Todd -n- Odd

2010-01-10T08:42:00.003-05:00

This Blog Is Closed For Business

I am no longer updating this blog, folks. Sorry. Ever since Facebook came on the scene, that seems like an easier way to keep all of you updated on the DiPfeiffer Clan. See you on Facebook! :)

2009-04-03T11:56:00.003-05:00

The Bachelor: Columbus Edition

This past Christmas Eve Eve, Todd got stranded in the Columbus Airport when his plane couldn't land due to bad weather in Cleveland. Ron and Kristin came to the rescue and drove him to Cleveland! Hooray!

Ron and Kristin arrived at my folks' house with some happy news. THEY'RE ENGAGED!!!! Quadruple hooray!! Couldn't have happened to a sweeter couple. We're all thrilled.

2009-04-03T11:52:00.005-05:00

The Pfun We Had With Pfeiffers In DC

We flew back from Cleveland to greet Brett and Vanessa and the kids at our place in DC. Loretta wasted no time in demanding an Elmo read from Aunt V.

Urban diaper changing, man....it can be brutal.

The nice unseasonal weather led us to the National Zoo.

2009-04-03T11:40:00.002-05:00

Cleveland Christmas

Loretta steals Aunt Tricia's gift for herself.

Poor Gabriella. Like she doesn't read to enough pre-schoolers....

2009-04-03T11:34:00.001-05:00

Home For The Holidays

The kids and I got to spend a week with my folks before Christmas, which was wonderful. Above, Nonna feeds Loretta some homemade minestrone. This scene was repeated seven times a day, every day.

Nonno: "When I was a boy, we would get an orange for Christmas and we were so happy."

Henry: "An orange what?"

Loretta burying something...probably Henry.

2009-04-03T11:27:00.002-05:00

Getting Ready For Christmas!

Loretta dons her traditional stockings.

It ain't officially Christmas without Rock Band. Here, Loretta Lou tears up the Beastie Boys "Sabotage." And it was hard core, too.

Writing a note for Santa and putting out the mini-Oreos and baby carrots for he and his annymals. Mini and baby...hmmm...guess we're putting the North Pole folks on a diet.

On Christmas morning...look! All the treats have been eaten! But Loretta did have telltale chocolate crumbs all around.

2009-04-03T09:50:00.001-05:00

Tattooed Lady On Changing Table

2009-04-03T09:40:00.001-05:00

Meeting Sanny Claus in Mt. Pleasant Plaza

2009-01-17T00:07:00.002-05:00

A Latke Love

When our dear friends Ben and Lauren invited us over for a Latke Party, we couldn't resist! Friends AND fried food?? Count us in! Above, Ben realizes that the degree of difficulty involved in making sweet potato latkes is significantly increased once toddlers are involved.

It was a well-run operation I must say, and the latkes turned out dee-lish.

After dinner, Ben entertained the children (and blew the adults' minds) with the magic of the iPhone.

Loretta plays the Ocarina.

2009-01-16T23:54:00.003-05:00

O' Christmas Tree, O' Christmas Tree

We have a tradition now of going out to fell our very own Christmas tree.

The hunt is on for the perfect tree...

This looks like a good specimen.

The tree has no chance against such a nimble team.

Timbaaah!!

Voila! Instant Christmas memories! (and floor needles)

2009-01-16T23:31:00.004-05:00

Middle-Aged Mama!

In November, I turned the big 4-0! Luckily, it passed with more frolic than panic.

At home, everyone spoiled me rotten and made a big fuss over me.

Then I got to spend the weekend with my sibs in the Big Apple. It was one of the most fun weekends of my whole life.

We really crammed a lot of fun into three days, but I think Patricia's Facebook status update captured it best.

singleladiesbrasthaiUCBrumbroadwayfossepianobarsistertalk.

2009-01-16T23:23:00.003-05:00

Stoopendous Stoop Sale Why yes, we did have a stoop sale in mid-November...what's your point? My neighbor Royce and I hauled all our junk, er, treasures outside on a cold Saturday morning. We cranked the Beastie Boys, honed our haggling skills, and then counted our loot!

