 years ago! Dave did it himself and saved us thousands...George was so into it! He didn't want to go to bed or school while Dave was working. He was a great helper.So far, the study, the living room and the dining room are finished. The kitchen is next but I've been told that the kids and I have to leave the house indefinitely while Dave tackles that project. Dave recently finished the bookshelves in the living room. Charlie was the big helper with them. He was painting! He ruined a pair of pants but it was worth it. Anyhow, Dave is still doing lots of side jobs for people. Its more of a hobby than a job, as he enjoys it so much. As of now, he is scheduled to build another bar, bookshelves and finish a basement. Don't ask me where he will find the time...my kitchen comes first though! Anyhow, I am so impressed with how the house looks that I just had to show it off!