LETS GO PHILLIES LETS GO!!!

With these cute cheerleaders for the phillies, they've just GOTTA win!!! And yes, the cat (jake) was "very excited" too... as you can tell!!!

Halloween Decorations Reedell Style!!

So, this is our first year to decorate our "new house" for halloween. Last year's decorations involved a ghost on a stick and a cat on a stick (no, not jake or oscar) in the front yard and a door hanger with a pumpkin on it. We had moved in on October 30th and were working VERY hard to get the house "livable" for the munchkins when they came home on halloween!!

So, this year we got things started NICE and EARLY. In fact the house was mostly decorated in September for halloween, but today we put the finishing touches on it. The girls and I stuffed a HUGE spider to sit on our HUGE boulder at the end of our driveway and then we put up several bags of spider webs... the cats are now afraid to go outside becuase of all of this (oh well....). But it looks like fun, and I'll have to take pictures since we have orange and black lights on the porch... so once I take a "full effect picture" I'll add that too!!

But until then, here is what it looks like today!!!

It's pumpkin painting time...

I think as soon as they picked their pumpkins out at the farm, they asked "can we paint these tonight?". So, after dinner (last night - October 4th) we got everyone ready and a painting they went!! They had a great time and the pumpkins turned out fantasticly!!!

Here are some pics!!

Fall in PA!!!

I am definately in love with the crisp beautiful days of fall here in PA!!! I can't think of a better place to live... we LOVE it here!!! And today was the perfect day to head to the orchard and pick all kinds of apples (gold delicious, red delicious, and winesap) and pumpkins. The girls LOVED doing this last year and we had some "free time" today... so off we went!!! We went to Styer's Orchard (about 10 minutes from our house) and the girls LOVED running through the orchard and pumpkin fields. The hayride took us from the "main barn" out to the fields and back again. We came home with several pumpkins and oodles of apples... now Angela wants me to bake an apple pie... we'll see if that happens... But here are some pics of our day of fun in Bucks County!!!

and these are my favs...

Yeah for Hollywood!!!

So, it was saturday morning (10.3.09), and a dreary saturday at that. Scott says "do we want to go see Toy Story today"... I say "sure, why not, we can leave if the girls' aren't enjoying it". We asked Angela and Elyse if they would like to go to see a movie at the theater.. and of course they said a VERY excited YES!!! So, off we went. The movie started at 10am, we got there around 9:50 or so and went in, took a few pics, then got "snacks", then headed in. We sat on the "main level" of the seating area, and then it was time. Now this movie was NOT only their first time there, but also a double feature and in 3D!! The girls put on their glasses and they were ready for the movie. Both were a bit frightened when it started, but got the hang of it VERY quickly. We had figured we'd be lucky to make it through Toy Story 1, but to our surprise, we were still there watching the closing credits of Toy Story 2 - over 3.5 hours of movies for a 2 and 4 year old... amazing!! But they did great and can't wait to go the next time... so we shall see when that will be!!!!

Here is a pic before we headed in (the glasses are their 3D glasses... )... and we took a movie to try to get onto "good morning america" on their "three word" segment... so keep an eye out for that!!!

the beach + the Reedells = LOTS of smiles!!

Not that all the smiles were a shock to us, but we had a great time at Ocean City this past weekend.
We headed down to OC on thursday night and met up with my parents on the way. We stayed on 14th street, one block from the boardwalk, in a friend of my parents' house. It was the PERFECT location!!! I thought the cutest thing was on friday morning Elyse walked outside with my mom and yells "the boardwalk is RIGHT there"... Not long after that they were out on the beach... and we lost count how many times we took walks, played in the water, and just had a ball!! We had VERY nice weather with the exception of rain on saturday night, so we were VERY fortunate. The girls LOVED doing all the rides, playing on the beach, running on the boardwalk, going for bike rides (on the surrey with mom mom and pop pop) and in the bike trailer... yeah we were busy (as always!!)!!

