Philly Zoo

This past Saturday was rare in the fact that the weather warmed up to the 50s. Ryan needed a break so he asked me what I had planned for the day. Nothing. I thought you would not be here dude. After some thought I suggested the Philly zoo since it was such a fabulous day.

We left later than planned. I guess I should just expect that in trying to get 4 kids ready for an outing.

Once there we quickly fond out many other people had the same idea because parking was rather crowded but nothing a nice walk could not fix.

It was actually a nice outing. The kids loved being out and seeing all the animals. No meltdowns!!!!!

The girls got super close to a peacock.

Ella was able to see her Uncle Sean.  Honestly, it's Southworth family humor.

Leia and I enjoyed watching the giraffes. Some birds flew by and spooked the giraffes. It was interesting to watch them run and hide.

At the Rhino exhibit Jonathan was explaining one of the rhinos escaped. Yet more Southworth humor.

Of course we had to go here at least once because, after all, it is America's first zoo.

Washington D.C. mini vacation

Another item has been crossed off my bucket list!

Everyone in the family had the week between Christmas and New year's off. It was the only week off of school for Jonathan and Ella and Ryan being able to take his vacation time then as well meant one thing. We were finally able to take a family vacation!!!!

It was a mini vacation, BUT a vacation none the less.

We headed out to Washington D.C. to finally go to the Aero and Space Museum. I have wanted to go there since we first moved out here. I knew Jonathan would love it. I just did not realize how much everyone else would like it as well.

I still can't get over how many airplanes, missels and space crafts fit under one roof.

Ryan was amazed that Air Force 1 was there.

It was crazy how close you could get to some of the exhibits. We  even touched a piece of the moon!

Ryan was completely in awe at all the history surrounding us. Seeing this exhibit brought me back to childhood memories of going to my dad's work and seeing things like this up close. As a kid I was able to touch materials used to make space shuttles and even take some samples home. Seeing all of the space exhibits gave me a greater appreciation for my childhood, my dad's job and finally comprehend how rare it was to see what I saw as a child thanks to the great company my dad worked for.

Notice the name written on this plane.

Hello rover.

We stayed one night in Washington D.C. We payed an arm and a leg to stay within walking distance to the sites but the sting hurt a little less when they double booked our room and bumped us up to the presidential suite. I found it funny they had a presidential suite. The president lives so close I really doubt he would ever stay here.

The views were awesome. Tuesday night we watched the sunset from our hotel. Out one window we saw the Washington monument.

This is what we saw out the other window.

And of course President Leia is working hard to keep our country safe and secure by doodling on a piece of paper.

We visited the castle where Ella had a meltdown.

On our walk to the museums we took a quick photo in front of the Washington monument.

Then I had the family turn around to get this photo.

On Wednesday we went over to the Smithsonian to see the dinosaurs and then headed to see the minerals. Jonathan is currently working on a Science project where he needs to learn about minerals so it was a must see part of the museum for us. I took a good amount of pictures even though he ended up not using any of them for his power point presentation. At this point Leia was done and needed extra help to get through the day without a major meltdown.

Jonathan wanted to go back to the Aero/ Space museum and convinced the other kiddos they wanted to go back as well. The reason: a simulation ride. We did go back. He went on the ride with Ryan while the girls were able to get some down time by eating ice cream, do a little drawing and relaxing at McDonalds.

Right before we left Ryan noticed a book signing taking place of a World War II pilot. He had to stop, chat with the man and take some photos. Ryan was thrilled and commented how this man belonged in the Smithsonian. We found out a movie is being made about him and the troup/ command he belonged to during the war. Steven Spielberg is making the movie so keep a look out for it.

Christmas 2011

I stayed up way too late on Christmas Eve finishing up Audrey's stocking so Christmas morning was a bit harsh for me. Our kids do wake up early but are very good about staying upstairs until they get the OK to come down.

Traditional Southworth kids stairs photo.

We only buy three gifts for each kid but due to very generous grandparents, uncles and aunts, the kids end up receiving many gifts. They are truly blessed to have so many people that love them.

Leia is singing along to Dora music while daddy listens. I love this photo. She loves the microphone and we have had many moments where a pause of normal activities is taken so we can sing together. Thanks Heather.

The girls received hair accessories from Sister Luke. Leia thinks once you put one on you officially become a doctor. If only it was that easy. At one point I had two on and became doctor doctor mommy. Thanks right daddy, I'm one doctor ahead of you and it only took me 3 seconds compared to your 13 years. What's up with that?

Audrey received this little toy from Santa. She loves it! It is a great teether and she can easily grab it. Nice.

My brother and his lovely wife gave her this hat which she has already used on numerous occasions. She looks so cute in it. I don't think the mittens will be used until it gets super cold because she still loves sucking her thumb.
 Ryan's family also sent wonderful gifts. The gifts for the kids from Jenn and Sean made Ryan shed a tear. Many alarms were heard though out the day from Jonathan's Spy gear set Nana and Papa sent him. We all love playing with Alphie the robot which Leia received from my parents and we feasted on delicious candies from Todd and his family. Thank you everyone for all the wonderful presents... so many thoughtful gifts it would take forever to mention all of them. We are thankful for every gift. I am just too lazy to list them all.

This year Christmas fell on a Sunday so we went to church later in the day. I was finally able to get a few decent pictures of Audrey in her Christmas clothes. Ella loved holding her and gave Audrey many kisses.

Happy first Christmas Audrey!!!

