Gaffney Adventures

Funny Valentines

2012-02-13T04:57:00.000-10:00

Happy Valentine's Day from the Gaffney Girls!

Vitamin C

2012-02-09T18:36:00.001-10:00

Pure Cora.

Cute.

Classy.

Cuddly.

Criminal.

Captivating.

Link Up

2012-02-07T18:22:00.000-10:00

Quick visit with island friends that now live in VA Beach.

E and M chilling out!

Love how you can just pick right back up where you left off.

Just The Thing

2012-02-06T10:07:00.000-10:00

Seeing palm trees, even winterized ones was just what we needed.

This is my "I'm at a beach, any beach" happy face.

Yep, that's me dipping into the Atlantic. We declined to participate in the Polar Plunge event that was happening later that day.

And that's Cora sleeping away.

Not for long baby, this is THE OCEAN!

Close up!

In twos.

Long arms are handy!

Tiny steps.

All in.

Elena wanted a picture of this statue. I asked her why and she said, "because it reminds me of my family." It's called "Homecoming"

Close Enough

2012-02-05T18:19:00.000-10:00

We prefer the Pacific but will take the Atlantic for the weekend. Loved watching the VA Beach sunrise with Elena and some dolphins.

By now Luke was up and watching with us.

We got to see a "dolphin show" while at breakfast and again from our balcony.

Surf's up!

Tiny Fan

2012-02-04T18:04:00.000-10:00

Any Marcel the Shell With Shoes On fans out there? Elena is more than a fan... she had to make her own. "Uh, cause it's worth it."

Marcel was having a party with her rock friends, no balloons though.

Marcel at the beach.... or on a cookie? You decide.

Sunrise.

Next edition, treats n' snoozin'. Snoozin' n' treats. Or hang gliding with a Dorito.

iHeart

2012-02-02T12:21:00.000-10:00

100th day of school was Monday.

Sweet girl Elena made Cora a crown so she could celebrate too. I love her kind spirit.

Love this pup.

Shot day and well baby check up Wed. 11 lbs 13 oz and almost 24 inches already.

Just a few pics of her in one of the sweaters I made for E. Notice we are in the crib now.

Cookie frosting party with two sets of island friends that also have two girls and a dog. Elena thinks that makes our families triplets.

Pre Valentine Love.

Sweet little fancy toes.

Busy week. More pictures soon.

Support Local Growers?

2012-01-31T08:22:00.000-10:00

Yep. That's still our lettuce garden producing under the cold frames.

In. January.

Swing Baby...

2012-01-29T13:00:00.000-10:00

and her Purple Hippo.

Cora loves this lovey from the Curries. She sucks on its ears which is really cute. Most of all I love how she pats its fuzzy cords.

No Vacancy

2012-01-24T15:16:00.000-10:00

We love a good stay-cation with friends!

Lala and the kids came one night.

and then Noell and the kids came another!

Baby Cora of course stole the show!

Look at those smiles!

Sporting some new clothes and E's old bunny slippers.

Randomness

2012-01-18T15:02:00.000-10:00

Pretty strange and busy weeks around here.

Zesting lemons with my buddy.

Instant forts for the girls.

Double baptism cake for friends.

Evil Dr Kona trapped Super Cora. Super E came to the rescue of course.

"Now everyone knows where Super E lives!"

No excuse words are homework. We made up a game of finding them in the newspaper. Totally proves the value of learning them to our little reader.

Strange weather and more sickness. Boo.

Oh, that's Kona Girl's jacket. She doesn't shiver any more and yes I am a little ashamed to have spent money on dog clothes.

Buddies

2012-01-15T08:15:00.000-10:00

Seasonal Adventures

2012-01-09T01:00:00.000-10:00

After several close but not wet enough or wet but not cold enough misses and then a few 60 degree days we finally had the perfect combination that led to snow. Elena watched it fall all afternoon at school. Kona watched it from the cozy comfort of her bed.

Only after a while would she get out in it with Elena.

Cora even came out to play after Luke and Elena got back from selling GS cookies.

Rest assured only Elena and Luke went sledding down the big Courtney Dr hill. You know its good when you have to post a look out for cars...

Some general bulk trash eve mischief in the neighborhood.

New boots, warm toes.

Aloha friends!

Keeping it real island style. The snow was already starting to settle and melt a bit but Elena did get to check several things off her winter to do list. Snow angels, snowballs, snowman, sledding etc.

Stay tuned for more snowy adventures.

Bonding.

2012-01-08T19:00:00.000-10:00

Elena set up a very elaborate tea party for Cora who had to wear her finest headband for the occasion. Proof that E is starting to really love her little sister.

Cookies and milk.

In case you didn't quite catch the pink bird that is nesting on Cora's head.

Looking doubtful.

Not to worry C, Mom makes you look good.

And one of E showing her sunny smile.

Sleeping sweetly.

Love their sweet faces and my new camera toys from Santa.

Elena likes eyes and that mine are green so this one is for her.

Best.

2012-01-07T18:55:00.000-10:00

Best ornaments of 2011. A working lamp post for Elena marking her love of Narnia and other magical literary classics and red SUV like our new Explorer that we did indeed put a fresh tree on top of.

Time to pack up the tree and other Christmas decor. Huge task that always sucks up a day, but in light of others who have far less or lost all to fire this week I am grateful.

Tracking

2012-01-04T09:47:00.003-10:00

Brisk day to wander about the neighboring woods. Lots of tracks and creatures about.

E always has her microscope and specimen jar in her pocket.

And I have Cora tucked away in her sling.

Balance check.