And I was VERY excited because I got a new camera... a professional one.. and LOVE it!!! So, hope you enjoy the pics...the girls LOVED doing the rides at Castaway Cove... espeically the kids log flume and roller coaster they could ride without mommy and daddy!!both of the girls are REALLY into puzzles, so they got a HUGE floor puzzle of a pirate and enjoyed putting it together with daddy and pop pop. It was also alumni weekend in Ocean City, so we got to enjoy a local parade, then off to the beach... again...the girls LOVED being on the beach and riding in the surrey with mom mom and pop pop!!!

we enjoyed a few night time strolls on the boardwalk... and the girls enjoyed the "yummy treats" like pizza and cotton candy....as you can see, we had ALOT of fun, the girls enjoyed ALOT of mom mom and pop pop time... so everyone was VERY happy!!!

Our 2009 Triathlon Season has come to a close!!!

Today was our last race of the multi-sport season (9.20.09). We participated in the Marshman Triathlon, held at Marsh Creek State Park. This was the second year it was held... and this year it had grown to around 750 people (last year it was under 500).
We knew it was going to be tough for several reasons... and boy was it!! The weather had been cooling down and therefor the water was going to be VERY chilly. They said at it's warmest yesterday, it was 69... and figured it was between 65 and 67 when we entered the water... and we didn't even have wetsuits (I was a bit jealous of those with them... but oh well!!). Then the air temps were VERY chilly for this time of year too. It was 49 degrees when we arrived at the race site in the pitch dark (aroundd 6am). There was fog everywhere, especially hanging over the water. And of course the course is challenging... the swim is only 1/4 mile, but the bike is a VERY challenging 12.5 miles of "rolling hills", then the run is straight up a hill 1 mile then straight downhill... I liked the second part of the run MUCH better!!! I felt GREAT during the entire race... and finished at 1:23:11. I was VERY happy with my time since I've had alot of problems as of late due to the lymes still being in my system (I'm on more meds now and hoping to get rid of it once and for all!!). Scott finished at 1:09... and was also very happy with his time too. His age group is VERY competetive and usually the top three overall winners are in there, so the times are crazy in his group. The first place overall woman was around 1:03 and the men was 55 minutes... so, it was a FAST race!! Which was good since most of us couldn't feel our fingers or toes even crossing the finish line!!!

So, we got our bikes, and our "after race food" and sat down and were chatting about our race. I came into this race knowing my age group (athena) was huge this year at 44 people... and figured I had NO chance for any kind of placement. I was doing it just to finish and have a great time. Well, my attitude quickly changed... We were waiting and cheering on all the medal winners, when we finally got to look at the "time board" and Scott says "I think you won"... I thought he was kidding... and a moment later, I was announced for winning first place in the athena division!! This was my FIRST first place ever... and I was sooo excited... I was smiling ear to ear.... and still am!!! I beat out the second place winner by over 3 minutes... so I was BEYOND pleased!!!

So, obviously this was a GREAT way to end the season... and until next season... hope you have enjoyed these pictures!!!

lions and tigers and bears oh my!!!

We enjoyed another GREAT trip to the philly zoo!! And what a day it was!! The weather was BEYOND beautiful, perfect september day; sunny, high of 72... pure delight!!! And to boot, there were NO crowds, and NO traffic... so it was even that much better!! We went with my friend Jackie and her daughter Olivia... and we all had a blast!!! Sooo many of the animals were right there being VERY active. The girls LOVED the gorilla's swinging ALL over the place... it truely was a GREAT day indeed!!!! Here are some pics (yeah, I know, what a shock!!!)

Angela's First Day of Pre-K!!

Wow... after a summer of fun, the day that Angela started school was FINALLY here. She would comment every day as we passed her school "that's my new school. I'll make LOTS of new friends there. When can I go mommy?". She was excited, but I was VERY nervous since this school was TOTALLY new to her, and she knew no one!! In last year's school she new more than half of her classmates and her teacher... so this was going to be MUCH different. But she did GREAT. She listened to her teacher (today was only an hour long so the kids could get "acclimated to their new surroundings" ) and was VERY excited about what she would be learning this year!!! So, here's to a GREAT last year of preschool for Angela... then it's off to the "big school"... where has the time gone? Great job Angela!!!

Bye Bye Diapers!!

