Norweigan's Professional Pics...

These were tooo much fun NOT to share!! The photographers were running all around the ship and on the island snapping shots you could buy... these were our 4 favorites...

books, beer, and beautiful waters... paradise!!

cheers!!

we got this one becuase we knew the girls would LOVE us hugging a HUGE dolphin!

nothing says service like a bartending in the ocean!!

Bon Voyage!!

We've had a few crazy months, so we decided we needed a "little break" and booked a cruise for ourselves... sans kids! We left on friday June 18th for Miami. We boarded the Norwegian Sky at the port of Miami and then the party really started.

(the ship, the room, and even the SPIN room - yes, I took a class...) We enjoyed EVERY second of this cruise. We left Miami at 5pm and arrived in the Bahamas on saturday morning. We woke up to the sun greeting us on our balcony each morning. It was GREAT to have the door open and hear the waves and other ocean sounds. We got off the ship in Nassau and headed over to Atlantis for the day.

(Nassau and Atlantis)

The beaches and water are pristine... too beautiful for words! We swam and relaxed our day away... then it was time for some shopping in "downtown" and off to the ship. We enjoyed dinner on our balcony, then off for a few drinks, a show, a party on the upper deck and then some hot tub time! We had a blast!!

(Grand Stirrup Cay... ) On sunday we arrived in Grand Stirrup Cay. This is Norweigan's private island. It is TOTALLY uninhabited, and the only people who venture to the island is the cruise company. It was almost "fake looking" becuase it was soooo crystal clear and blue. We snorkled out into the ocean and enjoyed kicking back and reading books while sitting in the beautiful waters. It truely was paradise!! And that was before we hit the hammocks... truely a GREAT day!! Then we headed back to the ship after 5 or 6 hours on the island for our last evening at sea!! It was truely a vacation to remember! We arrived in Miami on monday morning and our vacation was over - but it was great and it was FANTASTIC to spend some time alone with Scott... Hope you enjoy the pics!!

Cake time!!

So, although we already had the "family birthday party" for both of the girls, and their "friends" one is coming up soon, we still celebrated Angela's official b-day at home! Angela picked out her own cake, and grandmom came to enjoy the day with us. We had a nice dinner, the girls opened up some presents and Angela enjoyed blowing out her 5 BIG candles. Where has the time gone??

5 Candles on Angela's Cake

It's hard to believe that 5 years ago, Miss Angela was born at 4:26am. I can still remember every moment of that morning and the days following. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but in the end, she did GREAT!! Our little princess STILL holds the record for the shortest stay in the hospital. We were originally told she would be in the NICU for at LEAST 1 month (minumum), averyage was about 2 month and some babies were there for more than 6 months until they came home. Since Angela had "spunk" she had her surgery very soon after birth (2 days old) and was home in 17 day. Then the fun started. She pulled her NG tube out of her nose the first night (she wasn't great at drinking all of her milk via mouth, so we had to feed her through the NG tube upon discharge from the hospital). But she "must have" known she could do it on her own and never needed that tube again! From that day on she's been amazing us and the doctors and bringing smiles to faces all of the place! Today, at 5 years old, she still amazes us with how smart and grown up she is. Our litle girl is growing up before our very eyes... Happy ... you've conquered every obsticle set before you until this point, and we are SURE you'll do the same in the future!

Happy Birthday Angela!!!

her hospital picture (they didn't take them of the children in the NICU since most were VERY sick...)

this is what we saw when we saw Angela for the first time... more wires and tubes than baby....

little did we know what a fighter she was going to be!and here are pictures from age 1 through 4 - you can definately see some changes... losing any "baby fat" and turning into a beautiful young lady!and Finally... our 5 year old - Miss Angela Kirstin

We love you more than you could ever know!! Happy 5th Birthday Angela!!

Batter up!!

We figured that Angela could do a sport if she chose when she was in kindergarten. She was totally fine with that, until we got the phone call "would Angela want to "fill in" on the Grasshoppers t-ball team next week?" Of course Angela was jumping up and down when she heard she had the chance to play. She asked EVERY single morning, do I play t-ball today? Finally, the day was here. We picked up uniform, made some "adjustments" so they'd fit and she was ready to go. Mind you, she's NEVER played on a team and NEVER played t-ball with a team who has been together for the whole season. She was VERY good at hitting pitched softballs so we were hoping she'd do well!! We arrived at the field and she was practicing fielding and throwing... and still had a bit of work to do, but was doing well enough to "blend in". She was in the 6th batting spot and stepped up to the plate like she knew what she was doing. One swing and the ball was into the field... she ran to first base without a close throw. Before she knew it she was home and scored a "run". She played near 2nd and near 3rd base in the field. It was fun to watch the entire team go after the ball... yeah, positions mean NOTHING to 4 and 5 year olds... too cute!! The second time she batted was pretty much just like the first. Step up, whack the ball, no whiffing for Miss Angela. She had a great time, congratulated the other team and then we all went out for ice cream to celebrate a great game!! Her second (and last) game of this season will be on friday... and we KNOW she'll be asking to play next season now!

Congrats Angela!!!

