A Portland Rose

My niece, Gwendolyn Rose, was born earlier this month.  She gave us the perfect excuse for a weekend trip down to Portland.  Along the way we stopped by the store, Bricks and Minifigs.  It's a LEGO store that carries new and used LEGOs.  Eileen got her first bucket of little LEGOs and a girl scientist minifigure.  Linus got a little bit of everything--Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Atlantis.

I was a little nervous about the trip down.  I didn't want to overwhelm my sister and her family with the addition of 5 people.  It ended up being a great trip.  I cleaned house, shopped (Dave also made a trip to the grocery store), cooked, and helped care for Beth and Gwen (Robin was a very good sleeper during the day).  Meanwhile, Chris and Dave took the big kids to Charlotte's Web at Portland Children's Theater, the Swap n Play, and the zoo.  The kids turned into snakes, played with LEGOs, and made Fruit Loop necklaces.  The boys wrestled and the big kids had a slumber party in Dylan's room.  According to Eileen, they were telling jokes.  All we heard were squeals, giggles, and thumps.

I also used the opportunity to play photo session.  I am not a skilled photographer by any stretch of the imagination, but it is amazing what a good camera, good lighting, and Picasa can do.  I think the pictures turned out great and my sister looks beautiful.

Linus and Gwen

Gwendolyn Rose, not quite two weeks old

mama

I like to call them Christopher Robin and Gwennie the Pooh

I'm skipping!

cousins -- it is IMPOSSIBLE to get everyone to look at the camera

I love this picture

sibling swap

Happy Family

I love that my sister and I have had our kids together.  It has brought us closer and I think it helped us understand and appreciate each other in a different way.  Motherhood is amazing and I am so glad I get to share the journey with her.