And the other half of our time in VA...

When we arrived in VA at the end of Jan., we really weren't sure just how long we would be staying. Turns out, we ended up staying until the end of April! It was a great time for the whole family. We had the opportunity to celebrate many events and even to experience a couple of good snowfalls that we were deprived of the year before. Christian had a couple of setbacks during this time, including an overnight on the bili lights at Walter Reed, and an ER visit for a minor issue. But, we had the incredible support from both of our families throughout that time and for the older kids, it was a great vacation! (It's a long string of photos, but I'm trying to catch up!)

Poor jaundiced baby:(...

...but back in action and ready for the Manassas St. Paddy's parade!

One of the kids' favorite spots in NoVA is Old Town Alexandria.

And we were very excited to be home for March Madness. Too bad Georgetown can't handle the pressure:(

In our house, painting nails is a treat saved for special occasions. Having Daddy paint them is an extra special treat:)

So tiny, but we're getting there!

We had a great time celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the family. Green bagels, Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes, and...

...green mustaches!!

We tried to get out and take some special day trips. Daddy took the older kids to the Natural History Museum and the butterfly exhibit.

What a blessing to have Christian baptized back home surrounded by family. Thank you, Fr. Tom!!

More snow!!

Christian's first Easter

We weren't expecting to be in VA this year for the birthdays. And unfortunately Daddy was back in Ecuador:( but we made do, and did special days for both Shay and Malia. On their special day, they chose birthday breakfast, a special birthday lunch and a activity of their choosing. Both of them chose Mom's Famous Pumpkin Pancakes (not famous, just sounded good).

Daddy may have been physically far away but he was with us in spirit and he always knows how to make a special day that much more special!

Malia chose Rebounderz for her activity. If you haven't been, you gotta try it! 

Happy Birthday, Sass!!

Still growing!

For Shay's birthday, Daddy sent these special treats! How cool!

 Birthday celebration at the Potomac Nationals with Grandma and Grandpa on $1 hotdog night!

Lunch at Red Robin on your birthday results in this...

And Shay wanted to go to Color Me Mine to paint pottery for his day!

90 degrees in April calls for a little splash time!

We loved being in VA for the spring...poor Shay's allergies did not!

Burke Lake Park

Great Falls (another favorite NoVA spot)

The Giant Crab is always up for a little sword fight!

Frying Pan Farm Park (another fav!)

In our family, we have 2 Uncle Mikes, 2 Uncle Matts, and it just so happens that both Uncle Mikes have a Charlotte! Shortly before our departure, we got to meet a new cousin! Sweet Charlotte was born and we were fortunate to get some cuddle time!

It was an unexpected extended stay, but we had a wonderful time and we could not have done it without our loving family! Thank you all for everything and we will see you soon!