I grew up playing with Playmobil and was excited to introduce EJ to the fabulous toys last Christmas. The nativity set became her favorite toy and she still gets it out to pretend the Christmas story. When I saw the baby nursery and dad with stroller sets, I knew they would be perfect for her to play with when the baby arrived.

I had them stored in the baby's room until a friend suggested we give EJ a present at the hospital. What a great idea! I wrapped up the sets and they're now waiting to be given to EJ at the hospital.

Summer is right around the corner and I am always on the lookout for fun ideas to keep EJ busy. I found this fabulous checklist here and have it posted in the kitchen. I look forward to picking out an activity or two each day to do with EJ. The checklist checker in me will also enjoy completing the list:)

We celebrated my mom's birthday this weekend. What did Grandma want for her birthday? Family time and help in the garden! We turned her special day into a weekend affair and spent family time together while working in her garden.

We visited Flint Hill Farm to welcome their "new kids on the block". EJ was excited to see all the baby goats dressed cozily in in their little coats nursing from their mothers.

The farm is located just a short drive over the mountain and is a fabulous way to spend a drizzly Saturday afternoon.




As much as I love living in the city, the trips to the farm always give me a desire for country living. I know it would be a lot of work taking care of a farm but a couple acres with a little chicken coup would be nice. I know EJ would adore it!

I was caught a bit by surprise with EJ's arrival. No delivery bag or items for the hospital were packed. Once we realized labor had started we quickly assembled a few things to take with us to the hospital. Fortunately DaddyO's parents were visiting and more than happy to track down the the rest of the list we quickly assembled between contractions. I am determined to be better prepared this time.

My bags are packed and now all I need to do when the contractions start is to skim the following list to be sure I remembered everything.

Having become accustomed to attending parades for every holiday in Pensacola, I was excited that Bethlehem was planning a 2nd Annual St. Patrick's Day parade. We weren't sure what to expect but the Pennsylvania Irish didn't let us down as Main Street filled with green.


EJ received a Lady Liberty crown before the parade began and was happy to fashion it as she danced in the street waiting for the bagpipes to arrive.


There were bagpipes and more bagpipes to enjoy.


No beads were thrown but EJ did get to catch some sweets in her shamrock bucket.

The Bethlehem Steel Stacks are an imposing structure on the skyline of south Bethlehem. Once producing the second largest amount of steel in the country (behind Pittsburgh) they are now the backdrop to a dynamic arts, cultural and education campus on 4.5 acres of former Bethlehem Steel land.

Ever the sleuth of local events for EJ to attend, my mom discovered Peas and Q's, a Saturday morning program held every week in the Arts Quest building. This week the children enjoyed an excerpt of a local production of Stuart Little.


They were given mouse detective badges and helped track down Stuart and Margalo. They climbed into washing machines, interviewed Snowball the cat, rowed a canoe, and went ice skating together. EJ loved the pretending!


An added benefit is the farmer's market held at the same time in the building. We enjoyed a spinach pesto muffin while EJ explored the park outside.


Next week starts the Passport Series where the kids will get to visit Ireland!

I meant to do a shamrock applique but ended up doing a four leave clover out of four hearts I cut out. Once the applique has been sewn onto the t-shirt, but skirt doesn't take much longer to make. As always, I used this tutorial to make the skirt (finally memorized).

The splendor of spring has arrived in Pennsylvania. EJ donned her gardening jacket, got out her shovel and helped Grandma plant some flowers today.




EJ enjoyed some rest and snacks in the wheelbarrow while Grandma finished up raking in the gardening bed.