The Stromberg Family Adventures

Good Times with Gigi

2009-01-24T21:37:00.006-06:00

We've been loving every minute of our visit with Gigi. Its been so special for the girls and me to have this time with her - we only wish we'd planned for a longer visit! I think Gigi is enjoying the girls and probably doesn't mind the gorgeous weather either (60's and 70's are pretty nice after a brutal upstate NY winter...) Here are some of our highlights...

Gigi and Emma taking a morning "coffee break" on the front porch

Gigi grabbing a snack at McDonald's (we couldn't tear Emma away from the play space for the photo!)

Emma and Gigi after their "big girl" day at the beauty school

Emma and her friend, Braylee at Braylee's 4th birthday party..sharing a little secret

Princess Sophie (still undeniably Mark's daughter!)

Emma and Braylee

Emma and Gigi rolling grape leaves...Sophie is taking notes...

Sophie in the "on deck" chair - ready to roll...

Sophie rolling her first grapeleave (at 18 months!), daddy, I'll be you are so proud...

Emma loves being the big sister!

Gigi and the girls getting some Bar-B-Q!

No visit with Gigi is complete for my girls without a visit to the Dollar Store...Nothing to worry about daddy (except Emma is preparing to get married and Sophie has five babies - she'd have more if she could've carried them....)

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

A New Year of Adventures

2009-01-21T21:58:00.009-06:00

It's been a great start to 2009 - and it's only going to get better. Before we know it, daddy is going to be home! We're getting lots done in the house to get ready for daddy and we've got lots of special visitors coming to see us. Here of some of the highlights of the last couple of weeks...

Emma and Sophie in the daddy chair in Emma's newly painted pink room

Sisterly love...blowing bubbles together on the front lawn

On Sunday, January 10, we took a trip to Killeen to see Aunt Susan, daddy's sister. We had such a great time. We can't wait for the next trip.

Looking for Aunt Susan's kitties, Jack, Ruby and Molly under the bed...can't imagine why they'd run when we arrived!

Sharing a laugh on Aunt Susan's rocker

Aunt Susan and Sophie coloring together

Someone's knocking at the door...

Sophie and Susan

Sophie and Miss Irene reading a book while we waited for our table at the Olive Garden

The ladies day out...

This past weekend, Aunt Tory took a little trip out to San Antonio to see the Stromberg girls...Emma and Soph were so excited.

"I can't BELIEVE the book really says that"

Soph and Aunt Tor

A little snack after a LONG workout!

Aunt Tory getting ready to indulge in some County Line bar-b-que...nothing better than a lazy afternoon of bar-b-que, beer, friends and fun on the Riverwalk...

Aunt Tor digs in...

YOOOOOOOOOOOOO....

The girls on the river...just before Sophie's shoe ended up in the river (don't ask!)

Hanging out in LaVillita with the Hemisphere in the background

We took a little visit to Brackenridge Park in Alamo Heights on our way to the airport...I think an afternoon at the playground with Emma and Sophie is a GREAT workout...

Aunt Tor's all ready to catch Sophie

Just hanging out

Higher, HIGHER!

Monday, MLK Day, was a big day...Emma had her gymnastics recital and GiGi came into town. Life is good...

Our gymnast

Dinner with GiGi

Emma and GiGi share some popcorn and a movie (Lady and the Tramp)

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!!

New Year's Week

2009-01-05T19:57:00.007-06:00

Some higlights of our New Year's week...

I can't believe mommy really took the reindeer down...

What an adventure we had at the McKenna Children's Museum with Emma's good friend, Chloe, from school.
Emma and Chloe watching the ducks race

Sophie trying to climb in and take a swim with the ducks

Come on Mr. Elephant, enough resting...

Mommy, painting cars is VERY serious business...

Giddy UP!

Umm, a little hand here, please? I don't know why they make these baby carts so BIG! What's a doctor to do?

Oh my goodness, I forgot my grocery list...

Big sister Emma saves the day!

Hmmm, is Sophie napping or do I need to perform CPR?

After the museum, we were all REALLY hungry so we headed to Gruene, an adorable little town up HWY 35.

The Gruene Dance Hall, where George Strait and other country greats were discovered. The girls stood outside and boogied down to the good old country music!

Emma, Sophie and Chloe at the Gristmill - an awesome restaurant in Gruene that overlooks the Guadalupe River

Emma ringing in the new year (east coast time) with mommyt in mommy and daddy's bed after a night of Disney shows...love the party hat Emma made at school!

A day at the zoo...

Just hanging around

A great catch

I don't want to work, I just want to bang on my drum all day...

Catching a ride

One for the ducks, one for me (yum...duck food)

Psst...can you keep a secret?