E loves to scout out hiding spots where the squirrels stashed their acorns.

Kona Girl is shivering cold all the time. Perhaps a jacket is in order.

Smarty pants found a hammock tree.

Just another mini adventure.

Tooth-E Grins

2012-01-03T21:00:00.000-10:00

Today was a great big extraordinary day! Elena lost that wiggly tooth. Caught it right on her mitten while outside in the snow flurries.

Look at that toothy grin.

In other general silliness. This is her silly pocket mirror. It gives you a mustache when you look into it. She cracks me up.

Girls Rule.

2012-01-01T13:30:00.000-10:00

Check out Super Cora's sweet new onesie from the CA Gaffneys.

We are delighted to have the Brooks family nearby. Our littlest girls share birthdays. Some day they will realize how cool it is to be part of this ohana.

How cute is this?!

Look who has improved head control and neck strength!

Goo Goo, Gaga

2011-12-31T23:30:00.000-10:00

Peaceful New Year's Eve celebration here. Lots of baby Cora time. Elena steals the camera and I find all kinds of pics and videos of little sister.

Gotta sleep with one eye open around here!

Luke and Elena camped in tonight. It was getting too cold and they wanted to make rice crispy treats and smores. Kona Girl wasn't allowed into the tent, thus the sulky face.

We paused the movie and watched the ball drop in NYC. Elena thought Lady Gaga's name was funny. Luke kissed E and I kissed C then we all went to sleep.

Happy New Year!

Cool Hand Luke

2011-12-30T20:00:00.000-10:00

While waiting in line to rent skates our brave warrior killed a spider for the cashier. She let us skate for a ridiculously cheap price. ;)

I was on Cora duty so Rachel got E all set for her first time ice skating.

There they go!

Cora and I hung out with the penguins and Rachel.

Elena was doing great by the time we left. Can't wait to get her back out there.

Little Miss was watching the whole scene.

Awesome sunset as we drove home.

-3

2011-12-29T19:00:00.000-10:00

Always looking for an adventure. So we bundled up and went to the ICE exhibit in MD with Rachel and the girls.

Today they cranked it down to -3. Notice that Cora is a sling bump for this adventure!

Love those penguins!

O' frozen lollipop tree, oh lollipop tree!

Group shot.

The Madagascar gang is all here.

I wonder what would happen.... just kidding.

E loved the arches and going on the ice slide.

Whee!!!!!!!!

Rachel did too!

All the ladies with the pineapple snowman.

Hug?

Beautiful nativity that lit up at the end of the display. So glad to get to see this cool exhibit.

It was only fitting that "I like to Move It, Move It" was on the radio as we left the parking lot.

First Visitors

2011-12-28T19:30:00.000-10:00

Friends of ours from HI relocated here and had a baby this fall. Its amazing how fast they grow.

Baby Michael "Ew I can't believe Cora is going to eat that snowman's nose."

Karisa, Barbara and I.

Cora snoozing in some new clothes.

Aunt Rachel came from NC to visit too.

Pretty girls.

Silly sister helping open gifts.

Love these three!

and Kona Girl of course.

Christmas Morning!!!

2011-12-26T05:30:00.000-10:00

Well, once again a PCS move didn't stop Santa from finding us.

Hunting for stockings is always the first item of business.

Got it!

Yay Cora has a stocking too!

Merry Christmas 2011, love the Gaffneys!

In case you missed these awesome slippers from Aunt Michelle.

Gus-gus the mouse?

Knives and targets were E's idea.

Kona Girl loves her new ropes.

Extra special Harry Potter wand from the MI Gaffneys.

New puppy from the Gaffney grandparents.

Sketching a penguin on her new easel.

Kanani got a surprise from the Oki Wildes.

We all enjoyed our peaceful Christmas at home. Hopefully these colds will retreat and not follow us into the New Year.

Cora is starting to smile and laugh.

She discovered her reflection tonight.

Santa's little helper is wiped out!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T10:42:00.000-10:00

It wouldn't be Christmas without some family pictures. The first few are round one with the self timer and Kona Girl.... you will notice that something/one had to give...

It also wouldn't be Christmas without forcing some paperwhites to blossom just in time!

Here we go again....

And to finish with a few of the girls.

Whew, there is a reason most families only take pics once a year!

Gingerbread Time

2011-12-23T09:34:00.000-10:00

Elena was very excited that Mimaw brought her gingerbread mold and left us the baked pieces. She had a great afternoon of decorating it. I helped with a few trees but otherwise napped with Cora on the couch while she worked.

Stand back!

Cora is ready to inspect E's work.

Finished project.

Cora and Elena on pretzel sleds by the holly berry bush in the yard.

Cora's first bottle was given by big sister.

The Ultimate Cora Fix, part 2

2011-12-22T19:19:00.002-10:00

Because she's so stinking cute, and easy to photograph!

The Ultimate Cora Fix, part 1

2011-12-22T19:17:00.001-10:00

Santa, Baby?

2011-12-18T19:30:00.000-10:00

Friends in CO sent this to me. I think I will hold out for a "S. Pacific Sarah" one before we relocate.

Necessity demands that we bring out the kids for some holiday fun. Here is our big girl doing okay with the man in red this year. It might have something to do with showing a little sister how its done.

Loved this Santa and Mrs. Claus at the EWS party and E's knee socks of course.

Cora is clearly too cool for yule.

Thanks Uncle J and Aunt S for the fuzzy little sister outfit.

Sisters.

2011-12-13T17:00:00.000-10:00

Now before you go thinking this blog has become the Cora Lynn show...

