Maestro Daniel

Jason says Daniel will write his first symphony by the time he is three... Here he is getting an early start!

We had help shoveling the snow today to make a path to the grill for Pop-pop to cook some steaks for supper.



And Roxy played in the snow, getting it stuck to her fur in big snowballs!

Wildlife out the kitchen window

It is so nice to see the deer occasionally. As they build more houses, we will see less of them...

Visiting Baby Leo

At last, photos of Leo!

Sharon and Mark's neighbors, Bill and Melinda, graciously offered to take us to the hospital today to meet baby Leo. The roads are still incredibly icy - four days after the storm. Atlanta is just not at all equipped to handle a storm like this! We got there safely and had a wonderful visit. Ella is a fantastic big sister - and so gentle!

HE'S HERE!!!!!!

Welcome baby brother, Leo Roman Vigoroso, born just before 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. Mommy and baby are doing fine. Leo weighed 8 pounds 12 ounces and is 20" long. Pictures to follow soon.

Off we go

Sharon and Mark left this morning for the hospital. Grandma and Ella stayed home to wait. Baby brother (MJ) should arrive later today. Thank you for your prayers for a safe delivery!

Atlanta Snow and Ice storm

What do you do in a snow and ice storm when you can't get out? Shovel! Grandma and Ella worked at the ice and snow on the driveway. With help from a neighbor, we cleaned it from edge to edge. The streets are a sheet of glass and the neighbor kids have been sledding non stop!

Waiting....

While waiting for baby brother to arrive, we went to a great place for brunch on Sunday morning. On the way, Miss Ella decided to don sunglasses. I don't think we've seen the sunshine since. In the midst of a major storm, baby brother's arrival has been postponed!

Play with Pop Pop and letters

Rich continued to work out while visiting in CA. He lifted weights (or at least one weight) every day!

Rich made letters for Carmella's room and then decided to make them for Luke and Leah as well.

San Juan Capistrano

Lars and Laurel took us to visit Old San Juan and the mission at Capistrano. After touring the fascinating mission we had lunch by the beach and visited a petting zoo. We also got to see a very large Amtrak train pull into the station. The conductor gave each of the kids a ticket which they treasured for the next several days.

Christmas Times Three

Our first Christmas was a Christgiving celebration with Sharon, Mark, and Ella. Then in December we travelled to California for a Christmas with Laurel, Lars, Luke and Leah. When we returned home, we had a New Year's Christmas with Kat, Jason and Daniel. For Christgiving pictures, see the December 6 post. Here are some photos of the other two gatherings. What fun!


Christmas eve services were followed by a traditional celebration at the home of Lars' brother and family.


Our sweet smelling son-in-law

New Year's eve we celebrated our first Christmas in the new lower level family room.

Daniel climbed into Pop-pop's chair to pose for the camera