Taking a ride on the wild side

A little ice cream on the River Walk after a long day at the zoo

The River Walk in lights

The Alamo in lights

Taking a ride on the Brackenridge Express

Our Fancy Nancy Tea Party at Madhatters - a day of pure bliss - I've rarely seen Emma happier!

We spent Saturday at the Alamodome for the High School All American football game...

Soph, look at ALL those people in uniforms like daddy's...Soph, could you tear your eyes away from your hot dog?

The first baby in space...Sophia Grace Stromberg

Sophie and her new friend, Mr. Jones, watching the game together (they even cuddled for the national anthem)

Whew, this cheerleading stuff sure takes a lot out of me!

Nothing like homemade banana bread after a long day of cheerleading!

Our two princesses and their babies...

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

Christmas Day

2008-12-27T02:10:00.004-06:00

Here are some more of the highlights of our Christmas holiday....

Teamwork

Sophie very carefully opening her stool from Grammy and Gumpa - she demonstrated an amazing amount of restraint for a one year old!

"See! It's Nana and PopPop Meister...I told you PopPop would send me his picture - I'm keeping this forever!"

Sophie's boots from Aunt Racquel and Uncle Ryan - a perfect fit

There must be more in this stocking!

The girls and their kitchen

After the storm (Sophie is digging for more presents!)

A star is born...Emma and her rock star microphone from Grammy and Gumpa...

After a day of present opening and playing, we three girls snuggled on the sofa to watch Emma's Polar Express video (thank you, Ricky!)...Sophie only lasted about 5 minutes before she started playing again, but it was great to get even a little family snuggle in.

We are truly blessed, in so many ways. There is so much love all around us.

We love you daddy! Merry Christmas....

Christmas...

2008-12-27T01:45:00.004-06:00

This holiday season has been bittersweet...a special, wonderful, magical time with the girls, though we missed daddy terribly, as well as grammy and gumpa, Aunt Renee and Uncle Craig, our cousins and Gigi.

Here are some of our highlights...

Twas the night before the night before Christmas. Mommy let us dive into our presents from Aunt Pat and Uncle Ed (Sophie is on the phone with Aunt Pat!)...

Emma hard at work opening presents.

Christmas eve morning - the princess atop her perch of presents.

Christmas eve at St. Anthony's Church

Cuddling up to our deer...

Setting out cookies for Santa...one for Santa, one for Sophie

The calm before the storm...mommy was up at the break of dawn waiting for the girls...noone stirred til 7:30 am - a Christmas morning record.

Sophie getting her energy to open presents - nothing like a few froot loops to start the morning.

Emma and her kitchen from Santa

Emma helping Sophie with her trike from Santa

More to come...we love you daddy....

A Super Sunday

2008-12-21T21:14:00.003-06:00

Today was another fun day...we got an early start this morning with a visit to SeaWorld for a breakfast with Santa. It was a really cold day (relatively speaking, of course!) After breakfast we hunkered down at home for a relaxing afternoon. Before long, our special friends, Nesta and MacKay came by for a sleepover. We sure are going to miss them when they leave for Georgia tomorrow...

We love you daddy...

Snuggling with Santa

Sophie and Shamu

Mommy and her girls

Too cool in those 4-D shades - getting ready for a viewing of the Polar Express

A little painting, a little cookie baking, a little playtime make a great time with our friends!

The Christmas Spirit

2008-12-20T22:48:00.005-06:00

Never have I felt the Christmas spirit as I do this year. Odd, I know, especially since I won't be able to be with Mark, my mom, sister, nieces and nephew or my friends. This is, without a doubt, because of our wonderful girls. While I am going to (and already do) miss everyone terribly, I have been savoring every moment with Emma and Sophia. Each day I think I could not love them more and yet, each day I do love them more. Whether it is Sophie's hugs, Emma's kisses or the pure bliss on their faces when they talk about Santa, they bring me such joy.

Tonight, after a busy day of ballet, cookie baking and walks, as Emma and I lay watching Frosty the Snowman, she snuggled closer to me, turned and looked right into my eyes and said, "I love you mommy". It doesn't get too much better than that...tomorrow we're off to breakfast with Santa at Sea World. I can't wait!

Here are some of our highlights from this past week....
Santa's biggest fan

Sophie and her babies

A visit to daddy's office
We brought some goodies for daddy's friends at work and left our santa's hat for daddy there for his return (at Emma's request). The girls loved their webkinz...

Me and Miss April

The holiday book exchange at school (Friday)

Emma's holiday ballet demonstration

Emma's teacher, Miss Jennifer, told me how well Emma has been doing - that she has great rhythm (thank you daddy) and is very focused - picks things up quickly (thank you grammy). I was so proud.