Just a few fun ones of our precious girls.

They both have Aunt Amanda's perfect rosebud lips.

I see many secret adventures in their future together.

Elena already tested out the "siblings vote together and tie the parents game"... so smart!

Brothers.

2011-12-12T22:00:00.000-10:00

Let's play "Name That Gaffney"

What a treat to have a special visitor.

And it has to be one who knows a lot about Harry Potter. :)

Helping Hands

2011-12-08T15:52:00.000-10:00

Cora has my hands and I have my mom's hands and she has my grandpa's hands.... and I love it.

Cora has already given me her first smiles so it was time for the first bath.

Pretty nice for a tiny tub.

Who doesn't love a hooded towel?

All cozy in the sling.

Luke and Cora having some PS3 fun. So glad he got the full 10 days off this time.

Forgot to post this one of us with the ribbon Elena picked out for our house.

What a blessing Mom's visit was to each of us.

Christmas Mice

2011-12-07T07:59:00.000-10:00

Its that time again... time to deck the halls and pull out all the stops when it comes to treats and crafts. This is an awesome cinnamon sugar tortilla snowflake.

Here are my little Christmas mice in action.

We set out to cut our own tree, you know re-live a favorite childhood memory. Well, factor in hideous traffic on I-95, Elena's car sickness, the setting sun, a 6 day old infant and you find us turning around and buying a tree off the retail lot.

She doesn't know the difference.

Cuddles with Mimaw.

Thankfully E didn't try to put the star on top like Buddy the Elf does in the movie...

Staying true to our island roots.

My little helper.

And now its time to rest.

E's Daisy troop earned tickets to the Nutcracker so Luke and Mom went with her.

Cora Lynn made the news in E's classroom.

Elena calls her "my little banana" when she is swaddled up.

Stay tuned there is plenty more!

Home Visit

2011-12-02T12:38:00.000-10:00

Time to come home! December is off to a great start.

She looks so much like Elena did the day we brought her home.

I love the valet parking and door to door service at Mary Washington.

Classic, so tiny in the car seat pic.

Kona and E welcoming Cora.

Resting in her basket, awaiting her adoring fans.

We loved having friends and friends bringing meals stop by. Here is Lala enjoying baby time.

A & E frosting the remaining cookies then playing dress up.

Another day, Elena showing Cora her school papers. "Come on Cora, lets read!"

Elena has some really cozy winter pjs, if only the weather would change! She is holding a dragonfly on the leaf.

Baby Bubble

2011-11-30T18:30:00.000-10:00

It was fantastic to have Luke be able to stay with Cora and I inside the baby bubble. She was feeling the love all around. Check out her snazzy name tag from the nurses.

Very fashion forward with a new hat every day.

Meanwhile on the home front... Mom took Kona Girl a hat of Cora's. She curled up and slept with it. Hopefully that's a good sign.

Then they made duck cookies with yellow frosting and pink sprinkles to share with Elena's class to announce Cora's arrival.

One of our friends took E shopping for gifts for Cora. Two great books and two little dolls that look like them. So they each can have one to remind them when they are away.

It was a really great visit until the very end when Elena cried because she couldn't stay with us.

The next best thing was for E to give "a cuddle to remember".

It will be good to be home together.

At Last.

2011-11-29T16:31:00.000-10:00

Cora Lynn Gaffney

Born November 29, 2011 at 2:30pm, 7 lbs 13 oz and 18 3/4" long.

Very very grateful for another smooth labor and delivery.

The new and improved Luke J. Gaffney family!

It took a while for E to come around that night but by the end of the visit she wanted to hold Cora and was much more interested in having a sister.

So glad that Mom was here to keep E's routine as normal as possible.

Pretty pink roses for each of the Gaffney girls.

My adorable and awesome L&D coach. We make a great team.

Just the girls.

Proud yet outnumbered Papa.

Wise eyed Cora taking us all in. Welcome to the world pretty maiden.

Elena pretending our room is Narnia.

One more cuddle for the night.

Those tiny sweet toes!

40 Weeks

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-10:00

Long awaited Baby G is coming soon. We had to take advantage of Mom being here and the glorious sunsets that have been happening across the creek on base.

Love this little girl.

Elena is so ready for baby to arrive.

November Treats.

2011-11-27T17:48:00.001-10:00

Mimaw is staying on until after Baby G comes. So Elena's vacation has been filled with special treats like Kanani sized mini sliders.

What a treat to get to visit with the Chicks while they were nearby in MD. Elena was very excited to have "for real" cousins her size come and play.

Fast friends and

Fast rides with Uncle Luke.

Just the cousins.

Had a great 73 degree day with family. Great way to end the Thanksgiving break.

Thankfulness

2011-11-24T17:36:00.000-10:00

Busy time with family in town. Loved showing them the MC Museum.

Testing out the pack.

What a cutie pie!

Just relaxing.

Aren't they the sweetest?

See how much I've grown. Holding out at 39.5 weeks.

Group picture.

Running turkey gets....

the food!

Happy Thanksgiving 2011!

Wet Paint

2011-11-20T16:51:00.000-10:00

Elena has wanted to paint my belly so badly. At night when I was sick she would pray that baby wouldn't come until she could do it. Here is the blank canvas at 39 weeks.

Artist.

Entourage.

It all starts with an outline...

Adding some details. Such a ticklish feeling!

She was so concerned when the baby started kicking back.

I had to close my eyes for the last part. The sun, sky and clouds came out great. Its baby sitting on a red picnic blanket surrounded by flowers.

Luke was helping her spell what she wanted baby to say. Look closely for the bubble saying "I love sister!"