Today we experienced our first official "graduation ceremony". Angela graduated from pre-k and is now a kindergartener!!! She led the ENTIRE pre-k class in (which is around 60 kiddos I believe) and then was the first group to sing before the entire crowd. We had a blast. Everyone did fantastic. Then we were off to Nifty Fifties for lunch and mini golf. The girls had NEVER played before, so it was an experience... but they loved every second of it!!! Hope you enjoy the pics...

it's summer in our backyard

whew... it sure is hot out there!! We hit the 90's yesterday will be VERY close today. I figured "it was time" to get the pool out and get it all filled up. So, while Angela enjoyed her "last day of school" (tomorrow is graduation) I prepped the area, filled the pool, and as soon as they finished lunch, they were in and splashing. The water was REALLY cold, but that didn't stop them. They even begged to put the little sliding board into the pool... they had a blast before they turned purple!! Looking forward to a summer of fun in the Reedell household!!

Party #1 - HUGE success!!

So, the girls' family and friends party on May 22nd was GREAT. We were surrounded by the people whom we love the most and most importantly, the girls had a BLAST!! They have plenty of friends to play with and loved having everyone around all day!!! So, b-day party #1 was good... now onto the "kids party" on June 25th... wish us luck!!

the countdown has begun....

and it's NOT about Disney world!! Scott and I are going on a childless cruise on June 18th to the Bahamas. After all of the traveling Scott's been doing, I've been REALLY itching to get out of the area, without the kiddos... and this was the BEST answer! It's only a 3 night cruise, but it will be perfect to be able to sit back and just enjoy the long weekend. We'll be flying to Miami, catch the boat make two stops in the Bahamas to lounge on the beaches, then back onto the boat for the evening. We were on a cruise a few years ago and LOVED it... and we are REALLY looking forward to... chow...

shorebound

Since we were going to be alone for the week, I surprised the girls with a trip to the shore. The girls and I came home after our day at Sesame Place, switched out all the "stuff" in my car and we were on our way. We got down to Aunt Gerry's house (in Smithville, NJ) around 5pm and then the fun began. The girls enjoyed playing with Oliver, the new toys, and just being somewhere different. After dinner the girls enjoyed a nice ride in the bike trailer. We rode to a local playground and they ran off any energy that still had left... and mommy was on empty by that time too!


The weather wasn't totally coopertive while we were there, but oh well, we made the best of it. We went to Ocean City, NJ on monday. The skies were overcast but that didn't stop the girls from playing in the sand and a little in the water. They loved digging holes, filling them up with water and then doing it all over again. Aunt Gerry and I relaxed and watched them play. We enjoyed pizza at Mack & Manco's... yumm!! We strolled on the boardwalk and then headed home. then it was naptime - for everyone! We then took Aunt Gerry out for dinner, since it was her birthday on tuesday. The girls were VERY well behaved and then we headed back to the house for some more playtime.



We awoke on tuesday to steady rain, and ALOT of it. By the end of the day we got at least 2"... ugggg. We headed to the AC aquarium for a while, then off to the Pier at Ceasars. Since we couldn't play on the beach outside, the girls played on the "inside beach" on the 3rd floor of the pier, while eating lunch and watching the waves crash on the beach below. It was sooo much fun. We also took in a few of the water shows and couldn't miss "it's sugar" - the HUGE candy store. By 2:30 pm the girls were getting a bit punchy and it was time to head back... so we did. The rest of the day was pretty laid back, the girls slept for over 2 hours and then it was dinner time. I even got to go for a solo run... in the rain, but I was by myself for the FIRST time in days... and it felt GREAT!



Wedesday was still overcast, but at least it wasn't raining. Before Aunt Gerry got up, I loaded the girls up in the bike trailer stroller conversion and went for a run to the playground. It was soooo nice to have the option for the trailer and stroller... it's super easy to convert and folds flat... a GREAT tool for moms on the go!! We did some errands with Aunt Gerry, picked up gourmet cupcakes for with lunch, and then headed back to pack up and head home.



We had a GREAT time at Aunt Gerry's house, thanks for having us, and can't wait to go back again soon!!!

Sesame Place Classic 2010

Whew... what a whirlwind of a day! Scott left the day before for Europe (for work) and I had already signed up for the Sesame Classic. So, I had no choice but to take the girls with me and do it on my own... boy was that exhausting. But we all survived. On the way over, Angela came up with the idea that she and Gemma could run the 1 mile fun run together. I figured "sure"... of course she'd never run that far or practiced ever... but we'd see how it went. So, we got there in plenty of time, got our numbers, and then it was time for the fun run. I ended up pushing Elyse and her friend in the running stroller while Angela and Gemma did the run. They finished in around 10 minutes... which is GREAT! She was ALL smiles when she crossed the finish line. Then I had a quick massage (my legs were tight from teaching cycling ALOT recently) then it was time for my 5k race. I was relieved that I didnt' have to push the girls while running (I've done it before but didn't feel like it that day...) and they stayed with my friends. I was pleased with my time... somewhere around 27 minutes... which is good for me. We then spent the day at Sesame Place with friends and enjoyed the beautiful weather... It was a GREAT day on the street!!

out little cupcake... and her cupcakes...