We were pleased by the fact that Elyse decided to potty train herself around mid august. I had figured she'd want to do it closer to her 3rd birthday like Angela, but nope... she decided "it was time"... and off she went. She's always been VERY determined... and this was no different. One day she took her diaper off and put on a pair of Angela's underwear, and from that time on, she was going to be potty trained. I think it was maybe a week later and she was doing great, even sleeping at night without accidents... so we are proud to say we are TOTALLY potty trained!!! Great job Elyse... such a big girl now!!!!

Road Trip...

The girls went on their first official road trip with mom mom and pop pop (Scheib) from September 2nd through the 4th. They departed from our house on wednesday morning and were headed to State College to visit Aunt Deb, Uncle Daryl, and Katie. The girls enjoyed playing with each other and visiting the Grange Fair. From the sound of it, everyone had a great time and can't wait for another road trip... which will be at the end of september when we go to the shore for a long weekend (with the scheibs)... So, here are some pics... enjoy...

last trip to philly zoo for the summer!!

boo hoo... can't believe the summer has come and gone in a blink of an eye!! We made it to the zoo several times, but this was by far the most relaxing trip possible. We met our friend Megan and her daughter Alex at the zoo and then had it pretty much to ourselves. It worked out well that Angela doesn't start school until the 14th... almost a week after most other schools start... so the zoo was deserted!! We enjoyed the day seeing all of the VERY active animals, riding horses and camels, the carousel, the girls rode the train... and sadly no hot air balloon ride today (guess it was too windy). But they had a blast... and we can't wait to go back again!!

some pics from the tree housepics from big cat falls, the carousel, and the monkey house

feeding the lorakeets the childrens zoo, the train ride, and various animals (and yes, the kangaroo on the top right hand corner was sleeping with all four legs in the air... too funny...)

hope you enjoyed... as you can tell, we sure did!! See you again soon!!

Glub, glub... bubble bubble....

what else is there to say... they love swimming... by the end of this summer I'm sure they'll have gills and fins... enjoy the pics of the cutest fishies!!!

The Reedell Artists

What kid doesn't love doing finger painting... well, the Reedell chicks sure do!! They enjoyed getting all "smocked up" in one of scott's work t-shirts, and then off to they went to the backyard. They loved mixing all the colors and made some really nice pictures. Then it was suncatcher time. We were given a set a while ago and they went to it. They did a GREAT job and didn't make a mess at all. I knew Angela would be able to do it without a problem, as she can paint and color pretty much within the lines, but Elyse, I had no clue what she would do. But she did great. She put different colors in each spot and the finished products were great. It was a pleasure to do this with them... now the next project will be to refinish and paint a table that Scott's mom had given us and then I'm going to have them put their handprints on the table each year with the date... it will be fun to watch them grow....

A GREAT visit with our Great Aunt and Uncle!!!

So, we were soooo glad to hear that my great, great aunt Connie and uncle Allen were going to be making the LONG trip in from North Dakota and doing "their rounds". We weren't sure they'd get a chance to stop by my neck of the woods, but we were VERY fortunate that they stopped over on wednesday, August 19th for lunch and spend some time with "the Reedell gals". It was a great visit, exchanged all of our "contact info", showed them the house (they saw our townhouse last time they were in for a visit), got to know the girls a bit more, and a great lunch. Then they were off to Virginia and then the Carolinas for a few weeks... so it was a quick but VERY nice visit... and here is a pic of my mom, the girls and aunt Connie and Uncle Allen!!!

Thanks Aunt Connie and Uncle Allen for taking time out of your busy schedule to come and visit us... and hopefully you'll have a great rest of your trip and we'll see you again soon!!!

Welcome to the Triathlete Club Angela!!

Congrats to Angela on finishing her first triathlon on August 16th, 2009. She competed in the "Dog Days of Summer Kids Triathlon" held in Doylestown, Pa. Most kids tris are for ages 6 through 14, but this one was the first I had seen that had a "weebee" group, for 3 to 5 year olds. Their course was a bit shorter (alot short than the 14 year olds...) and parents could "help" as need be. It consisted of a 15 yard swim, .4 mile bike ride, and .2 mile run. But it was a GREAT experience, and Angela had the BIGGEST smile on her face as she crossed the finish line in around 12 minutes (couldln't time her exactly as I was busy taking pictures and trying to juggle/control Miss Elyse....). So, now we get to look forward to this race next year, but with two participants... Congrats again Angela... we are soo proud of you!!

