Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter 2011


While this was technically not Abigail's first Easter, it was the first one we've been able to enjoy as a family since we had kids. We started the morning with Easter Baskets and then enjoyed some Amish Friendship Bread before heading off to church. After church were much needed naps and then an egg hunt for Declan! As this was his first time searching for eggs, I thought maybe he'd need a hand. But, he got the hang of it very quickly!
We really lucked out with the weather this weekend, it was sunny and warm and beautiful. The kids really enjoyed playing outside with their new bubbles, and Uncle John. It was a wonderful Easter, and I am looking forward to the rest of Spring and Summer.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

High Seas Brewery Tour

Saturday afternoon, a group of moms I met here at Ft. Meade and their families braved the torrential downpour and headed to Baltimore for a brewery tour. Here's where we went. The tour is free, but for $5 you get a souvenier pint glass, and 5 4oz samples of beer.

The tour was done by Hugh J. Sisson (founder) and was phenomenal. He explained the origin of their company, the ingredients of the beer, the process of bottling, labeling, and mashing. A few highlights were: squishing hops between our fingers to release the aroma that we are so familiar with (Declan ate his hops), tasting malt to see where the sweetness in the beer comes from, and seeing the "very happy" yeast pile growing in the corner. After the tour was completed, we were able to sample and purchase their beer. My favoite was the flagship beer, Loose Cannon.

If you want to tour this brewery with us, I am planning to go in July when Davy Jones Lager is released. Or maybe in Octover when Smoke on the Water is brewed, or maybe next February for Aarsh Red .... Basically, whenever you want to visit, there is a special beer that month. Sounds heavenly, doesn't it?

For more tours and event details, check out their website, follow them on facebook, or twitter.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Dentist

Today I took the two kids to the dentist, for the first time, ever. Surprisingly, it was a very pleasant experience. The office was easy to find (well, easy with my new GPS) and the waiting room was full of toys and showing Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. They were not at all surprised that I had printed off all the paperwork ahead of time so it was filled out.

The hygienist was amazing! She cleaned the kids teeth gently and was really great with them. The Dentist came in and said they were both getting new teeth in and their teeth were very healthy. Declan was thrilled with his goody bag of stickers, sugar free lollipops, and a new toothbrush. He double checked to make sure Abigail got one as well.

All was good, we were in and out in 30 minutes and I'm not dreading the next trip in October!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Abby's Bday (27 photos), by Rebecca Alwine


Here's an album with some Birthday Pictures and Abigail's 1 Year Shots. A special thanks to Kate Cole for the pictures.
Click here to view photos

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Lunch Time

Declan really wanted this bread, so we made grilled goldfish cheese sandwiches. Creativity at its best!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Abigail's First Year


Abigail Christina was born at 1250 Central European Time on 31 March 2010 weighing in at 6lbs, 6 oz and measuring 19 inches. On 1 April 2011, Abi weighs 18lbs 9 oz and measures 27 3/4 inches long.

Abigail had an eventful first year. Here are some of the highlights.

First transatlantic airplane ride - 1 month
First time meeting her great grandparents - 2 months
First road trip - 3 months
First baseball game - 4 months
First swim - 4 months
First concert - 5 months
Second transatlantic airplane ride - 6 months
First wine festival - 6 months
First homecoming for Daddy - 6 months
First train trip - 6 months
First trip to Munich - 7 months
First castle - 7 months
First Thanksgiving Extravaganza - 8 months
First promotion ceremony - 9 months
First PCS (Permanent change of station) - 9 months
Third transatlantic airplane ride - 9 months
First Christmas - 9 months
First time moving into a new house - 10 months

We all look forward to many more firsts (and seconds) with Abigail this year.
Happy Birthday Abigail!