Birthday Lunch...

Carter doesn't normally go to daycare on Fridays, but since he was sick on Wednesday we were able to do a "make-up" day today. Since he usually naps around the lunch-hour, we don't often get out to meet friends for lunch. So with him off at daycare, I was lucky enough to join some of the girls for lunch at Granite City to celebrate some April birthdays -- Molly Woodard's birthday was today, Michelle's birthday is tomorrow, and Anne's birthday is next Friday, though she was unable to join us today. Happy Birthday ladies!

Michelle, Clara, me, Danni, Molly, Shannon and Declan

Busted!!

A historic home opener

It was a historic home opener for the MN Twins baseball team this year, as it is their last home opener in the Metrodome (thank goodness) -- we are so anxious for the new stadium to open next season so we can enjoy baseball as it is meant to be: OUTDOORS!!

Our season ticket package did not include the home opener, but our good friends and fellow season ticket holders, had an extra set of tickets available and they invited Kyle and I to join them -- thank you, Andy and Summer!

Carter was sporting his new Twins tee that we got for him in Florida at Spring Training. Thank you Dave and Dorothy for being available last minute to watch Carter while we went to the game!
Annual Twins Home Opener family picture. Last year when we took this picture, there was snow on the ground! What a difference the sunshine makes...!
Although the sun was shining, it was still a bit chilly out. Nonetheless, we were able to enjoy some pre-game time on The Plaza.
We don't know who this guys is, but we thought his Puckett suit was pretty cool!

92-years-young

Kyle's Grandma Jeannie turns 92-years-young on April 7th so we had a birthday gathering for her on Sunday. We've been so lucky the past couple of days to visit with both sides of the extended families -- another rare opportunity to get the whole clan together for a visit -- it was a wonderful celebration -- happy birthday Grandma Jeannie!!

The birthday girls with her great-grandchildren (from left), Carter, Gavin and Isabel
Carter was too antsy to pose for a picture on GG Jeannie's lap, but he loved her cane!
Carter's "almost Uncle" Erik giving him a knee ride
Nonnie, Carter and GG Jeannie - what a great picture!

Visiting G-ma and G-pa

My aunt Ann was in town from Louisville for a few days so my parents hosted some family at their home for a nice Saturday lunch and visit. It is rare to get so many of the Maloney clan together since there are so many of us and we are spread across the county. It was great to see everyone who could make it and we were especially thankful we were able to sneak-in a visit with Ann -- it's rare to have her here alone without the 5 kids!! Unfortunately, we didn't many photos of Carter with the relatives, but we did get a few action shots of him with his cousin, Kieran, Grandpa Mike and his first cousin once removed (my first cousin, Will, who is actually younger than Carter!!).

Carter's Aunt Jesse rode with Carter and I to may parents house and Carter got a hold of her sunglasses -- what a ham!
Carter and Kieran cleaning -- they both have the wierd obsession with cleaning supplies.

Carter and Kieran sharing the rocking chair -- this lasted for about 2 minutes.

Grandpa Mike was hoping to take Carter for a ride, but Carter would rather help him pull the wagon.

Carter had a blast pulling Will around in the wagon -- we can't wait until Will is a little older -- the boys will all have so much fun together!

Girls night in...

With Kyle out of town for work on Friday night, Carter and I planned a fun night-in with some friends at the Goodman's house in Richfield. Michelle graciously hosted myself and a few other college girlfriends for dinner, wine and catching-up.

Carter and I arrived in the late afternoon so he and Clara (Ben and Michelle's daughter, who just turned 13-months-old) would have ample playtime before their bedtimes. The playdate started out a little rough with Carter bullying Clara and having to spend a few minutes in "time-out". Luckily they played very well together after that! I hadn't seen Clara in over a month, so it was great to get the kids together again and see them interact. Clara is walking all over now and has such a fun-loving personality! We are looking very forward to the summer months when Michelle is done teaching so she, Clara, Carter and I can have playdates during the week.

We had to cut the night a little short because Carter had no interest in sleeping in the pack-n-play at their house, but it was so much fun having a casual night in with the college girls! Thanks for a great night ladies -- and let's try to do that more often!!

Michelle with Carter and Clara
Carter and I
Clara peeking out the window -- check out her cute little ponytail :)
Clara and Carter sharing Clara's little chair

Visitor

Kyle's cousin Alex was in-town from Memphis today and stopped to visit. It had been a while since we'd seen Alex, so it was nice to hear all about how med school and wedding planning is going for he and his fiance, Jeana -- we're looking forward to traveling to Tennessee for their May 2010 wedding. Thanks for visiting Alex!

Carter was overdue for his nap -- looking very tired here