Christmas Comes but Once a Year

We had a lovely laid back Christmas. It included lots of lazing about and watching Jeeves and Wooster. Luscious food abounded and lots of popcorn and old-fashioned candies (from stockings) were consumed. Our numbers were fewer, but we enjoyed seeing the folks that did come around and spend the day and the dinner hour with us. After all of our visiting loved ones had returned to the comfort of their own homes, we enjoyed that all time classic It's a Wonderful Life. It felt especially inspiring this time around.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!


A sick baby Jacob opening his present from the Monroes










Traditional Breakfast


A little after dinner relaxation

Respite at Reston

We were very fortunate to be able to spend some time with our fabulous friends, the Ereksons, at their home in Reston, VA. It helped us all relax and unwind after a rather difficult week. They are magnificent hosts and it's a always fun to be in their company.

By the Local Lake


The neighborhood, and a Pileated Woodpecker in the distance


Attempting to play around the world
I think the parents watching had a particularly enjoyable time

The Last Six Months in Review

And it's too massive a project, so I'm giving up before I even start. Suffice it to say, a lot has happened at the old homestead over the past six months. Lots of difficult moments and lots of moments to be thankful for. The gospel is very much at the forefront of everyone's mind. We're so grateful for it!

Everyone is also sprouting physically, spiritually, and intellectually at an exponential rate. Even the dogs are growing...or maybe the filth they've accumulated since their last bath (in May) just makes it appear as though their mass has increased. Who knows.

Here are a few pictures that stuck out to me. Please forgive my ignorance on the specifics. I wasn't here to actually enjoy it all. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and we wish you all a happy New Year!

Summer Scouting Fun








The Tree House at the Philadelphia Zoo


Braiding Chain...I wonder how Abe got in on that one


Abe and John as Elder Missionaries for the ward's Halloween party. People actually thought they were the new Elders: Elder Muldowney and... Elder Muldowney


Family Outing


Thanksgiving: Parade, Dinner, and Post-dinner Activities








Which one is having more fun?


Leah's Visit!


A Christmas Longwood Gardens Expedition

A Month in Review

So, as it is very evident, I have fallen into my usual blogging negligence. I am striving to repent of my ways by reviewing the past month or so in one post. Here it goes.


We'll start with Mother's Day. Don't cute faces like this just make you want to be a mom?!?

Anyway, dinner was put together a little bit differently this year. Without really doing much coordination, everyone was asked to make something for the meal. The result was a lot of potato dishes and brownies. We must be Irish or something! It was a lovely day though, and it's always fabulous to have the opportunity to celebrate, and express gratitude for, the lives of so many valient mothers. Thanks to you!

Later that week, Dad took Mom mom and the twins back to Longwood Gardens to enjoy the Lily Show that was set up in the gorgeous conservatory. They had an enjoyable day.

On May 29th Mom mom had her 80th birthday! To celebrate that wonderful occasion we had a party, where cold cuts and an array of other delectables were served. We were all able to share, "I remember Mom mom..." It was wonderful to reflect on the impact of this incredible woman and all that she has done for this family. We love her so much!
Memorial Day came with it's customary Fun Run at Valley Forge Park. Abby and Bekah biked, Johnny ran with Dad (according to Dad, John outstripped him), while Mom and I walked the loop at Valley Forge. Abe did his own 25 mile bike ride thing. This year they had a program commemorating the soldiers and it was very nice. After that lovely affair, we had an afternoon picnic with the rest of the fam fam, except for Jacob (the older), who was off gallivanting in Harmony, PA with a group of friends. We enjoyed good food, company, sparklers, and Baby Jacob's first water fight. Most importantly we finally exposed Jake the older (who, to every one's abounding joy, finally graced us with his presence) to "Enchanted" (for good or ill), which was fun for all of us.

Then we, meaning I, had an awesome activity packed Friday. First, Dad took me and Jake on brief statue tour of Philly. We went up to Mt. Pleasant and then walked along Kelly Drive. From thence, we went to the Rodin Museum and stopped for a moment at the temple site. After a short visit to PAFA's ASE, we walked to the Reading Terminal Market and enjoyed divine Salumaria hoagies and luscious Amish sticky buns.

Not long after we returned home, Mom took me and the twins to Longwood Gardens! There we went to the few parts of the garden we'd never been to, ate dinner at the cafe, and then enjoyed a performance by the Brandywine Ballet in Longwood's outdoor theatre. We discovered that there was a fountain show that night and spontaneously decided to extend our evening visit by watching the half hour show. "Founder's Favorites," was the title because the pieces of music accompanying the fabulous fountains were loved by Pierce du Pont. It was a long and joyous day. My family spiles me. And now to bring this review to a close... The book sale was yesterday and Abe, John, and I spent a good deal of time there, and commuting back and forth. We also had oodles of cold cereal for lunch. Luxury. Later on though, we discovered that our fireball of death, that masqueraded as a hideous, old, blue car, hit its end. Yes, the fireball of death is now officially out of business. The good news is that it lasted us this long without killing anyone! Mom and Dad are yet again looking for a cheap car that will get us all from point a to b. Wish them luck.

Well, that's about it for us folks out East. 'Til next month! Adieu.

Shortmetal Wasteland

Several Fridays ago, Mom and Dad piled their six youngest children into their dilapidated ancient blue car and headed up to Longwood Gardens (also dubbed Shortmetal Wasteland by some members of the family). It was a glorious day for a long walk. Those neat Muldowney's met us there and we enjoyed seeing most of the park and taking many, many pictures of the adorably photogenic Charles.