That's my art!

So thankful she is ours to love. Now come on out Baby G!

Macintosh Red

2011-11-18T16:00:00.000-10:00

This one is me playing catch up after being so sick for the weekend and half the week. What a crazy time. Thankful for safety and our new wheels.

"It's like riding in a giant candy apple."

Wow the sky is grey and the leaves are falling fast.

Pretty Kona Girl hates the cold weather.

Crazy E has been obsessed with tigers this week. She marked her territory at Karisa's house by scratching the couch and lifting her leg. Priceless E moment.

All together for Thanksgiving feast at school. "Look, that's my DAD. He's here for lunch."

Self made pilgrim hat. She is tanning a buckskin and making berry/grass paint to decorate it with. Earlier she wrapped swedish fish in leaves and planted them in the ground "because it helps the crops grow".

The finished "leather" product after Kona dug up the fish....

Something is scratching at the kitchen door...

Glad they can still be friends after the fish incident.

USMC Birthday Ball 2011

2011-11-10T22:00:00.000-10:00

Strange not to be leaving from our house with the flags out front or standing on a beach for a few pics. The ball was up in DC so it was logical to get ready in MD with friends and drive over.

LaLa and I trying to stay dry at Ft Washington Park. The sun sets way too quick with the time change.

Pretty pink sky even in the rain.

It was a treat to have the Hamerniks attend the same ball. Love living closer to them again.

One of us at the table. Sadly they ran out of our entree and we had to go with chicken or salmon. :(

Brought back good memories of Luke's first ball when I was pregnant with Elena. Here we are with the Josephs and the Jones just a few of our original MC friends who are also back here in VA.

Group shot of the ladies. Love being so close to Karisa and Mary and having Kimzey right next door.

The Gaffneys and the Cromwells (Kona Girl's other parents).

Self portraits are fantastic.

Love this hardworking Marine. Happy 236th Birthday USMC!

Pick Up.

2011-11-08T18:00:00.000-10:00

Just a random post to tie up a few things. Elena is doing great at school even though she misses Kona Girl.

This past week she braved the morning school bus ride. Big step for our girl. Thankful for her good friends. I try to walk and get her in the afternoons but riding the bus is nice for cold days.

I have been sewing and knitting a ton. Elena used scraps to make Kona Girl a scarf.

Finally got my guy to a Five Guys for a burger and fries. Yum!

The pottery E and Mimaw painted was finally ready.

Kona Girl checking out the new dog bank.

Elena made this specifically for the baby. I was impressed that they even had a pencil to mark your work. Of course Elena used her signature red for the base.

Here is Mom's glazed piece.

As requested a few shots of the baby/guest room.

We bought a crib, found the dresser and borrowed some other essential items. Should have what we need to get started.

Guess Who's Here?

2011-11-05T19:00:00.000-10:00

Elena loves making owls out of these leaves.

Look who is in love with Baby Vance. Can't wait see E with our baby.

I had so much fun taking Barbie and Mikal's family and newborn pics. Makes me excited for Baby G's arrival.

One more craft project.

Trick or Tweet

2011-10-31T21:00:00.000-10:00

Elena always picks our theme. This year she is so into the Harry Potter story. It was a natural thing for her to want to be the snow owl, Hedwig.

Luke was Professor Snape and I was Harry Potter.

Practicing a spell.

Waiting for the Night Bus...

Our finished pumpkins. Sea turtle, dragon and pumpkin princess.

Baby G's pumpkin as carved by Elena.

We watched several pumpkin carving contests and Elena was excited to try scraping the pattern rather than carving the hair.

Love this one! Thanks Mimaw for feathering the mask.

What a great neighborhood to trick or treat in.

Owen and Elena.

Not quite as warm as last year...

If baby had come early Elena wanted it to be Scabbers the pet rat. We ran out of time to make Kona Girl the three headed dog. Oh well, there is always next year!

Pumpkin Marathon

2011-10-30T23:00:00.000-10:00

Bitter cold frosty morning changed our plans to spectate while Luke ran the Marine Corps Marathon. Instead we tracked all our runners online while getting pumpkins gutted and ready to carve that night.

Bright eyes carved this one herself.

The Mom jobs always seem to be the ones requiring gloves...

Luke made it home close to dinner time. Elena made him a great picture.

Holding the trophy.

Luke post race doing his best to follow E's design.

Bonus pic of Elena and Kanani enjoying a few rays of sunshine.

Birthday Bonus

2011-10-29T20:00:00.000-10:00

Elena was invited to her dear friend Paige's 9th birthday party. What a thrill to be near an American Girl Doll store!

First stop: all things Kanani!

Next the girls ate a lunch at the bistro. Of course they had doll sized tea sets.

While there it started to snow huge puffy flakes. E thinks this was the best birthday gift, EVER!

Love me some time with Noell!

Next stop the doll hair salon.

Luke and Erik being good sports.

Enough already! Time for less pink!

Happy Birthday Paige!

Good thing closed toed shoes were on the shopping list.

It was really coming down as we left the store. Even sticking to the ground.

Aaaaaa!

This is E's first snow fall that she can remember. Way cooler than just standing on a dirty half melted bank of it in CO this summer.

First time ever these two have been in winter weather together.

Dinner Party

2011-10-28T22:00:00.000-10:00

Katie and Ian hosted our crew of HI transplants. The girls were hiding out in the hall closet.

Growing babies = growing bellies.

Sabra in the middle.

Group shot. So nice to finally all be together.

Playing go fish.

Opening Rachel's birthday gift, hard to believe she is 2!