Elyse convinced me that since it was her birthday she needed cupcakes throughout the day... and it was sooo cute that how could I deny her.... Hard to believe my little girl is 3 - where has the time gone??

Happy 3rd Birthday Miss Elyse!

On May 10th, 2007 at 11:07am, Elyse Morgan Reedell was welcomed into the world. She say "something" back in the form of a SCREAM... and it was the most beautiful sound we had EVER heard. This is ONLY because we had NEVER had that experience since Angela never breathed on her own until around a week old... so having a new born was a totally NEW experience for us all!! Elyse was such a good baby, and now at 3 years old she's an unbelievable little girl. She is getting bigger, stronger, and smarter with each day that passes. She gives Angela a run for her money and keeps up with the "big kids". She's looking forward to starting pre-school in fall and LOVES playing with "her friends" (not Angela's friends as she tells us often) and is now beginning to enjoy talking on the phone to whomever will listen. If they understand is another question. But Elyse is a joy that we are fortunate to have in our lives... and we look forward to seeing what she'll do in the future!!!

three years later...

Happy Birthday Miss Elyse!!!

For more photos of Elyse... check out this link to my facebook page (you do NOT need to be registered)... copy and paste this link to the browser... enjoy!!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2062898&id=1287618449&l=c812e4868a

Happy Mother's Day!

We hope you enjoyed mother's day with the ones you love! We sure did. Our yearly mother's day tradition has been a trip to the zoo. And this year was no different. The day was nice, VERY windy, but we all had a blast! Just like last year the girls' got their faces painted... Elyse asked to be a "piggy" and Angela was a "butterfly"... both were VERY cute and got many smiles from strangers for the rest of the day. We also celebrated Elyse's b-day a little early with cupcakes with lunch... so it was a great all around day! to see ALL of the pictures from the zoo, copy and paste this link into your browser. This will take you to the album on facebook (no registration is needed).... enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2062900&id=1287618449&l=db3c976a93

XTERRA Warwick Park Revenge (5.5.10)

Wow... what a crazy race! We've done the XTERRA Philly Trail Run Series races for the past few years, which were held at Warwick Park. Each year it's an interesting race. Last year there were tornado warnings during the race and we had several inches of rain that day. This year the weather was PERFECT (except for those suffering from allergies) but the race course was TOTALLY new! The race officials considered it "rolling hills"... I call it "rolling goat hills"! Some of them were sooo hard that I barely made it up them walking... as did Scott. My time was nearly 10 minutes SLOWER than last year, but even the winners were at least 5 minues slower too. It was a tough course, then add getting "lost", and I think I ran about 4 miles total (supposed to be a 3.1 or 5k race) through all kind of terrain. On the bright side, I REALLY think all of my "interval training" through indoor cycling classes helped me on this one, thankfully!!! But it was a fun race and we can't wait to do the next one in a few weeks - but this one has a river crossing as part of the race... nothing like the fun of running in wet and squishy shoes...

Professional Pics of the Reedell Girls - May 2010

Each year we do christmas pictures and then birthday pictures - works out nicely since there is about 6 months between the two! So, today was "the day" to take the girls and get their photos taken. We went to portrait innovations for the photo shoot and it went GREAT. The girls smiled GREAT and the pictures turned out fantastic. They were soo patient through the whole process... and now we have BEAUTIFUL updated pictures of the girls throught our house...

click on the link below to check out the individual pictures on my facebook album (no registration for facebook is needed!)
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2062374&id=1287618449&l=2c8de55b83

the Alligator Sandwich...

Elyse always keeps us on our toes...

She says "mommy, I need a piece of bread"...

I hand it to her and ask what she is doing...

She says "I'm making a sandwhich"....

this is what we see....

She made an "alligator sandwhich"...

She makes us laugh every single day!!!

Philadelphia Zoo

We enjoyed a beautiful day at the Philadelphia Zoo with friends. We all piled in my car and made the treck to Philadelphia. Amazingly there was NO traffic on the way there or home... so it made it even more fun!! The kiddos enjoyed many fun rides and the moms enjoyed a day out with friends... Thanks to everyone who attended!!!

And something else that was pretty interesting... exactly 3 years ago I was at the Philadelphia zoo with JUST Angela. I had just finished up working, and had about 1.5 weeks until Elyse was to be born... so we went to the zoo and enjoyed on of our "last mommy and Angela days"... Although that year it was HOT... I still remember how much fun we had together!! Wow... looks at us now!!

Spring at the Reedell house!

We've enjoyed a beautiful spring this year!! The weather has been "interesting"... from 80's and 90's in March to low 50's and raining in April.. but hey, that's spring in Pa... you NEVER know what you'll get. But with all of the rain we've gotten, everything is nice and lush... it's truely a backyard paradise for us to ALL enjoy!!

bondi band girls...

Just thought these pictures were funny... I got these glorified headbands to replace wearing hats while running, races, and teaching spin classes. I got some fun text on a few of them... enjoy!!