Cookie baking

Note the determined look on Soph's face before she was foiled by Emma. It was a lot of fun and reminded me of the days with Grammy and Aunt NeNe

Emma's love note

When I was cleaning up this evening, I found one of Emma's notes stuck to a picture of the two of us from our big girl day at the Nutcracker.

Our elf, Julie

Our Elf on the Shelf, Julie (Emma named him and insists on continuing to call him Julie even if he is a boy), poised to watch the girls for another day so he can report back to Santa.

Christmas Spirit

Our little menagerie. I've learned that lawn ornaments are a must-have / must-do...I can't imagine what it will look like next year when Mark is back (anyone seen Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase?)....

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

A Busy Sunday

2008-12-14T21:41:00.004-06:00

What a great day! Started off with a good breakfast with our friends, Nessa and MacKay after a fun sleepover.

After breakfast, the Stromberg girls headed to Austin to see Emma's friend, Robert, and his mom and dad. We went to this cute restaurant called Shady Grove for a late lunch, then off to Zilker Park - a beautiful park on the river. They had a little train that took us around the park - the kids loved it. What a perfect day, it was sunny and warm - I can't believe it's December! We ended the day with some yummy ice cream - Soph couldn't get enough of it!

We are so blessed to have such an amazing family and so many special friends. Life, and those we share it with are so precious...definitely not something to take for granted.

We love (and really miss) you daddy....

In the garden at the Shady Grove restaurant

A very focused Emma and Robert

Soph and Miss Bethany

On the train...LOVE Soph's "Keep Austin Weird" T-shirt (a cool gift from our friends)

mmmm....ice cream

2008-12-13T22:12:00.003-06:00

It's Saturday - ballet day! Emma dressed herself - she wanted to look like the ballerinas from the Nutcracker (hence the sweater and leg warmers)...

After ballet, we headed to the North Star Mall with Miss Wendy, Nessa and MacKaye to see Santa. Sophie was SO excited to see Santa - couldn't contain herself. Emma told him exactly what she wanted (a play kitchen and a rock star microphone)...Soph just bonded with him - she'd have sat on his lap all day if she could've - and I think he would've let her. Santa promised Emma that he'd bring daddy an extra special Christmas present.
Emma telling Santa ALL about it... Sophie bonding with Santa

Emma and Nessa

Our Mac girl...

When we got home, the girls decided to create a "beach" on the front lawn (definitely an advantage of being in San Antonio - no warm beaches in the Northeast in December!) We also got our deer up (as well as our little lighted trees).

After some pizza, some books and some cuddles, the little ones went to bed without any resistance and the party began for the big girls...milk shakes, movies (the Christmas classics - Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf and Santa Claus is Coming to Town)...

Mmmmm.....good....

Friday, December 11

Today was Green Day at school...Sophie showed her Philadelphia spirit wearing her Eagles cheerleading outfit. The best was hearing her say "Go Eagles" in her sweet little lilt. I picked the girls up from school early so we could go to the doctors (Flu shots!) and got Emma a little trim for the holidays. When we got home, a package was waiting for Emma from the North Pole (courtesy of Grammy and Gumpa!) - it was the Elf on the Shelf. Emma is so excited about the Elf. Can't wait to see where he pops up this week!

Emma in front of the tree with her Elf on the Shelf...

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

Christmas "Concert"

2008-12-11T21:48:00.004-06:00

Waiting for the show to start...

Let the carolling begin...

Emma and her teachers

The buddies...Alex, Mason, Emma and Chloe

We love you daddy! And we really missed you tonight (especially mommy - juggling the camera, the video camera and Sophie, who thought she was supposed to be part of the show)...

Oh Christmas Tree (Part Deux)

2008-12-10T21:04:00.004-06:00

Tonight, adorned in their snowflake jammies, the girls decorated the Christmas tree. Emma was so intense as she hung each ornament - she is so thoughtful and meticulous. Sophie was very inquisitive - watching every one of Emma's moves. It was clear she didn't know just what to think about the whole thing.

The girls are getting so big, doing so many new things. I love listening to Soph talk - she repeats everything you say and is already speaking in little mini sentences. We are going to have our hands full some day soon....

We love you daddy!

Oh Christmas Tree...

2008-12-09T22:37:00.003-06:00

Emma and Miss Mary

Mommy and me...putting the angel on the tree..

We finally got our Christmas tree up - very exciting after 7 years of a Charlie Brown tree! Emma had so much fun opening up the ornament boxes - we just put a few on tonight since Soph fell asleep before we were able to start putting them up. Tomorrow night we girls will really dress the tree. Our neighbor, Miss Mary, came over to help us. It's wonderful to see how much Emma is getting things this year. She is so engaged in every aspect of it.

