Strong Work, Strong Play

Chip and I took a day off work to spend some time with the kids.  We decided to take them to Strong Museum of Play in Rochester.  Ab had a good time; William had a good time being held.  Here are a few pictures:

Welcome to Buffalo - Part 2

Saturday, April 16, 2011 - The Hartin family spent a wonderful afternoon outside, cutting grass and playing.

Sunday, April 17, and Monday, April 18, 2011 - The Hartin family fought back tears as they watched the snow fall.

Our Trip Home

We had a whirlwind trip home two weeks ago.  Wow.  My head is still spinning from all the goings to and fro.  The kids were able to spend time with Nana and Papa, Mema and Gaga, Granny and Grandpa, Cousins Madison and Trace, Uncle Jay and (now) Aunt Lauren.  Yes, our little Jay got married on March 5.  Congratulations, Jay and Lauren!

Abby's 4th Birthday

Where has time gone?  My little girl is 4.  Abby wanted to go to Build-A-Bear and make sub sandwiches at home.  We had a wonderful time with her.  Happy Birthday, my pretty princess.

Welcome to Buffalo

Official Notice

This letter serves to inform you that this department has received a complaint regarding the accumulation of snow and/or ice on the public sidewalk that abuts the premises located at the reference address.  If, by the time you receive this letter, you have already removed the snow and ice from your sidewalk, please disregard this notice and I thank you for performing your civic duty.

...

In accordance with this local law, you are hereby directed to clear snow and ice from the public sidewalk that abuts your property. 

Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours and maintained clear at all times.  Failure to comply may result in further action by this document.

This document will serve as your final and only notice for the 2010-2011 season.

Thomas C. Ketchum, P.E.

Commissioner of Building

Abigail

Dear sweet Abby.  Sweet, loud, dramatic, on-the-go, know-it-all, kind hearted Abigail.  She learns so much every day.  I'm always impressed with her trivia and her comedic observations.  She's every bit her daddy and equally every bit of her mama.  She sobbed yesterday at daycare.  She sobbed because she didn't get to say goodbye to a stuffed frog in William's room.  My irrational, tender hearted Abby.  She loves her brother in a very motherly kind of way.  But she is still a big sister bully.  She doesn't know I watch her when she sleeps.  And I like to stare at her little face.  My big girl with big girl dreams.  She wants to be 30.  She wants to be a baby.  I'm okay with the baby part. 

William

My little William, growing up so quickly and still very much a baby.  His squishy thighs and cheeks are irresistable.  And he loves to snuggle.  I love it when he puts his sandy head against my chest.  And he's got the most adorable grin.  He looked at me yesterday and smiled with his teeth clinched together.  This was quite different from his usual Pac-Man smile.  He's not walking yet, but he has cruising and climbing stairs down pat.  He got into his first fight at daycare on Monday.  He was fighting over a toy.  I swear he says "I love you" when I say it to him.  He loves his daddy.  He loves his mommy.  He LOVES his Abby.  This boy can eat.  And eat.  And eat.  He has a lovee, his green and yellow blanket.  He has my heart.