Keep on Keeping on...

So how has everyone been since Easter? Things around the Kennedy household have been good but hectic, but that is to be expected when you have kids and two full time jobs right?

Ann Marie took a little trip across the pond to Brussels, Belgium for work and left Savannah and I at home for a few days for some father/daughter bonding. I also took a week off from work to work around the house and help my parents paint the inside of their home. Savannah and I even spent the night at Granny and PaPa's house one night which she thoroughly enjoyed due to the abundance of Sweet Tea! A good time was had by all!

I will let Ann Marie tell you a little about Belgium now....

Hi - it's me!! Belgium was fun but the best part was coming home to see Savannah waiting for me in the airport. Of course, I think she was more interested in what toy I had brought home to give her! But, back to Brussels. The history has it that the city was saved by a little boy who - yes you guessed it - took a little pee on the fuses. Hence, I have included a picture of the symbol of the city - The Manneken Pis! The funniest thing is that the little boy is seriously no larger than a small yard ornament!! Luckily the weather was beautiful and while a fair portion of the time was spent in meetings and dinners, after Ambien had worked itself out of my system, I did manage a few hours each day to do a bit of sight seeing and of course - shopping! And yes - the beer and chocolate are wonderful - hence I am back in the gym working that bit of Belgium off!! Luckily the hotel was right close to the downtown area so walking and sight seeing were easy but a few of us cheated and took a bus tour of the city. The city is very nice and the old architecture was very beautiful. It is so amazing to walk around and see old buildings and history that we lack here in the US. The trip was nice change of pace from my usual travel locations. Of course my next set of travels took me to NJ again - suffice it to say, I prefer Belgium. Looks like I've got a breather in travel plans for a bit and then a busy summer and fall time! I'll keep you all posted on where my travels take me!! Enjoy the pictures!

Some countries save their architectural history!

A good luck charm in the Square

A view from the Square

Would you trust this man to pour you a drink?


Okay, I am back now and on we go. In early May we started the birthday process when gifts arrived from the Buonanno's in New Jersey and the Maynard's in Virginia. Savannah is showing a much more keen interest in anything that is wrapped in colorful paper these days so needless to say the gifts were quickly devoured!

On Saturday the 5th we were invited to a birthday party at one of Savannah's friends from her playgroup at the Preserves. Leah was turning two as well and the party was a big hit! Of course, any house that is serving cake and ice-cream and has toys is a big hit with two year olds, but we all had a good time!

Now that's a dining room table!

Kids can take over any room in the house!

Sunday the 6th it was our turn to host a party for Savannah. We had about 10 kids and 20 adults at the Preserve's clubhouse for an Elmo themed party (go figure!) complete with a bouncy enclosure! If you do not believe that can be fun just look at the face Ann Marie is making as she exits after a little fun time with Savannah!

Want to be the cool parent? Get the bouncy room!

How many slices did you say we needed?

What a family! (no, the hats did not come in XXL!)

Kids, cake and ice-cream....does it get any better?

I will let you make your own caption for this one!

And know back to Ann Marie - after our series of birthday parties, we celebrated Mother Day and Granny and Pop-Pop's Birthdays at Michael's sister's house. The weather was nice and steaks were had by all (except Savannah who much rather prefers a hot dog). And I also just wanted to give everyone an update on what talents our genius daughter has mastered at the age of 2 - we can now count to 10 and say the alphabet (with a little bit of help), close doors (with great force), buckle herself in the front seat of the car and pushes the key in the ignition, climb the stairs, jump on the bed, goes to my hairdresser, loves to go shoe shopping and dial 911 (yes, the police have been called and have showed up thanks to our little genius).
Well, thats enough typing for now and we will let the photos do the talking for us! We cannot wait to see many of our China Travel Group at Sesame Place in Pennsylvania at the end of this month. Its our first full reunion since traveling a year ago to receive our daughters. And for those few who couldn't join us, we hope you all keep in touch via the BLOG and e-mail! Till then...

Michael (where are we going to put all this stuff), Ann Marie (window or aisle?) and Savannah (when do I get more presents?) Kennedy

Paper, paper paper.....whats with all the paper?

Welcome to the Waffle House....how would you like your eggs?

What do you mean I have to mow in the same direction as you?

2 years old and it's all about Elmo!

A child's smile is all a parent needs!

Charlotte investigates a new toy at Savannah's party.

Skylar agrees....the inside of Oreos is much better than the outside!

Someone get me some maracas!

Even Mom had the Elmo spirit!

Why cant we be Cowboys from Arizona or Pimps from Oakland? Grow up Peter Pan! (The quote is from the movie "Wedding Crashers" and the photo is of my father working hard to shed that Country Boy image!)