5 yrs old.

the big five arrived. things are officially changing around here. kindergarden next year? ahhh. its going to be rough, but good nonetheless. this big girl is growing up. 

we had a nice little post st. patty' day party for ruby, starting the day off right with over 50 balloons. ed just couldnt be stopped. 

the cake request this year was chocolate and turquoise frosting. better than last years bright yellow cake request i guess. she told me 'mom, pink is not my favorite color anymore; its turquoise'. so thats that. sorry pink, you're old news. 

big on the birthday list this year were an ironing board...which as you can see below was pretty exciting to open, and a piggy bank. so big big thanks to all of you who were able to come and make it special for our ruby girl. it meant a whole lot to her! 

cheers to being five!!!

{opening the iron}

{thanks gina and jason...great pic!}

{science experiments...fireworks in a jar...thanks tim and sara!!}

cant believe it.

this ruby girl is turning the big five this month and i am struggling a bit with her growing up on me. soaking it all up while it lasts, before a major change next year...off to kindergarden; i can hardly believe i will not have her with me all day. not going to think about it. its a hard knock life turning five (ahem, 15). even harder when you are so sassy. 

make a run for it.

just a bit of running back and forth. always a good time.

photo play.

ive been spending some time lately attempting to learn a bit...or rather a lot, on the camera. its been so long since i have had a nice camera so i picked up a few library books and am attempting to learn through some reading and practice. i pretty much feel clueless to it all; but i sure am having fun trying. here are a few recent snaps. i have a whole new respect for those amazing photographers out there, knowing how much can go into a shot. 

whole lotta love.

now what to do since we have used up all the valentines material having fun, pretend valentines everyday at home? just you wait henry higgins, just you wait. to be honest, im not quite sure myself yet. 

seriously.

i would say i am pretty fortunate to have been in the presence of some really great photographers. we recently partook in some photos for the Hubbard's ads, and followed this up with a home tour photo shoot for a new online magazine, Emma, which I will share later (keep a lookout for their March issue...in which our home will be featured).

 for now, how darn cute is that Mikey guy above? Many thanks to Clare (Hubbard) Karp for the lovely pics!! 

greatest uncle.

with my younger brother Al in town for his last college Christmas break, we were fortunate enough to have some good quality time hanging out and enjoying his good...perfect company. my kids light up everytime i tell them uncle Al is coming over. they basically think he is the greatest thing ever. 

so here are few of the kiddos playing with him at my parents after a nice day well spent with him at the zoo. thanks for being such a trooper Al and playing with these wild guys. means the world to them!