Catching Up!

As with every mother, I had/have good intentions to keep up with our family blog. But, the hours turn into days, days into months, months into almost a year since my last post. 

Since then, we've welcomed a beautiful baby boy into our family making us a family of five! He is a joy and as each day passes I think to myself "oh, I want to capture this and remember it forever." Hence, this post and what I *hope* to be a more successful attempt at capturing our lives. 

So here it goes! I've got some updating to do! 

SLD

Frannie turns THREE!

Our sweet Frances Ruth is three! 

Words to describe her: funny, independent, rambunctious and caring. We can always count on Frannie for a good laugh, to cuddle with any time of day, to wake with a serious case of bed head, to pick a crazy outfit to wear and to be the first to finish a meal. She is easy to love! 

Frannie's birthday conversation - November 2012
It's funny to hear/read the responses of a three year old. They are very much based on recent activities. 

How old are you?  Two! (followed by laughs because she knows she is "free")
What makes you happy?  Mommy (heart melting!)
What is your favorite animal?  Giraffe
What is your favorite thing to eat?  Vegetables and fruit. (This is a new thing with her. She's really a meat and potatoes kind of girl.)
What is your favorite thing to do?  Play with toys
What is your favorite TV show?  Tom & Jerry 
What are you really good at?  Stuff and giving baby dolls a bath
What is your favorite movie?  Lion King
What is your favorite color?  Pink! 
What is your favorite song?  Bubble Toes
Who is your best friend?  Ryan and Olivia (pre-k friends)
What do you and Mommy do together?  Get baby dressed 
What do you and Daddy do together?  Pick up toys (yep, there is a lot of picking up of toys.) 
What is your favorite sport?  Basketball
Where is your favorite place to go?  Hotel (Ceci and Frannie think that going to a hotel is the greatest thing.)
What is your favorite book?  The Napping House
What do you want to be when you grow up?  A football player

Back to School

After a fun summer, it is time to head back to school! Ceci headed off to The Wellington School for Pre-K while Frannie went back to Primrose for their version of 3 year old preschool.  

Ceci hasn't stopped talking about her "new school Wellington" since visiting last spring. The classroom she visited had a pet bunny rabbit named Nora. The visit left such a positive impression that she renamed her faithful friend, Baxter the Bunny to Nora.  So, now we have Nora and Baxter (I purchased multiples once I realized Baxter would be around for awhile.  You will see him/her in many of our photos.) 

First day of school

 She certainly isn't lacking in character or personality!

Frannie was excited to see her friends at Primrose!  During last year's parent-teacher conference I found out Frannie was Queen Bee. I'm sure it won't take her long to assume that role again.  This is the first time for her and Ceci to be apart (separate schools).  She was very sad and had plenty of big, fat tears when we dropped Ceci off on her first day.  Frannie wanted to stay with her sister and play with the baby dolls. All the way down the hallway as we left, she kept crying "Ceci, Ceci, Ceci...I want my Ceci."  It certainly was enough to break my heart.  I hope they always love each other this much.

Sweet Frances Ruth

Cecilia's Fourth Birthday

Birthdays are meant for celebrating! 

Birthday morning started with balloons...

...and chocolate chip pancakes!

 As the birthday girl requested, a Pirate Party!

Argh matey!

The seas were a bit treacherous at the beginning!

Our little lasses bundled up on a chilly, windy morning.

Make a wish!

A birthday conversation with Cecilia

Pinterest is great - don't you think?  I came across this little idea and thought it would be a perfect little item for the blog.  I know we will look back and laugh at these four year old responses!  I hope she and Frannie are always best friends and, most importantly, she remains this happy in life. 

August 2012
How old are you?  Four! (she was very excited to turn four!)
What makes you happy?  My best friend Frannie.
What is your favorite animal?  Unicorn.
What is your favorite thing to eat?  Shrimp, bescetti (spaghetti) bake and ice cream with cherries and sprinkles.
What is your favorite thing to do?  Play with Frannie.
What is your favorite TV show?  Ponies (aka My Little Pony).
What are you really good at?  Coloring.
What is your favorite movie?  Rapunzel (aka Tangled).
What is your favorite color?  Purple, pink and orange.
What is your favorite song?  Firework (by Katy Perry).
Who is your best friend?  Frannie (I think the exact words were "I already told you, Frannie!") 
What do you and Mommy do together?  Fix dinner and watch TV.  (Mommy may need to reevaluate our activity time.)
What do you and Daddy do together?  Sit and relax. 
What is your favorite sport?  Swimming.
Where is your favorite place to go?  Nana Tess's house.
What is your favorite book?  Pout Pout Fish.
What do you want to be when you grow up?  A princess.  

Family Vacation 2012

This year's family vacation was a trip to Hilton Head Island, SC.  We couldn't have asked for a better week.  From the weather, food and many memories made, it was a wonderful week!  It was Ceci's second trip to the beach and Frannie's first.  They both loved the sand and salty water!  No doubt they will be boogie boarding with mommy in the next year or two.

 Building sand castles

 Big smiles at the beach

 Daddy and Frannie

 Enjoying a little run on the beach

 Enjoying the entertainment before dinner

 First Shirley Temple

 Three amigos

 Baxter and Nora made the trip

 Frannie stealing some alone time with "Ellie"

 Kids-only dinner

 Cecilia's photo skills

 Nana and Grandpa Dodd with the Grands

 One of many attempted family photos

 Sweet sisters (FRD 2 1/2 & CED almost 4)

 Daddy's girls

 Another attempt

 Ready for waves

Cousins in their salty dog shirts

We are so excited for our next beach adventure! 

Welcome!

When Cecilia (aka Ceci, pronounced C-C) was born I started a blog for family and friends to watch her grow.  Quickly our family of three grew to four and there was little time for blogging!  It's been a couple of years since I last created a blog post.  Things certainly haven't slowed down but I realize I need a place to share our memories.  The purpose of this blog is to be an virtual memory book with pictures, recipes and the story of our life. Welcome to The House of Dodd!