Lucky

From CrowellPost2011

We were lucky to have some leprechauns make a surprise visit to our house early last Thursday morning! Thank you, leprechauns for sending lots of green for us to celebrate with! Elsie wasn't quite sure about the green milk at first, but once she knew the leprechauns turned it green, she wanted more!
I think these shamrock green bell pepper and egg will become tradition. :)

From CrowellPost2011

It's safe to say we each had at least two {okay, maybe three} bowls of the magic.

From CrowellPost2011

We leprechauns busied ourselves by making some rainbow cakes {derived from these delicious Rainbow Cupcakes} my friend and her little guy made .

From CrowellPost2011

The fact is, I only had a 6-muffin tin {meaning 3-4 rounds of baking} and making 6 smaller cakes seemed just right for our busy day. :)

From CrowellPost2011

What would the day be like without a hearty, Irish meal. Here's to Irish genes making perfect Irish Soda Bread. We chiseled through maybe a quarter of that hockey puck! Better luck next year. :)

From CrowellPost2011

Mischief written all over.

From CrowellPost2011

And we're lucky to have him.

A Blessing

We blessed Spencer at three months and it was a good thing as he barely fit into his little white tux! He dramatically outweighed Elsie at three months and continues strong. There must be some Dutch-recessive in this little boy. His little collar didn't really have a neck to hug, so it became a piece of "tasty" silk for Spencer's little tongue to feel.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Spencer was blessed at our chapel in Ipswich surrounded by good friends who have become like family. We felt very fortunate our friends Poppy and Johan could be there.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Spencer's blessing day couldn't have been more beautiful. A snowstorm passed through the night before, leaving the ground dressed in white for his blessing day. The drive to church under the umbrella of snow-covered trees and view of untouched pastures was absolutely breath-taking.

From Spencer Everett Crowell

Corey gave a beautiful blessing--feelings which are tenderly treasured in my journal. It always seems as though reverence immediately enters the room as priesthood holders encircle a baby and heaven feels that much closer. What a gift life is. What a blessing you are to us, sweet Spencer.

A Little Mingle Before the Jingle...

From Crowell Post

Melt the cheese, I know; but I honestly couldn't resist the title!
Abby, Sally, Pod (credit for the overview shot), and Georgie (poor Rory was ill and Henry stayed home to care for him) invited us over for some sponge cake, sandwiches, and minced pies just before we left home for the holidays. Nothing felt so cozy and comfortable. Sitting together for a chat inside a toasty-warm home sheltered from the outside bitter cold made me even more excited for the holidays! Elsie and Grace shared some cake (well, I believe Elsie ate both pieces of cake). Sally made a beautiful sponge cake and shared with us the most delicious minced pies. Honestly, I can not get over them. When Christmas comes around this year, I will be out to get these pleasant little pastries to take home and share with family. Thank you dear friends for the relaxing afternoon mingle and memories.

Jumpin' into 2011

Well, thank goodness we're welcoming 2011 now instead of in June! :) A little jumping with the kids (love E's sock in this picture--used to laugh so hard as a kid when socks would end up this way) and some jive lessons from Graham got us all pumped up to celebrate the new year.

From Crowell Post

Of course, what would the old year be like without a foam fight and some jumping around in the pit?!

From Crowell Post

Thank goodness the girls brought along some trendy clothes (and good food of course) to dress up 2011.

From Crowell Post

What better way to ring in the new year with good friends and family. Cheers to the Crowells and the Holbrooks.

From Crowell Post

Cheers to everyone.

Swingin' in the Rain

A couple weekends ago, Angelika and Ulrich came to London where we met for a day. Passed St. Paul's Cathedral (Elsie was happy to know this is where the lady "feed[s] the birds" on Mary Poppins), walked across the Millennium Bridge, and strolled through the Tate Gallery.

From Crowell Post

We also paid a visit to Tower Hill. Angelika had some great pictures of both Spencer and Elsie, but her camera was either stolen or lost after lunch! :( We felt so sad. We're pretty sure Elsie will always have great memories with "Lika" and "Uli"--especially that of swingin' in the rain.

From Crowell Post

{Heartly} Tempting

From Crowell Post

Why not put up your feet and enjoy a few sugar cookies on Valentine's with those you love anyway?

From Crowell Post

We did. :)

Kisses and Hugs

From Crowell Post

Thanks to my Uncle Steven, I have this sweet shot of Elsie and Spencer. Amidst some of the arm/leg pulling, eye poking, and tummy squashing, there are some tender signs of love. Kisses and hugs.