Fall Family Pictures

2011-10-27T10:51:00.000-10:00

Had to put Mom to work behind the camera for me while she was in town. And before these leaves get blown away.

This is a great nature trail on base that Elena and I go to.

At the bird watching overlook.

Only four more weeks!

Gotta have a leaf fight!

Happy Fall ya'll!

Art From the Heart

2011-10-27T10:28:00.000-10:00

Elena wanted to make a bank for baby. Nothing else would do but a dog bank.

Stay tuned for pictures of the finished projects.

This n That

2011-10-26T10:25:00.000-10:00

I just can't get enough of these leaves.

Mom came down which was awesome for her to get used to E's routine with school for when she comes to help with Baby G's arrival. How lucky that it was E's turn to be the news caster again?!

Here she is tattooing Mimaw's arm with her prize for being the "top seller" for her Daisy troop. Thanks to all those who helped her reach that goal.

That's not coming off for a while...

I love my bird's nest fern but the one I picked up for Mom in September is doing better by far.

It's red ribbon (say no to drugs) week at school so there were many theme days. Elena has wanted red hair forever.

See this? It's the last bit of sun for a while, the forecast is looking pretty grim.

Her tree climbing skills are quite developed.

Elena's craft project was a ghost. The perfect thing to bring to her fort.

Elena invented a great game called "leaf catcher" the rules are as follows:

1) No helpers or fat squirrels. 2) No points if the leaf touches you. You have to catch it. 3)No nets of jars allowed. Hands only. 4) No pulling leaves down or climbing. 5) No sneaky business. 6) One point per leaf. 7) Keep your leaf or no points.

See these ant piles? Yep our little hula girl thought they forgot the lava.

Gingerbread made with new spices from Penzeys.

Dinner out with some of my girlfriends.

Luke built the crib a few weeks ago. Baby things are half of the guest room now that we lost a bedroom in the move. It should work fine. More pics later on. Pretty much the same decor as E's nursery was except more authentic Hawaiian items.

Kona Girl is less than impressed with all the baby fuss. Can't hardly believe we have had her since last October. Love it!

Huzzah!

2011-10-22T03:35:00.000-10:00

Perfect day for a trip back to the MD Renaissance Festival! We haven't been here since I was pregnant with Elena.

Today's special music was the USNA and Royal Military College of Canada's pipes and drum groups. Cousin Nicholas is a bagpiper so we had to come out. Elena is in love with a new instrument.

Of course there were dancers to add to the fun.

Such a beautiful fall day for a walk in the woods.

Or through the museum....

There was so much to see and enjoy everywhere you looked.

Elena and Luke played a ton of the games. She loved climbing this ladder.

Randomly enough, our dear friend Rachel was also back at the festival that day. Last time we were here together was 6 yrs ago. It was great for her to finally get to meet Elena.

Time for a joust!

Elena was so excited to meet the King and Queen. They loved her horse from Aunty Kimmy.

Love all the interesting street performers.

Fall leaves are changing quickly.

Elena is fascinated by the flocks of Canadian geese in the air or on the ground.

Most excellent family adventure.

High Seas Adventures

2011-10-17T06:24:00.000-10:00

Elena's friend Owen was having a treasure hunt/pirate party so Elena got to spend the day all dressed up.

Perfect day for hunting treasure in the park. I love a kids party that keeps it simple and lets them play.

We are enjoying the variety of trees and their ever changing leaves.

Attack!

Not far from the park is a great "fort" in the woods. We keep adding to it every time we adventure.

Cousin Nicholas was in town so we kidnapped him and took him out to breakfast.

Going Green?

2011-10-15T19:00:00.000-10:00

Just another tasty plate of lettuces.

Topped like the Picket Salad we would get when out at Lucy's with the girls on Oahu. I miss my girls... grateful for greens though.

Investiture Ceremony

2011-10-14T20:00:00.000-10:00

Big night for Troop 224!

Elena stepped into the circle and said her Girl Scout Promise with such conviction. It was really sweet. Even better was that her volume allowed the full house to hear her. I was helping pass out the ribbons and certificates, clearly she has eyes for Papa behind the camera!

Troop Leader Michelle pinning her.

How sweet is it that the daughters get to hear the promise and pin their Mom's volunteer ribbon on? Its great to have something fun we do together.

"I'm a Daisy Girl Scout and I'm neat. Here are my hands and here are my feet. When we get together we all say, Let's have fun the Girl Scout way!"

Terrific night as a family.

Wish we had a picture of the cake, so beautiful I hated to be the one to cut it.

Octo-burrr?

2011-10-12T14:28:00.000-10:00

Well, as expected it warmed up a little. Kona Girl didn't get the memo and is now addicted to having a blanket.

Elena is loving the chance to wear some of the great clothes that Aunty Susan found for her over the summer of yard sales. I finally found her little knee boots as promised.

Virginia lizard that snuck into our foyer.

Testing out the finds. Wow, that's puffy and warm. She loves red, thus the bright winter coat.

Jack and Elena and the "ride of doom"

October and fire safety go hand in hand. This is Chief Monk-E and her monkey powered engine. Next came a long stick with fake water taped on the end. Please, no bed sheet ladders.

I love her creativity.

Pumpkin Pout

2011-10-07T06:54:00.000-10:00

So by now everyone has heard me complain about the pumpkin shortage.... and my unsuccessful hunting all over NOVA for it. Finally got some at Walmart. Then a new neighbor friend dropped some off on my porch because she saw it at the commissary. Its pretty serious business when Luke's favorite dessert is pumpkin pie. We do NEED to stock up for the year.