We love you daddy!

Our girls....

2008-12-08T21:33:00.005-06:00

At the bus stop...

The wedding day...

You should see the other guy...

Hip chick...

YUMMY.....

We're going round, round, round, round...

A budding artist at work

Sisterly love

Mommy's Thanksgiving helper...

Friends...

Emma and Clara at the Nutcracker

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

2008-12-08T21:04:00.003-06:00

Little by little we're getting ready for the holidays...and there's nothing that says Christmas more than a fuschia Christmas tree (for those who don't know, according to Fancy Nancy, fuschia is a fancy word for purple). The love affair with Clara and Fancy Nancy continues...

We love you daddy!

Catching Up

2008-10-28T21:25:00.013-05:00

Well, there's no good excuse for my delinquency...but it has been a busy time! My laptop ran out of memory and I FINALLY got my new desktop. Not to mention a few trips back east and an awesome two weeks with GiGi in San Antonio...

I'll try to give you the quick version of our last couple of months - but we've been doing so much fun stuff, I don't want to leave a thing out...I promise not to get so behind again....

In case you don't make it to the bottom...WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

Photo Highlights....

Today

The girls and I went for a morning stroll at the Canyon Government State Park up the road - it was beautiful. The girls were all dressed up in their "wedding" dresses so we could try to get a holiday card photo.

After our visit to the park, Emma and I had a special "big girl" afternoon in downtown San Antonio. We went to the Lila Cockrell Theater to see the Nutcracker...Emma LOVED it. She was captivated the whole time. She looked absolutely adorable in her dress from Tanya's wedding. I told her she could pick out one souvenir, so she chose an ornament of Clara cradling the Nutcracker - she didn't let go of it - not even when she fell asleep in the car on the way home. We stopped off and picked up our Christmas tree - we can't wait to decorate it tomorrow night.

Saturday, December 6

We had a busy day! Off to ballet with Nessa, then back home for a little playtime before heading over to Lackland for a special holiday party for families of deployed airmen. On the way to base, all three girls fell fast asleep in the car. We were a little late for the party, but the girls were happy and my purse (finally) got organized - a win all around. The party was an interesting experience for me. I think I'd been able to separate myself from things living in my little bubble in Alamo Ranch, so it was a wake up call / reminder to see all of these mom's (and a few dads) with their kids knowing that their spouses were gone, too. I'm still trying to figure out if it made me feel better or worse.... Chip came to get Nessa a little while later and the girls put together a lovely tea party for us. They are growing up so fast....

Friday, December 5
The girls and I went to pick Nessa up from school shortly before noon and we took a little field trip to the Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day, though a little chilly (relatively speaking). The girls had so much fun running around the gardens, watching the trains, "feeding" the ducks (assuming they like to eat dirt) and checking out the treehouse exhibit. At one point, there was a bride getting her photo taken - Emma and Nessa were enthralled, it was so cute. Sophie spent the entire afternoon trying to keep up with the big girls and I must say, she did an admirable job. How could they resist as she ran after them calling their names? She's getting so good at names now - she's got all of her classmates names down - the first one she learned was Jackson, then Lindsay. She has this sweet lilt to all of her words and she smiles from ear to ear when she says them....Just melts my heart.

November 30

Today was holiday card making day. It was messy but fun. I will have sparkles in the kitchen indefinitely - just need to get them out of the house before daddy gets home....

November 28

To think that I even THOUGHT of getting the girls up and taking them shopping for the early bird specials. They just slept. It was so good for them, they'd been going and going. Around 10:30, we took a quick swing over to ToysRUs to get things for the kids that they sponsored at school - a baby for Sophie's classes student and a basketball and gym bag for Emma's. We also learned all about Toy's for Tots and Emma picked out a toy which we donated. The girls were so funny - in the morning, Emma dressed in her Cinderella costume with a yankees baseball cap (which she wore out) and Soph brought along her Hello Kitty purse. For our afternoon run, Emma wore a witches costume, complete with the hat! Needless to say, we were pretty popular all day - no thanks to me!

November 27

Emma was my big helper this morning, she helped me make two apple pies and to dress the turkey. She took such joy in all of it. Soph joined in the fun, cheering Emma on as she massaged the bird and sneaking in a few bites of our apples as we put the pies together. Early in the afternoon, Scott, Jessica and Tyler came over. The three little ones made headpieces with feathers that Jessica brought over. Too cute. After eating, the girls and I drove to Alamo Heights and spent the evening with Wendy, Chip, the girls and Wendy's parents. It was great. I ate SO many deviled eggs and had my first fried turkeys. All the girls wanted to do was to play...

