NYC Day 1

Wednesday we started our adventure....getting up very early we were headed to the airport and luckily missed the rush hour traffic. Jason was not fond of saying goodbye to "his girls" but knew we had a mission to go do...go to NYC and help my sister Megs and her hubby set up house!! After getting through the security check which is crazy with two little ones...Caitlin and I were ready for the flight. Angel was very excited about the airplane and sitting in her own seat, although she did not like the fact that she had to be strapped in and couldn't get up and explore. She was very fascinated with the fact that the Airplane book Marmee had gotten her was exactly what she was experiencing on the flight. Once we were in the air, it was less than one hour before both the girls crashed for almost 3 hours!! And of course we just happened to be sitting on the only aisle of seats where the TV screens on our seats were stuck and were not working....especially when they were offering the movies for FREE and with the girls sleeping we could have enjoyed them!! Oh well.....The flight went really fast and we were impressed with Jet Blue. So when we arrived at JFK my sister and her hubby had gotten a car service for us. Well, Caitlin and I felt like royalty walking off the flight and the first thing we saw was a man holding a sign that said "Erin Hartsell". Caitlin laughed because when I saw him I waved and then he shook my hand and starting taking charge. He got a luggage cart and got our bags for us....then proceeded to take us out and keep a parking space free for the driver to come get us curb side. When the Lincoln Town car drove up to load us we got some very peculiar (I say jealous) looks about how we were getting such treatment...it was so nice with the kids and all the luggage...THANK YOU MEGS AND CHRIS. It was an easy drive to their new apartment (except when our driver insisted we try this new type of gum, and kept offering it and Caitlin finally took a piece but didn't feel she could try it in case it was poisoned.). We were so happy to see Megs and look at her new place. It is VERY nice, feels like a hotel walking in and going up to the 27th floor!! Of course as you can see from the pics in the slide show, the apartment itself needs A LOT of unpacking, organizing and setting up!! Hopefully the pics of it when we leave will show much improvement. We ordered some Teriyaki for dinner (NY food is always so yummy) and when Chris got home from work visited and then went to bed....um, well Caitlin and I tried to go to bed but the girls not being sure where they were and in unfamiliar sleeping arrangements had a tough night...just giving Caitlin a good dose of what motherhood is all about!! Overall, a very successful and exciting day!!

City Girls

I know, I know, I know .... I have yet to share any of our fun (um, tiring-hot-exciting) trip here in NYC. But between being surrounded by boxes (either unpacked or broken down in big piles), furniture that keeps floating around the apartment because we haven't quite figured out where we like it, fans everywhere because did I mention it is HOT and the only AC that isn't really broken is the master bedroom which we now use as the baby nap room, and well then there are the two little ones that keep wondering why we don't have all the time to give them our constant attention and why we just can't clean up all the messes. But so far we have had no mental break downs or moving anxiety attacks...I guess when you have yours sisters together it is just so nice to be sharing these moments and making memories that it makes the whole experience much more bearable. In between all the unpacking, setting up and organizing...we are trying to take breaks and at least explore the city a little and let Angel run around and play. Angel loves just walking the streets and staring at all the people zooming by. It is funny to watch her, as Caitlin says, "she looks so little on the streets of NYC." Now if we can just get the little ones (especially Angel) to sleep at night...although last night the trick was putting her in her own room like at home and she did much better...just tough when her schedule and surroundings are so different. Babes are truly creatures of routine and schedules. So while I have had a quick minute to let our loyal readers know we survived the flight and are busy helping to transform this apartment into the Sturhahns new home I will hopefully find some time here soon to post the pics that yes, I have been taking and I know my dear husband (whom I and the girls miss so much...this is the longest I have ever been away from him!) wants to see. So.....come back later and check it out!!!

Two neat sites

THIS SITE is a neat idea a friend of mine and her husband are doing. Thought I would link it here in case anyone would like to help them with raising their funds....it goes to support the Ronald McDonald House, which is a wonderful place that helps so many families and holds a special place in Christina's heart. I am inspired by how they have turned a fun vacation for them into such a giving and fruitful experience as well...way to go guys!! And Christina...don't fall asleep on the bike again!
THIS SITE is a sad, moving, inspiring and amazing site as well. I went to youth group and was friends with Patrick's brother back in high school. Continue to pray for healing and faith and resources for this family.