Saw this great display on the way home from church this week and decided to stop. If we can't have Hollenbeck's cider mill and donuts in Virgil or Iron Kettle pumpkin farm in Candor then this will have to do. Some day E will get the fall of our childhoods.

Ta-da! Now lets get back in the car, this mid 50s weather is cold!

Aren't they cute?!

Elena is getting so tall. I love her happy face as she heads off to school.

Seems Like...

2011-10-04T05:37:00.000-10:00

We were just cruising the North Shore looking for turtles to celebrate Ava's first birthday...

Time sure doesn't slow down. Here is little brother Jake, on his first birthday! So glad to celebrate with the Hamerniks again. Thank you USMC.

I had so much fun making this turtle cake.

Elena was so proud to be the kid who started the candy shower.

Sweet Ava collecting the goodies.

Great fall weekend with friends. Had to break out more serious warming layers!

Treats

2011-10-01T14:54:00.000-10:00

Had extra batter from another cake project. Found a new way to use my popover pans from Rachel.

Signs of good things to come. Bring on the buttercream and toppings.

Elena thought these were really fun, I did too. Plenty to share.

Yum!

September Wrap Up

2011-09-30T14:50:00.000-10:00

Hard to believe another month has come and gone. Here are some shots from the Marine Corps Museum. We have been several more times since moving back but I hadn't posted pics.

I love that modern museums have so much more interactive and multi sensory dioramas.

They still had the traveling 9-11 display. It was really interesting to see the days worth of events in a timeline down the wall. Even more spectacular was getting to touch a piece of the Pentagon and an I-beam from one of the Trade Centers.

Over all a busy month of guests and getting settled in. Elena loved having Jeremy and Susan here.

She made this using hands and feet. Its for the baby's room.

Updated shots of the lettuce gardens.

Welcome fall! Hello soups and stews!

New Trail

2011-09-29T05:56:00.000-10:00

We always say that we should have taken advantage of growing up near the Finger Lake wine trails. So in the spirit of being with other New Yorkers we decided to explore a local vineyard.

So hard not to pick them!

Beautifully laid out vineyard, dinning and tasting facility. Love that its a pet friendly place as well.

Elena chose her fabulous new Christmas dress and scarf that Aunt Susan bought at a yard sale. So pretty, even in September.

Delicious meal at the bistro on site.

Great family run place. They even have a kids play room off the store and tasting floor. So neat to see some one's hard work and dreams come true.

Elena wanted to pretend to pick the grapes and get caught!

Via Colori

2011-09-25T15:06:00.000-10:00

Guests in town from NC so Luke took a break from studying and joined us in Fredericksburg for their street painting festival. Fingers crossed that the rain held off for them!

Elena, our budding artist was so impressed with the whole process!

Of course there was an exhibitor that noticed how eager she was.

You could just feel the personality of each artist.

This one was stunning even when it wasn't complete.

Such talent and variety.

So many reasons to love a historic town. Like apartment numbers like this.

And shops with clever names like that. We thoroughly enjoyed a classic candy shop as well.

Lunch with Susan and Jeremy at an Irish pub.

Gaffney family picture September 2011.

Being silly in front of a crazy wig shop.

Taking a break.

Last stop on the way out is to Carl's custard stand. A local tradition that is decades old. Luke and I used to come here last time we lived in VA. They make three flavors and keep the shakes/malts/sundaes simple.

Back home Kona Girl and Ducky were still worn out from their morning walks.

Guru in the House

2011-09-22T14:09:00.000-10:00

Jennie is here in the area for "fishy business". We were so glad she made time to stop in on us. I miss cooking together so very much!

Elena is always so crafty! Love the snake border.

E has named the baby "Love-bump Gaffney"

Love this fellow biscuit! (Look Mom the plants are growing)

Elena is so interested in spiders and dewy webs.

A Jennie approved future adventure.... fresh crabs!

Score.

2011-09-19T21:30:00.000-10:00

Random cold weather kept our friends from VA beach and brought them here. Luke was able to take a break from his studies for the afternoon. Who really could pass up cake like this?

Our days together are numbered so we took the opportunity to take a group shot.

Love, love, love having good friends nearby.

Friday Night Parade

2011-09-17T22:30:00.000-10:00

It seemed strangely familiar to have Luke prepping his dress blues in September. This time it wasn't for a Toys For Tots event though.

We took advantage of the opportunity to attend a special sunset parade at Marine Barracks 8th and I, held in honor of the most recent Medal of Honor recipient, Sgt. Dakota Meyer.

Fantastic performance by the Commandant's Own.

The silent drill team was already out on tour but these artillery Marines put on a tremendously choreographed show.

Loading up, waiting for the right part of Ode to Joy....

Then all of a sudden my perfect shot is obscured by these fine combat camera Marines.

A great night out. What a privilege to be in the presence of so many MOH recipients and heroes.

E-nough?

2011-09-14T03:14:00.000-10:00

Never can get enough of our precious girl. Here's a recap from the past few weeks. Elena loved Patriot Day and that the color of the following week was red, her favorite!

Prepared to pluck the first radish!

Smaller than she thought...

Still delicious when washed up.

Our not so helpful gardener... Kona Girl chases lizards through the planter every few days.

Elena designed a flea circus for Kona Girl.

Each one is labeled with a friend's name.

As always there is a strong emphasis on reading in our house. Nothing makes my heart happier than finding her like this with her best friend.

Some artwork of note. Kite flying after the hurricane, the key to E's heart, a classic war plane from the MC museum and another self portrait of her this time by the garden.