We have so much to be thankful for. Wonderful family, amazing friends, so much love in our lives....

November 26

We left school early today so we could go buy a TURKEY! And who did we get a call from on the way into the store? DADDY! Hooray. We love you daddy....

November 23

We headed back to San Antonio today. It was hard to leave the cousins, especially since we aren't going to be back for the holidays, but we need to just be home for a bit...we are so lucky to have a family as special as ours....

November 22

Today was Elizabeth's First Communion. I stayed at Renee's with Soph and Ricky while Emma went with the big girls and the Meister's to church. Emma and Pop Pop Meister totally bonded - she even took a little snooze on him and went to communion (sleeping all the time). There was a great party afterwards - four families got together on it, they even had a DJ which the kids loved. The dancing was definitely the highlight, especially Sophie running into the middle of the floor and doing the chicken dance...I couldn't get to my video camera in time, but it was classic. Emma even knew one of those line dances - the Macarena for the new generation - how do they know so much, so young?

November 21

It SNOWED! The girls loved it. They ran around mom and Dallas' yard before we headed over to Renee's in time to get the kids from the bus stop. One of Elizabeth's friends told her that if you put your pajama's on inside out and put a spoon under your pillow and went to sleep that it would snow more, so Elizabeth, Emma and Ricky tried it - with all three of them on the same bed! Unfortunately, no snow the next day...

November 20

Emma's first visit to the dentist - Gumpa. She wasn't so sure about the chair at first, but she caught on quickly - she has perfect teeth - wish I could be so lucky!

November 16

Back to Philly with two tired girls! We stopped by the Shenkman's for lunch with them, Amy and Maddy, Stephanie, Becky and Erik. The girls did not want to leave but we had to head off to mom and Dallas' to have dinner with Chad, Ruth and Maddy and the cousins. They were all playing together so well - it's awesome to have such wonderful family and friends. We are truly blessed.

November 15

Wedding day! A ride in the limo with the bride (only an hour late - beat my record!) Emma and Soph (and mommy) walked down the aisle. Sophie and Uncle Simon bonded during the mass (a short one, I might add). Then off to the Capitol for photos. Emma and Reilly came along for the ride (Sophie continued to bond with Uncle Simon until she "soiled her nappy" and he sought out a female willing to change it!). After dinner, the girls joined me for some dancing - they were amazing, so much fun. Another late night....

November 14

Soph and I went to Old Town to get my bridesmaid's dress fit while Jen and Emma went to the Willard to get their nails done. We dashed to the Ritz in Tysons, changed and were off to the Rehearsal in Arlington. Sophia loved the big pool of holy water - she doused herself in it! Emma became fast friends with Reilly, another of the flower girls. They had a great time at the rehearsal dinner until Emma fell asleep in Jen's arms. Sophie kept at it til the bitter end!

November 13

Drive to Annapolis...met Aunt Jen and Uncle Simon - the boys (Simon, Jen's brother and father) watched the girls so Jen and I could go to Tanya's shower. An experience for all!

November 10

On our way to Philadelphia...

November 9
An afternoon of painting (both paper and selves...)

November 6

Dinner with Wendy, Nessa and MacKay

November 4

Gigi had to leave, headed back to NY; Election Day - historic! Wendy, Nessa and MacKay sleep over...

November 2

Church, Wurfest in New Braunfels

November 1

Ballet, Downtown, Alamo, County Line Bar-B-Que on the Riverwalk, Boat tour - uh oh, lost keys!!

October 31

Happy halloween! The girls got so much candy! They dressed up as a sweetie little bunny and the beautiful Snow White... It was a busy day - the Halloween parade at school, Gigi and I went to Lackland - Gigi loved the planes - then trick or treating. The neighborhood was awesome. It's a little like Pleasantville...everyone is so nice here and everyone was out. Soph took a nose dive - I'm hoping the scar will go away some day - I swore she'd broken her nose. We spent the evening walking around with Tyler and Jessica, then caught up for a bit with Brayley, Ashely, Bronson and Luis....two tired little girls tonight!

October 30

Poor Scott got his tonsils out so Tyler came over to spend the day with us...the girls loved it, they had so much fun. Tonight we had the Halloween party, it was awesome. We had nearly 40 people over - we had games (bobbing for apples, a pinata - my little pony at Emma's request), LOTS of food, we did crafts (colored ghords, decorated bags) and frosted cookies and cupcakes. I forgot how much I love entertaining...when you're back, we're going to lead the social charge in the neighborhood!!!