The Smallest Reedell Triathlete....

You heard it here first... Angela will be "tri"ing her first triathlon on August 16th. The local YMCA is putting together a "kids triathlon", mainly for kiddos age 6-14 years old. But they have a "weebee" group which is anyone under the age of 5, so that is what Angela is going to compete in. They'll be doing the same order of events as any triathlete, but MUCH shorter distances. She'll be swimming in a pool (with daddy right next to her for the whole race for safety reasons), then will bike (with her training wheels of course), and then will run. So, keep checking in for the "story and pics" from this weekend, it will be GREAT... and Angela is stoked... even more than mommy and daddy!! And no, Elyse wasn't entered, maybe next year....

Brigantine Triathlon, Beach, and Ocean City... August 2009

I think we've been at the beach more times this year than ever... and it never gets old!! The girls LOVE every second they are running into the water and playing in the sand!!! We always look forward to the Brigantine Triathlon, as it was our "first ever triathlon"... and that was over 5 years ago. We've done MANY since, but this one is our favorite!!! This was Scott's 5th year and my 4th (I had to skip the race the year I had just had Angela... not evenough recovery and training time!). But as always it was a blast... thanks to Grandmom Reedell and Erin for coming down to "herd the kiddos" during the race!! And as we have done for the past few years, it was GREAT to cross the finish line with our kiddos...

Friday we went to Ocean City (NJ) for some rides and boardwalk time.

The girls LOVED every single ride and we thought the views from the HUGE ferris wheel were breathtaking....

Pictures from the race... both Scott and I did great... and the girls always seem to finish twice....
After the race we showered up and headed to the beach with "aunt Erin" for the afternoon... EXTRA fun!!!
In the evening we headed to Smithville with Aunt Gerry and Grandmom Reedell for some shopping fun. Elyse enjoyed a ride on the carousel (she picked a bunny...) and was all smiles!!
We picked up some wine and cheese and went back for a great evening at Aunt Gerry's house!

(pictures in the collage above!) Sunday was a very "questionable day" weatherwise... it looked like it was going to rain all morning, but we went to the beach for one last time (for this trip)... and of course the girls could care less about the weather, the beach is ALWAYS fun.....

Another "junie" meeting

A little background would probably help with this one... so when I was preggo with Angela, I was working and didn't know many other pregnant people, so I went online and met up with a group that was called the "Junies". We all were due in June of 2005. So, it's nearly 5 years later from when we all met up and I've met many of these "online friends".... and the girls and I got to meet another great family at Sesame Place (on August 10th). We met up with Melissa, (Matt the daddy), Natalie (the Junie) and William (who will be 2 years old in January). It was great to have Angela meet another Junie and to get to finally meet another Junie in person. Here is a fun pic of the moms and kids in "ernie's wave pool"....

left to right (Elyse, Megan, Angela, Natalie, Melissa, and William... )

yahoo... we LOVE our new windows....

So, we LOVED our house immediately, but very quickly we began to REALLY dislike our windows. The house is 31 years old and the windows were original, single pained, with storm windows. At first it didn't seem to be a HUGE deal, but over the winter you could tell there were some "drafts" and they were a "pain" to use.... So, finally we decided "it was time for new windows". We had a few people out, and ultimately went with Castle Windows. Their product seemed VERY good and their warranty is the BEST (it covers EVERYTHING as long as the windows are in our house, without ANY money out of our pocket!). So, we had expected the work to be done in early september, but we got a phone call saying the windows were in and they could do it the next day (if we could swing that). So, that worked out for ALL of us, the girls and I went to Sesame Place for the WHOLE day (from 10am till 4pm... the no nap thing was a challenge in the evening....) and the windows guys were here until around 6pm. We "camped out" in the basement and ate dinner, and then came up to a GREAT looking finished product. We are BEYOND happy with our new windows... and already notice a HUGE difference temperature wise near the windows, ease of use, and of course aestetically!!! So, if you need a window job done, call Castle Windows, they were great!