I LOVE these pics

(Megs...that is the Hanna outfit you got Emma)

Go MARINERS

(yes we know they are the worst team this year, but gotta have team spirit..right? and don't you love those ruffle bums?)

Summer Days

We are very lucky to live near a fun park...so today we took advantage of the HOT weather (yes 84 is hot for us) and went to the park. Emma had her first slide ride and it is amazing to see Angel playing in the park this summer as opposed to last. Here are some pics from today, and I included the video of Angel sliding last summer and one from tonight. While she still can wave and blow kisses to the camera, this year she is much more independent, must do everything by HERSELF, and wanted to show the camera "again and again" how she could slide. Can't wait to see what next summer slide rides are like!

Spaghetti = Messy

FUNNY

Read THIS, so funny!!

Happy 7 Month Birthday!

Amazing to think how much you have changed in the past seven months. You have almost gained 2 pounds in the past month, a big growth spurt!! You have grown so long and love to bounce!! You smile all the time, especially at your big sister who makes you laugh. You are drooling a lot and we are waiting for that first tooth to pop in. You take a wonderful 2-3 hour nap, now if we can only get you to SLEEP at night!! You are not really thrilled about the REAL food yet and would rather nurse all day. You are starting to babble and just letting your personality show more and more each day!! We love you so much sweet girl!!

Movie

We watched Bella the other night...a truly beautiful movie about life, love, family, friendship and faith. How one decision can change a life and path forever. A little slow at times and hard to follow for me in the beginning, but for a low cost production film, I thought it definetly is worth a see and how refreshing to have some positive movies out there to watch!! Go check it out!

Tim Russert

Great article...CHECK IT OUT.

31 Years Ago...

...my wonderful parents were celebrating the start of their married life......and now have 4 daughters, 3 grandkids and a loving happy marriage. Mom and Dad we love you and looking forward to the next 31 years!

Good Morning

The little ones have settled into a routine of laying in my bed together and watching Little Einsteins while I get ready for the day...Angel is so funny because she always has to hold Emma's hand while she snuggles.

Fathers Day Wrap Up

Well the dads had a good Fathers Day...even got to watch some of the golf championship and the basketball game. The weather was beautiful so we enjoyed (especially Angel) time playing outside. We enjoyed just time together and a yummy dinner mom made. Jason once again has told me that THIS cheesecake is his favorite...just with all the only favorites! Even though I had a crust problem, this Mocha Cheesecake was very yummy. Click on pic if you would like recipe. We are also looking forward to very clean cars, garages etc with Jason's new powerful Shop Vac he got and lots of camping trips with his new tent that we can now all fit in!! And we look for lots of yummy barbecues from dad's new grill. Hope all the dads out there had a great day...and Megs the slide show with ALL the pics from the day is for you silly!

Nike Model

Can you guess who got her this adorable Nike outfit and shoes? Too cute!

Say "cheese"

Angel was cracking us up....everything we did to try and get her to smile for the camera she decided to mimic...silly girl!

Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to all the dads and granddads out there! I am so blessed to still have my grandfathers around, a wonderful loving father so close, a fantastic father-in-law and a hubby that has made such a caring and special daddy!! The girls love their Papa and all the time and attention he gives them. We appreciate all the hard work and sacrifices you make for your family and are so blessed to be your girls! Looking forward to a nice day at my folks house and eating yummy food!! Jason picked out a new cheesecake recipe, so we will let you know the taste verdict later. For now, some pics from after mass....

Bumper Sticker

"Next time you think you are so perfect, go try walking on water!"

Cool tricks...

Ok, this first tip I learned in VA from my mother-in-law. To avoid those round shape bubbled up hamburgers when you make them homemade...just put a thumb indentation in the middle of the patty before cooking....stays nice and flat!!

This next one my mom just told me yesterday and we had to try it and it worked!! If you ever lock your keys in the car and you can call your hubby or someone who has another unlock button to your car. If they are talking on a cell phone, they can hold the key unlock pad up to the phone, hit the keys and your car will unlock!! It's like magic!! (although I am sure there is some very profound technical explanation for how this works)