Paula's Easter Cake

Of course...

Spring Shadow Walk

Thomas, I have so much to say about this picture. I love everything about it. You are Springtime right now  - blossoming and changing so quickly before our eyes.  The joy you bring us sometimes hurts my heart.  You grow, and grow, and grow. More words and new freedoms each day. I see you standing there in the sunlight - shining and proud. It's hard to admit that you are a big boy and not my baby any more, but at the same time it is so delightful to see your personality emerge.  

Know that when you grow too big for my arms to carry, in my heart I always hold you tight. 

You are so loved. I can't worry about how we all spoil you - your siblings adore you, treasure you and cherish each small moment with you as much as Dad and I do. Thank God for you.

Sullivan's Visit

As part of our get a way up North, our friends Beth, Peter and their brood of four boys overlapped for a night.  Sullivan's plans for winter camping were canceled when the guide told them their was still too much snow (good lord) and so instead they thought they'd try adventuring Dougherty style (maybe they wished they stuck to the camping!) Eight kids. Three adults. One cabin. And we all survived!  Actually it was lots of fun - no one was seriously injured (although there were the few expected splinters and snow face plants). 

We had a great time over lapping our stays and the kids loved having some non-family playmates at the cabin for the special occasion. 

"Spring" Break Part II

"Spring" Break Part I

This year for Spring Break we headed up North to enjoy the time off. In contrast to last year's break which involved jumping in the lake and running around without coats - it was quite a change.  The snow accumulation is by far the most since we've own the Treehouse (I'm sure we had more as a child - but for the kids this was "epic" snow).  Despite the snow, the temps were high 30s and  lots of sun so it was perfect for the kids to sled and climb and just enjoy the fresh air.  

 The plow guy told me he was running out of room to put the snow - I thought he was kidding.  Not so much. 

 Grandma MJ asked me if we shoveled the deck - I said that would have taken all week. 

 We made a fire outside just to see if we could! The seating logs are still buried deep beneath the snow. 

Welcome to the World Andrew Kelly

We've waited for you with eager hearts and your arrival brought a new sort of joy into the world. If ever you wonder about how much you are loved, you just come ask your Godfather and I. 

St. Patrick's Day (Burrrr! Fun!)

St. Paddy's this year was complicated on several fronts: first, the parade and our typical parties were being hosted on the 16th, and second the kids had a swim meet during the time we'd normally be at mass and heading to the parade. Also, it was cold, LOTS colder than last year  - but we are not of the faint of heart!  The temps did not slow us (in fact at the end of the day we ran to the car to warm up).

This caused us much frustration, if the swim meet was on the ACTUAL St. Patrick's day, we would have had no problem pulling the kids out.  But because it was on the day BEFORE, it made us reconsider our priorities.  We Dougherty's decided that we can cancel anything in good faith (school, athletic events, work) for the actual day but not for the "marketing" day.  So we turned the problem into a fun two day adventure of celebrating one of our favorite times of the year. 

Thomas was a trouper and partied from 1- 5 pm downtown St. Paul eating and listening to great music (well, and napping a bit as well). 

 The Dougherty Boys!

 The Irish Girls!

 Two Shamrock Princesses (one official, one in spirit)

The Dancing Begins!