This is our garage. Note the brick planters, the hummingbird feeder and the wind chime.

HI Twinkies

2011-09-09T04:36:00.000-10:00

Katie and Rachel came down to visit us today despite the rain. Its so nice to have good friends from HI here within driving distance.

The girls have such a good time together.

Shots like this get me so excited to take newborn pictures this fall/winter.

Of course there will be plenty of baby and big sister shots as well.

Elena wanted curlers last night, these gorgeous locks are what is left after a rainy and humid school day.

Confusing Neighbors

2011-09-07T14:27:00.000-10:00

Wilde invasion 2011 has come! Elena made a plan the night before Uncle Jake arrived from Okinawa courtesy the USMC. Forts, supply trains, battling armies with daring calvary and Papa Smurf on lookout. Check, double check.

Next came Aunt Rachel in from NC for ultimate My Little Pony hair styling and a game of Risk. Always an adventure with our color blind guys!

Good food all around, tons of grilling, some strawberry rhubarb pie, and yard projects etc. Elena prefers nutella and sprinkles on her berries.

Last to the party came Henry and Janet. The neighbors seemed so confused. Then we made it really fun and Skyped with Heidi and kids in Japan and Erik in Iraq.

Elena was very concerned that Mr Henry wasn't pronouncing his words correctly so she started to give him lessons.

Triple love this one of two of my favorite girls.

Updated group shot.

Beading and playing with Ms Janet was the best!

Until they brought out the Risk board again and Elena conquered all of Asia.

Such a fantastic long weekend. So grateful that the timing worked so well for everyone.

Bring It Irene!

2011-08-31T17:29:00.000-10:00

Totally rocked and rolled during the 5.8 earthquake this week only to follow it with Hurricane Irene's arrival. Lots of rain and gusty wind. Elena just couldn't stay inside any longer.

Nothing like a puddle hop with Papa.

Something very Christopher Robin about this picture.

Burr its a cold rain here! Time for soup and bread.

Cozy and warm inside.

We lost power for 27hrs and had a little bit of leaking water by the kitchen door. Ever so grateful to have a gas stove. It got really hot inside the house but Elena made the most of it by building a "fall out shelter" for her and Kona Girl.

Love her creativity.

No rain the next day, just hot blustery wind perfect for flying kites across the street.

Homemade peach-ginger ice cream, take two. Worth the wait!

So glad that most of our friends on the east coast only experienced power outages, spoiled food, and tree damage.

Home, Sweet Home.

2011-08-27T15:29:00.000-10:00

Just a sample of random and sweet pictures from August.

Elena ordered me three house elves. They seem to be unionized. Plenty of naps and snack breaks not so much helpfulness.

Pretending to be a bird in a bath.

Sweet Baby G.

Maybe its a sign?

Gas stove = s'mores whenever we want.

Ice cream time with our friends.

Little bit of pool time before it closes for the season.

Thanks LaLa for the new bead templates.

Finally getting a minute or two of the promised and long awaited family time!

Loving having room for our hammock again. Love even more this insulated water cup. Who knew hydrating could be this easy?

Kindergarten Ready

2011-08-16T22:00:00.000-10:00

First day excitement.

Kona Girl thinks she is coming too.

All ready with her snazzy lunchbox from Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Susan.

"Can I jump? I'm excited!"

Ready for adventure! "A little bit nervous, but mostly excited"

Extra bonus is that Luke got back from work just in time to catch us on the walk to school.

Hooray for new adventures!

My favorite part about Elena's school is the fallout shelter. Just kidding, the teachers and staff are great and who doesn't love a Mighty Raccoon for a mascot? I need to find an embroidering pattern for one.

Our little front porch friend.

Note that its about 9:07. Kona Girl has much to learn about this thing called school.

And now its about 1400.

We love taking the trail through the woods on the way home. Pockets full of treasures.

I don't know if Elena or Kona Girl is more excited about the squirrels, woodchucks and deer in the neighborhood but they both seem to want to explore just as much as in Hawaii.

All The Ladies

2011-08-12T15:12:00.000-10:00

Here's a few from our first rounds of visitors!

Green hands make a house a home!

Three generations.

Always time for a walk.

Here come the Irby girls! What luck that they have family in the next town over. I foresee many more adventures together.

Elena has become an expert at pumping, makes my playground time much easier.

Sprouts are up! Lettuce and greens for the fall.

Finally all together again; Barbie, Karisa and myself.

Oh Elena, why did you play tic tac toe where I lay?

Settling.

2011-08-08T16:00:00.000-10:00

Busy days here. My Mom came down to assist me in getting things up and running now that Luke is drowning in the first few weeks of a new routine and school work.

Picked up the car in Baltimore, found a new doctor for me and registered E for school. Two more shipments scheduled. Its really coming together. Loving the neighborhood and all the parks nearby.

Home is indeed where the Marine Corps sends us.

Front room is my favorite I think. It makes up for loosing a bedroom. Overall I think this layout is one of my favorites.

Dinning room and living room combined.

Miracle of miracles is that I only had to buy and hem ONE panel of curtain material for the ENTIRE house.

Gotta have some fresh herbs!

Love all the kitchen cupboards, miss my double pantry though!

Backdoor to the yard and garage.

Guest room upstairs will have to double as baby space in Nov.

Elena's room complete with Kona Girl's bed.

Hallway and guest bath.

Our room and the bathroom off to the right.

Backyard fun.

What a garage! Not a single storage tote in the house!