To end this Christmas post I just want to mention the best gift I have been given... to still be here. Not a day goes by where I do not think about Audrey's birth and am so grateful both of us are doing well and seem to have no major issues. This Christmas would have been completely different if we were not spared. There have been moments during the holiday season where things got stressful and then I would take a step back and remember how easily I would have died if I was not in the hospital when my placenta detached while going through labor. Gratitude towards a loving Heavenly father then rushes over me and I am put back into a more humble, grateful state. Just being here and being able to look at our little family and enjoy these moments with them is the best gift ever. 

Holiday activities

This year we did a lot more holiday activities compared to last year which is understandable since last year I still felt sick from being preggers. Not many pictures were taken but I want to mention some of the moments because I am very forgetful and these memories will be forgotten if not written down.

First of all, for one of our FHEs we went to Allentown's city light drive. I forget the real name. I sat in the back thinking I would need to feed Audrey but once she saw the lights she just stared at them in awe. It was so fun to watch her. The best entertainment was all the comments Leia made about each display. Lots of wows and ahhhs escaped her mouth. Super cute to hear when it is made by a two year old. I think all of us had more fun because she was so excited.


Santa was a hot topic of discussion this year. Ella was just really understanding about him while Jonathan had lots of questions about if he was real. About a day after Jonathan told his classmates he still believed (which he and only one other student in his class still did believe) Ryan decided to have a Santa talk with Jonathan on one of their outings. Ryan said he took it well but the following day Jonathan ranted and raved at how we lied to him all these years and why we did not tell him the truth, especially since he just told everyone he still believed. As a side note, this episode took place while Ryan was at work. I just sighed, told him I was sorry and regretted the whole Santa thing. I have always felt uneasy about it, especially when he was little because I  did feel like I was lying to my kid. Ryan did not feel that way and now here I stand taking the wrath of Santa. Hopefully I will be forgiven. We don't even make a big deal about the man but for some reason this year he was talked about a lot.

The big man did appear at Ryan's work party and then also at Ella's preschool party. In this pic Ella is telling him that she wanted a Hello Kitty suitcase. Who ended up getting it for her... Daddy because his heart is even softer than Santa's. Leia wanted nothing to do with Santa but was excited to receive a gift from him.

We also did some baking this year... in two batches. A couple weeks before Christmas we made caramels, Reese's fudge, snowflake sugar cookies and those Hershey kiss peanut butter cookies (my first time making those). Then right before Christmas we made candy cane cookies and macaroons. I have always wanted to make macaroons.

An entertaining moment was having Ella and Leia record messages on their ornaments. When Jonathan was just learning how to talk I bought an ornament where you can record a message. It's really fun to listen to it and reminisce about him as a baby. I have wanted to do the same thing for Ella, and now Leia as well, but could never bring myself to shelling out the money... especially since the last few years relatives have sent the kids ornaments. I ended up swallowing my frugality and purchased the ornaments. The night Ella recorded hers was filled with lots of laughter. Jonathan wanted in on the action so I let him record messages on Leia's since she would not be recording her message until the next day. I think I cried a little because I was laughing so hard.

Last but not least, projects. Every now and then I take on a bit too many homemade gifts and end up working long hours to get these projects finished. I do enjoy making things just not the staying up way too late part. I have made each kids' felt stocking and Audrey's was rather detailed so I ended up having three late nights right before Christmas. I have had the  kit for about a year. Just goes to show ya procrastination is not a good thing. I also made a quilt for Jonathan. I have kept some of the t-shirts he has had through the years and made a quilt out of them. The process of putting it together was rather emotional since it was a reminder how fast time goes by, he is about at the half way point of raising him before he goes off to college/ mission and just going back in time and thinking about the different stages he went through. I don't want to get overly sappy so I think this is a good stopping point.

Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas Eve this year was a bit different since we had no one over. The Walkers moved on to bigger, better pastures and since our neighbors across the way invited us over, I counted that as our Christmas Eve get together. We did however have the traditional Christmas Eve dinner and pjs.

I love cooking Thanksgiving dinner but was a bit lost this year in what to cook for Christmas Eve. I tried a new recipe, brussel sprouts au gratin which I thought was super yummy... thanks Martha. Sadly, the kids did not agree so they feasted on rolls, mashed potatoes and ate maybe a sliver of  meat. I guess eating brussel sprouts for Christmas Eve dinner is like getting coal in your Christmas stocking.

A little bit later was pj time. Every year this tradition makes me laugh because the kids get crazy excited just to open up a present which they already know is pjs.

Jonathan wanted sleeper pjs again so I bought one size bigger since the other pair was beginning to ride up his hiney. The new pair was HUGE on him, especially the feet... it did make for some great entertainment

Ella also wanted "baby" pjs as well so she could be like everyone else... and have the right outfit for future pretending to be a baby moments.

Cute Audrey celebrating her first Christmas Eve.

Almost everyone in front of out tree. We had to add Jack Jack since this may be his last Christmas with us. Jonathan's expression is a lovely one of "I guess I'll let my sister hug me since it's Christmas Eve."

Since it was just our little family during the evening we had more time to read the story of Jesus' birth. A new tradition I'm trying to add in is writing down the Christ like acts we have done during December and then sharing them on Christmas Eve before bedtime. We explained earlier to the kids earlier in the month that the gift we can give Jesus is to be like him.This activity really made me feel like we were celebrating Christmas for truly what the season is about. Ella's face lit up every time a paper was read and she realized she was a part of the service or kind act. Priceless.

Before whisking little ones to bed all of us went outside to sprinkle reindeer food so Santa could find us. This is not a regular activity for us but Ella brought it home from preschool. It ended up being a fun little activity for us to do together as a family.