Halina's 2nd Birthday Party

Caroline really did sleep most of the time!

Emily was such a huge help, and it made Halina extra happy to have her at the party.

Yes, I was aware that cupcake was smeared all over her coat.

The party table

2 candles for my two year old!

Notice the lady bug... great story. see the Dec. party idea post

A family walk in the snow that same afternoon

Wooden cookies that actually cut and velcro to a tray - how cool!

Halina, diving into her presents after nap time.

My little party animal.

Halina cheered, clapped, and gave Ian a hug when he arrived.

Yes, poor turtle got his tummy stretched...

Michal did most of the clean-up - thanks!!!

Dining room decorations - I had a little fun with the Crayola site

The wreckage ; ) The party mess wasn't near as bad as I thought it would be!

Little Miss Caroline slept in her Bjorn with her Daddy the entire Party....

New Year 2010

Cousin Ella cracking down on the little criminal - well deserved

Precious moments

We rung in the New Year with the entire Sobieszczyk Family in Boston.

Piotr, Leigh, Henry,and Ella, hosted us all at their home.
We even got a visit in with Barbie and Rob - yeah!

SoOOOO much great food, I don't even remember what this dish was!

Let's Dance!

Christmas 2009 close to home

Christmas Day at our house - it really was a blurr

Michal and Halina left the Monday before to spend time helping Anna.

Luckily we had THREE snow days and I had plenty of time to relax and

cook ahead for the 2 courses for our Christmas Day dinner -

Ravioli and homemade meatballs, then

a crown roast of pork with corn fritters, stuffed mushrooms, and potatos.

Cheesecake Factory lunch in Baltimore after Christmas Day
Little Miss Caroline loves to sit in her bumbo and watch Halina eat
Do the Grandparents look proud or what?

We spent the day after Christmas at the National Aquarium - Mom, Dad, Joanne, Elaine, the girls and I. Michal was not studying, but standing guard as the snow melted around our house.

Christmas afternoon opening presents, exhausting ;)

Mr. Potato Head for the Bathtub - a big hit

Halina helped open Caroline's Day care presents, this one was from the very seet family, who's house Caroline goes to - Rosa and Keana

Chan and Caroline

The cousins snuggled on the couch, watching Santa Buddies (thanks Dad)

Christmas Eve presents - BIG stuffed animals, a whistle, and squirrel

Halina was indoctrined into Magda Nieva fan club

Ella and Caroline - it just doesn't get any sweeter than this!

Christmas Eve at the Sobieszczyk's in NJ, a feast of food and time with family

Magda and Leigh preparing the 7 fishes Polish dinner

Pre-Christmas Family time

All in all, the snow before Christmas brought 2+ feet of powser that lasted weeks
I spent a lot of time indoors with the girls, while Michal dug and shoveled for a couple of days

Our home, so cozy

Michal shoveled the entire deck and side of the yard,

in hopes of not getting another basement flood from snow melt.

Halina loves little things, and despite the wind, love the beach over Thanksgiving.

Caroline wasn't so sold...

Another of Halina's favorite places, the NC aquarium at Fort Fisher

AHhhh, the sisters together in a photo, not crying, truly a moment to behold!

We want you in our neighborhood, come visit!