October 28

Dollar Store with GiGi (Emma was a total hoot when she dressed up - the photo speaks VOLUMES)

October 27

Hung posters for party, Emma rolled her first grape leaves with Gigi

October 26

Church, Thai lunch with Wendy, Chip, Nessa and MacKay (and Gigi - her first Thai meal!) Ft. Sam Houston / Commissary; trick-or-treating "practice" at Jim and Mary's

October 25

Ballet...the Gym (mommy's getting in shape!) and the Lebanese Festival at St. George Maronite with GiGi. The girls loved the dancing - emma was demonstrating her own version of belly dancing....

October 24

Pizza and movie night

October 23

Baking banana bread with Gigi and mommy

October 22

Braylee, Bronson and Miss Ashley joined us for dinner and some party planning...we are getting excited! The girls were giving ballroom dancing a try - next stop, Dancing with the Stars.

October 21

Gigi arrives for her first visit to San Antonio

October 20

Getting ready for Gigi's visit

October 19

Emma got the short haircut she's been wanting! I was nervous at first, but she looks SO cute and is so happy, it's perfect. Of course we had to take a walk to show Brayley the new do....they look like twins now!

October 18

Ballet...fall festival at Ft. Sam Houston with Wendy, Chip, and girls

October 17

Return to San Antonio...we'll miss the family, but not too long before we'll be back!

October 16

A day with the cousins in Abington...Emma loves to pick her cousins up at the bus stop. She's counting down the days until she can ride the bus!

October 15

A day of fun at Grammy and Gumpa's...complete with hammock rides and walks in the woods.

October 13

Dr. Lloyd's with our cousins. Play date with Marijke and Drew at Alverthorpe.

October 12

Breakfast with Amy and Maddie (the Siegel / Metzger clan)... and a show with our cousins....

October 11

A day at the Pumpkin Patch with the Meister's and the "family" Halloween party at Aunt Nene's. Soph was definitely the life of the party....

October 10

Last day in New York...we had dinner with Aunt Steph before heading to the train - it was a little crazed - nothing like the Rangers crowd to get things going... Uncle Craigie, Elisabeth and Ricky met us at the train station in Trenton - Emma could not have been happier! We love our cousins.

Two for One

2008-10-09T20:29:00.003-05:00

Yesterday and today have been busy days! I'm just trying to keep up. It's an interesting time to be in New York - especially in the financial district. Another down day for the financial markets - the Dow has dipped below 9000 points. Yikes...

Tonight we went to the Gold Street Diner with Daria and Miss Magda. So much fun (and mommy burned lots of calories chasing Sophie...)

Grammy's girl getting her snuggles...

Emma and Aunt Steph

Emma and Daria

Hey YOU!

Mmmmm....COOKIES!

We LOVE YOU DADDY!

Another day in NYC

2008-10-07T23:27:00.002-05:00

One of daddy's favorite buildings...the New York Stock Exchange...it's a pretty crazy place these days, but still a beautiful site.

The NYSE after market close (down 500+, yikes!)

On the way to the pharmacy, we unexpectedly ran into Emma's friend, Caroline and her sister, Mary Margaret - as you can see, all were VERY excited.

A Caroline sandwich!

Singing songs in the World Financial Center

We LOVE YOU DADDY!

New York, New York

2008-10-06T21:12:00.005-05:00

Today was an AWESOME day in New York...a whole day at 71 Broadway with the Hunt's - it sure doesn't get any better than this!

Taking a ride on the cart...

Me and Miss Daisy

"Emma's Room"

Matthew and Sophie

Party in the hallway

Bathing beauties on the rooftop (Emma didn't know it was so COLD!)

Boogie down productions

C'mon everybody, let's dance!!!

The gang's all here...

Soph, Lilly, Mia, Andrew and Emma

Matthew and Sophie helping Miss Rebecca make breadsticks (and admiring the beautiful sunset together)

What a very special day!

We love you daddy!!!

On the road again...

2008-10-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

Today has been a busy day - we had to get ready for our big trip back east. After we finished packing, we took a quick trip to the Wash Tub to get the minivan a little bath - need to keep it in good shape for daddy's return. Sophie was mesmerized by the machine.

We ran home and grabbed a ride to the airport with our awesome neighbors, Scott and Jessica (and Tyler, too). The girls were very excited. We had a little delay but had fun passing the time coloring and watching sports. Eagles lost, but Phillies won - we'll take what we can get. It was priceless watching Emma walking up and down the halls of the airport cheering "E-A-G-L-E-S, go EAGLES!"

Grammy was there waiting for us when we arrived in Philly - we are so lucky to have such a wonderful, thoughtful grandmom. We loved having the time with her on the drive up to New York. Emma couldn't contain herself - she was just giddy about being back in NYC...

