Easter at The Baldwin's ~ 2012

We had a great time Easter at Michelle and Don's house. Shelley had a great brunch. The table was dressed beautifully. Everything was just perfect. She has that knack (takes after her dear Mama).

After brunch the kids had their yearly egg hunt in the backyard. I caught Alex trying to steal one of Zack's eggs. But, alas, I got it back. It was fun watching you guys open your eggs to check out your loot. Lots of smiles.

Then it was on to Nana and Papa's baskets. Of course, you loved everything you got.

Papa and I just love these family gatherings. The most important thing in my life is family. There is nothing I wouldn't do for any member of our family, immediate or extended. Fortunately, we all feel the same way. Family first.
Hugs and kisses,

We Loved Those Hidden Notes!!

Papa and I had a great time in Florida this winter. We were with our friends, Janie and Jerry Gavin, and were away for seven weeks. Beach Villa is such a fun place. I got to swim almost every day in a pool heated to 88 degrees. Papa got to go to the ocean with Jerry just about every day. We had lots of laughs with all the other retirees!

Christine and Scott, your cousins, were in Boca Raton for a few days because of work. We went to a fabulous restaurant, Brook's, with them. It was a pleasant night. Because of their relocation to California, we don't get to see them very often.

Uncle Skipp and Aunt Peggy made an over night visit. They came to dinner (take out, of course) and visited with us for a couple of hours.

I found all the notes above in various articles of clothing. It was so fun. Thank you Kara and Aunt Shell; two partners in mischief. We even received a card from Kara in the mail. That really put smiles on our faces.

All and all, our time away was very relaxing. We got to be out in the sunshine and doing things we couldn't do at home at this time of year. I felt so much better. Sunshine, warm temperatures, a heated pool, and people to have fun with can do wonders. They surely did for us. We hope to return to Beach Villa in Deerfield Beach next winter, too. We are looking forward to more hidden notes:~)
Hugs and kisses,

The Story of Your School Pictures in 2012

This is a very different year for school pictures. Alex, your Mom gave me your kindergarten picture quite a while ago and I posted it to this blog. Zack, Mom didn't give me yours. She said you looked very, very pale it in. And understandably so, as you have had Lyme disease and mononucleosis this year.

Miss Emily, here is your sweet first grade picture and I just love it. And then there is Kara's picture. Here is how it went. Kristen gave me Kara and Emily's pictures, late of course (That's our girl!). I told the girls how much I love them and couldn't wait to post them to the blog. Kara said she did not want her picture posted. I was surprised, as it was such a nice picture of her. Her explanation to me I will probably never hear from another female.

She said the picture was touched up and not natural. Kara, I hope I am still around to see your Senior picture. Believe me, you will want it touched up. And you are totally correct. None of them will look natural. I just didn't think this would be something I would hear from a fifth grader. But then again, you are an art student and would not want your drawings "touched up." They would no longer be yours:~)
Hugs and kisses,