First, Happy New Year to All!!!
Emerson on the stairs. Having seen Gavin in NYC after Little e was born, I felt that I knew him. I hadn't seen Emerson since the summer though, and I didn't know what to expect. When we arrived in PA, he was quiet and shy and adorable. The next morning, he stuck to his shyness, until I threatened to tickle him. From then on we were bonded. The little guy will turn two in less than a month, and he is already singing is ABC's flawlessly. There is nothing cuter than watching this little boy march down the street with his hands securely stuffed in his peacoat pockets. I am in love!!!!
Uncle Jake was incredible with all the kids and kept us all organized and laughing at all times!
Annie and Gavin. These two have always been close, and this trip confirmed a growing friendship.
Gavin and his girls!
Ryan covered the high branches.
We girls hang together.
Princesses!!! Another statement of individuality is represnted here.... these are the dresses that the girls picked for their school xmas concert, where they sang their little hearts out. Annie is sparkly disco chic, and Ellie is fancy flower ball gown lady.
We went to Miss Allison's to get our hairs cut. I went first. And then Annie. And then Ellie. Ellie, like the rest of us, had picked a picture out of a magazine to base her hairstyle on. Her's had bangs. I was nervous. I kept asking if she was sure that that is what she wanted. She replied, 'I am ready to look different from Annie!' I confess to having mixed emotions. On the one hand, I love having identical twins. On the other hand, I have always encouraged them to explore their individuality. Pride for my independent daughter won out!!!!! They still look similar, but somehow they are cuter than ever, sporting their new dos. I am pleased that they know what they want, impressed that they know how to express it, and thoroughly proud of myself for digging deep and honoring my promise to myself to let them be themselves, even when it is emotional!!!!
Annie's new cut.
Identical? No more!
Beautiful? No matter how they choose to express themselves!
Yes, this is Ellie scaring the pants off of us. One night, we sat around and told ghost stories. Ellie was particularly animated in her tales of fear.
The girls and Ryan helped pick out the Christmas tree..... this is the girls wondering why it is so skinny!
Ethan Thurston Frechette, Jr.
Loose on the streets of NYC.
LUCKY!!! I still can't believe that I got to meet Little ethan in the hospital when he was only 2 days old! I am so proud of all six of our nephews~!
Auntie Carrie- suddenly Sophia doesn't seem so little any more!!!!
Uncle Jake- love at first site.... and a glimpse at the not so distant future.
Mom Zoe, Uncle Jake, and cutest baby ever... well one of them, any way.