Stay tuned. We're going to try to visit some of our old haunts this week. A little sneak peek - we're going to see the Hunt's (our neighbors at 71 Broadway) tomorrow.

WE LOVE YOU (and miss you) DADDY!

Never a dull moment

2008-10-04T22:22:00.005-05:00

Today was quite the day - we were off to an early start - had to get mom a little gym time in - I am determined to get in shape - at any cost...The girls love going to the gym because they get to play in a really cool kids space and there are tons of kids there.

After the gym, we hustled off to ballet class, worked up an appetite, then headed to this adorable bakery called "Twin Sisters" in Alamo Heights with Miss Wendy, Nessa and MacKay. We (belatedly) celebrated Nessa's birthday (I promise I'm working on getting organized).

"Sharing" Nessa's birthday present

A little sisterly love...

After lunch, the girls and I took a drive out to the Love Creek Orchard to visit their pumpkin patch - had to see what "fall" is like, Texas style (HOT). While Emma was disappointed that we couldn't pick apples (the very limited season here is in July, and this year wasn't a good one), we had a wonderful time. Of course, by the time we left, I was covered in green paint (thanks, Soph), Sophie had eaten about a gallon of paint and Emma's pumpkin was beautifully painted.
So many pumpkins to chose from

Gumpa..don't look! YUM, cotton candy (Soph's first - she LOVED it)

the maze

Nothing will keep me from my pumpkin - not even this basket!

Working together

Giddy-Up!

After our day at the pumpkin patch, we drove back through Bandera (Cowboy Capital of the World, for those of you who are not familiar!), checked out a lot of horses, cows, goats and other interesting mammals; drove past Medina Lake (Bubba, I still can't figure out how to get down to the lake) and ended up at home, sweet, home...

Of course, no day is complete without a little walk. We stopped to give Miss Mary some love, then made the rounds. The girls really have started to love the neighborhood (and the neighbors). We got caught in the neighbors sprinker, so we all got rinsed off a bit before our baths.

One side note - Soph is learning all sorts of new words (other than "no" and "thank you") - today's highlights - apple sauce, hot, and outside.

I've got to get back to packing...WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

Practice Makes Perfect

2008-10-03T21:42:00.003-05:00

You know it's a good day when it begins with your little girl dancing in the halls...don't you love the beautiful ballet outfit from grammy and gumpa?

We're not only honing our dancing skills while you're away, dad, we're practicing everything! We went for a trial run over to Miss Mary and Jim's in preparation for Halloween / trick-or-treating. The girls loved it...and they are experts already.

We couldn't go to bed without a good bath in the big tub!

We said a special prayer for you tonight, daddy. It was so good to hear your voice last night...

We love you, daddy...

A Tale of Two Sophies...

2008-10-02T20:52:00.004-05:00

We always knew that Sophie had a little spunk...well, she really demonstrated it today. She got her first "time out" in school - she's taken a liking to climbing on and standing on the chairs in her classroom. When her teachers tell her "no" (most likely with a little smile, because you can't help smiling at Sophie's impish looks), she giggles and climbs even higher - I wonder if this is a sign of things to come?

When we got home, we took our daily walk with our friend Tyler and his mom, Miss Jessica. Sophie had to bring along her purse. She reminded me of a little bitty old lady...

Ooh! Look, I think I found a lucky penny..

I could've sworn I put my bottle in here...

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

Too Cool for School

2008-10-01T23:20:00.004-05:00

We decided to take a "field trip" this afternoon over to the gym in Alamo Heights. Emma, of course, needed to primp (you never know who you'll meet at the gym)...if this is any indication of what the teenager years will be like - look out!

I think we're going to have a brilliant beauty queen and the lovely mayor (that would be Miss Sophia). Everyone at school knows Soph. We can't pass a door without her knocking on it and waving to everyone - she is one social bug.

Our girls are amazing - they just love each other so much. They had a wonderful time playing together tonight...I hope we'll always be so lucky (I'll have to save this to share with them when they are teenagers).

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!

A beautiful day in the neighborhood...

2008-09-30T22:04:00.005-05:00

Today was a wonderful day. The weather was beautiful and our girls had a good day at school.

After school, we came home and colored and made some "creations"...I think Sophie tried a taste of every crayon - when she learns how to talk I'm going to ask her if the different colors have different flavors! Emma is getting so good at writing her letters. She also loves to write stories - I have no doubt that she will be an author or journalist one of these days.

We had a little dinner then went out to enjoy the fresh air. We made the rounds and saw the neighbors, then went on our merry way. We came across a beautiful butterfly who was very still for us - Emma was mesmerized.