Pieces of the Puzzle

2011-07-27T14:29:00.000-10:00

Luke has been busy checking in, fixing his uniforms and getting our house keys etc. Waiting for our car and shipments still but here is our future home.

Elena's future school.

Rachel has been keeping Kona Girl in NC since April. She was gracious enough to meet us halfway for the pick up. So glad to have KG back with the family.

I know its not a focused picture but I wanted to display how much fun Ducky and Kona Girl are having in the big backyard.

You can run, but you can't hide!

Proving that her roots are island based Kona Girl enjoys Mr Rob's awesome fish tank.

Howdy Neighbors

2011-07-25T14:02:00.000-10:00

Here we are in VA and beyond... thankful for our friends and old HI neighbors that are hosting us in their MD home. Its blazing hot and humid here but we made it!

Elena and Ava picked right up where they left off. This time they are spotting deer and chasing woodchucks!

It was awesome to finally meet Jake!

This is part of Fort Washington which is right around the corner.

Can't wait to come explore when it is open. I see a photo shoot happening against all this great brick and stonework.

So happy together!

Meet Me In St Louis? Er, Kentucky.

2011-07-23T12:07:00.000-10:00

Pushing eastward trying to make time now. Elena is doing more sleeping and less being sick so that is fantastic.

Finally a state E and I had spent more time than Luke has in.

Somewhere around here we realized that we were going to intersect old VA/NC friends who were on their way to Chicago. So we had to arrange a rendezvous at a Flying J station.

Its Paige and Chase and not so Baby Elena!

We don't need no stinking tripod! Group shot with the Arringtons.

Ahhh. An almost east coast sunset.

Here we come! At least we are in the correct time zone now.

Elena's pretty little friend in a hotel parking lot.

Cracker Barrel for the first time Elena can remember. Kanani was pretty impressed. :)

Kansas City Here We Come!

2011-07-21T11:00:00.000-10:00

Not really sure what this is all about in our CO rental? Hoping we won't be needing it anytime soon.

Crossing another state line. Tons of stormy weather brewing.

Loved stopping to see a few neat things just off I-70.

How Buffalo Bill Cody got his name...

Sadly the sunflowers wouldn't be ready for another month so these little guys had to do.

I think that's the Cathedral of the Plains. We were dodging lightening bolts at this point so we had to just keep moving eastward.

Rain rain go away!

Lots of abandoned farmsteads. Would've loved to stop and take better pictures but that rain was insane.

Finally a stopping place; a DQ that had CHERRY dip top. Yum!

Making The Rounds

2011-07-19T10:23:00.000-10:00

What great fun to see Luke's brothers Mike and Matt and their families for a week.

We got to welcome a new puppy,

help celebrate a milestone birthday

and enjoy even more of the amazing scenery Colorado has to offer.

Enjoyed a fun day of go carting and pool fun at Matt and Viola's house.

Fossil hunting is awesome!

Hello bump.

Water world here we come!

Thankfully we were able to get a hold of my uncle while we were there as well. Always good to see Leigh.

This is what Elena thinks of having to get back on the road.

Load 'em Up, Move 'em Out!

2011-07-17T09:08:00.000-10:00

Time to get on the road again. We enjoyed these and other "chrome on the range" art sculptures.

Heading up through Kebler Pass, looking for snow...

Found it!

Awesome, and so is my "Brunettes Have More Fun" Wonder Woman shirt from Warner Bros. :)

Elena calls the aspen trees "flutter trees".

A chilly mountain water fall.

"Oh Mom, we should have brought our paddle board."

And we arrived in Longmont just in time to join the cousins at their riding lesson. Elena couldn't be happier.

Hello Ms. Hollywood.

Round two in Colorado is off to a great start!

Rocky Mountain High

2011-07-16T08:50:00.000-10:00

Crested Butte here we come!

Finally getting to spend quality time with Seth, Meg and Shane. Nothing like hanging out in a log cabin on a mountain side and riding horses. Loved that sunrise found me out on the porch surrounded by humming birds and wildflowers. Burrr!

Elena was amazed that this is Shane's backyard... "Mom, can I go up the hill? Do you see that? Its snow." Shane was like "I know, I just thawed out. Let's put up a tent."

Here come the horses!

Two peas in a pod. Next time we come there must be a camping trip and some hiking involved.

Gunnison Cattleman's Days "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" rodeo was happening. Great first rodeo for these Gaffneys.

Look Mom, closed toed shoes.

Fast friends. Is anyone really surprised that Seth and Luke's offspring hit it off?

Elena's second favorite part (after the runaway horse) was the rodeo clown who was the trick rider. Can you see him upside down and on the move?

Gorgeous pink sunset followed by a stunning moonrise.

"Shane, hold my hand."

What a treasure to see old friends and their wonderful mountain community.

Just Desert.

2011-07-13T11:55:00.000-10:00

And more painted desert.

Elena did okay this leg. She and Kanani are quite the pros at self portraits.

Navajo Twin Rocks.

Monument Valley was beautiful to drive through at sunset.

At one point on the reservation a group of young riders were racing their horses beside us. Elena thought it was awesome that kids can just ride for miles here.

Mexican Hat.

We made it to our hotel in Moab, UT after dark and after more car sickness. Its just yucky to be Elena on the long driving days. The next morning we enjoyed a quick visit to Arches National Park.

One of my favorite family pictures.

We saved some of the harder to reach arches for another adventure. I am feeling the heat for sure!

Elena's point of view:

Pit stop chores for everyone!

Maybe staying here will be fun. They have a one room schoolhouse next door.

See those clouds? Yeah that's a lightening storm that will chase us all the way to Grand Junction, CO.