We met up with Miss Jessica and Tyler and finished off our tour of the neighborhood.

When we were getting ready for baths, Emma amaze me yet again. I walked into Sophie's room to find that Emma had already laid out Soph's jammies and a diaper (opened up and ready to go) and had set aside a diaper and outfit for tomorrow. I'm beginning to think I'm not needed around here! They are growing up so fast...(but not too fast, daddy, don't worry).

We LOVE YOU DADDY!

Back to the Grind...

2008-09-29T22:48:00.003-05:00

We were back to school today! Emma and Soph were very excited. We kicked off the day with music as we drove to school - boy, do our girls love to sing. Emma remembers the words to all the songs and Sophie does a remarkable job keeping tune (far better than mommy) as she sings "la la la" to everything! These girls might have a future in show business.

Mommy's big helper...

Miss Independent: walking to school by herself (already!)

After school, we came home and made some arts and crafts, had a little home cooked dinner (yes, daddy, I cooked), then took a little walk through the neighborhood (our friend, Tyler, from next door and his mommy, Jessica joined us). Of course we had to stop by to say "hi" to our neighbor, Miss Mary.

Getting ready to ride...

Have a wonderful night, daddy, we love you!

All in a day's work...

2008-09-28T22:39:00.004-05:00

Today was a great day both fun and productive...

We started the day with a little "fall" cleaning and errands to Lowes and Michaels. Our girls love those race car shopping carts at Lowes - they were especially mesmorized by all of the Christmas decorations there (like the inflatable Santa Claus flying an inflatable helicopter).

After all of our work, it was time for some fun. We went to meet Miss Wendy, Nessa and McCay at Cheesy Janes - a fun little throwback burger joint. Energized from an awesome lunch, we headed to Clay Casa to paint our family pumpkin - we missed daddy as we were painting it, but he was there in spirit.

Though the day was busy, it wasn't over yet...we were off to swim at the pool (it was a beautiful day and we just couldn't resist). It was wonderful to see how much the girls love the water. Emma has become quite the swimmer and Sophie is FEARLESS. She constantly wants to engage with the big kids - there's not much that little girl won't do.

All in all, a fantastic day - and one day closer to daddy's return.

We love you daddy!

Ballerina Girl

2008-09-27T07:20:00.007-05:00

Today has been a busy day! We hurried off this morning to join Emma's friend, Nessa, for their Saturday morning ballet class. Emma is becoming a master at ballet and tap - we can't wait for her recital in November...

Oh I wish I could be a ballerina, too...

Passing time at the dance studio

An hour sure is a long time to wait. Mackay, do you mind if I borrow your lap to take a little snooze til those big girls are done?

Our prima ballerina

Who can resist a local mexican diner for lunch? Not us...we went in, chowed down and wrecked havoc on the place with our friends Miss Wendy, Nessa and Mackay.

We couldn't let the day go by without taking advantage of the beautiful weather here in Texas, so we took a quick dip in the pool - very relaxing.

Swimming makes me SO happy

One blackberry is never enough...

We finished out the day with a trip to the Commissary at Ft. Sam Houston (I AM becoming a military spouse!). By the time mommy got to the check out line I had all sorts of interesting things in my cart.

When we arrived home, the car was silent - a curious sound in the Stromberg car - I'm not used to being in the car without Emma and Sophie singing "Best of Both Worlds"...Lo and behold, both our little girls were sleeping - nothing woke them up and everyone was snug in their beds by 7pm...

Not event the deepest sleep will loosen my grip on my precious fruit loops...
Our two tired angels

I've never been more keenly aware of how very much I love my family - I am truly blessed. I already miss Mark more than you can imagine - but his presence is still so strong in our home and our children, that it makes things a little easier. Emma shares his quiet strength, deep compassion for others and incredible desire for everything to be clean and organized (thankfully!). Sophie shares his extraordinary personality - part comedian, part imp and 100% fun loving...

We love you daddy!

Daddy Deploys

2008-09-26T22:14:00.003-05:00

Today was a big day for the Stromberg family. Emma, Sophia and mommy brought daddy to the San Antonio airport shortly before dawn this morning to send him off on his "work trip" to Iraq...the countdown begins...

Thank goodness daddy is a "light" packer...

An early morning farewell....

Our girls were in rare form this evening (the cat's away...)

Sophie at the wheel with her friend, Bronson.

Emma took a turn at the wheel, too, with her friend, Braylee.

We LOVE YOU Daddy....

Joy

2008-09-09T19:59:00.000-05:00

It's official! The Stromberg family has finally entered the 21st Century! Now we can share all of the joy our two beautiful little girls bring us with the world...