2009-01-16T23:18:00.002-05:00

Grandma (and Thanksgiving) Come To DC!

Happily, Grandma came to visit the many Pfeiffers now living in Washington, DC. Above she was showing us some beautiful photos from her recent trip to Russia.

Although the weather was brisk, we managed to get out for a hike in Rock Creek Park. Uncle Kurt gives young Henry a ride.

Here's Grandma climbing up a hill and working up an appetite for our big Thanksgiving dinner.

2009-01-16T22:51:00.003-05:00

Separated At Birth?

2009-01-16T22:36:00.003-05:00

Loretta Lou's Do

Some people (like Glenda) REALLY know how to fix Loretta's hair...

Others improvise...

2009-01-11T23:12:00.002-05:00

Learning The ABC's With Papa

2009-01-11T21:12:00.006-05:00

Sightseeing In DC After The Obama Victory

Well, we had to head to the Lincoln Memorial after the election. It just felt right. Todd and Henry enjoying some PB&J's while Loretta naps on the ground behind them.

On the way home we stopped by the Navy Memorial. I hope kissing random sailors doesn't become a habit with Loretta.

2008-12-03T12:38:00.006-05:00

Post-Obama Glow

And there was much rejoicing...

Obama won 93% of the vote in Washington DC, so there was literally singing and dancing in the streets of my neighborhood and the rest of our town. Henry and I came home at around midnight from an election party and young people were walking arm and arm and joyously singing God Bless America in the streets. Really. I was glad Henry got a chance to see that. Joan Baez was seen dancing in her bathrobe in front of the White House. (as were scores of others) (but not in their bathrobes)

Happy days are here again...

2008-12-02T14:45:00.007-05:00

Camping In The Shenandoahs

"Yay! We're going camping with the Bissells!!"

Les and Todd enjoying one of the best aspects of camping. Beers at 10am.

Henry helping Papa put up the tent.

Todd keeping away the bears with his FIERCE mustache.

Henry and Loretta share a tender moment right before a dazzling WWF takedown. I'll leave it up to you to guess who took down whom.

Keeping warm, and waiting for the 'smores.

There were many leaf piles that needed jumping in, and the kids didn't miss one.

Les and Lindy Bissell. Still newlyweds after several years of marriage.

2008-12-02T14:37:00.003-05:00

The Barbers Come To Visit On the prettiest autumn day you can think of, Todd's Aunt Ann and Uncle John Barber came to visit from upstate New York. The kids delighted in their company as did we.

2008-11-18T20:44:00.014-05:00

Halloween Arrives on Lamont Street

Halloween began at preschool where Henry is arm in arm with Pirate Sage and Charlie The Flash.

It ain't officially Halloween without a New Orleans Dixieland Tuba parade around the block.

Back at home taking a breather before the night's main events.

Looks like this punkin overindulged.

As did these crunchy characters...

Here's Athena in a rare still moment with the kids. She's the mastermind and godmother of Halloween on Lamont Street, an event that draws hundreds and hundreds of people to our street every year. Getting their begging gameface on.

Here's me and my honey. I was dressed up as...Todd Pfeiffer. For authenticity, I had a real Leatherman and a cheesy mustache.

Some of the crowd gathering for the costume contest. Sarah Palin was there...

Don't get that weenie too near an open fire! At some point in the evening, the Yip Yips showed up at our house. Now I'm an adult, and I had half an idea that they might be coming, and I was STILL TAKEN ABACK BY THEM.

Henry and the other kids were downright mesmerized.

Loretta only stopped freaking out when she saw it was really Ben and Lauren underneath. Are they cute or what??? Weeks later, Loretta is still talking about the Yip Yips. And the Lamont Street judges awarded them Best Adult Costume to boot!!

2008-11-18T11:47:00.008-05:00

Taking Some Punk Kids For Punkins

Recently, Loretta and I tagged along on Henry's school trip to Homestead Farm. It was a crisp, bright October day when we rode a fancy bus all the way to Poolesville, MD.

But of course, there's really only one authentic method of transport to a punkin patch. Hayride!

We met many sweet farm animals.

Played in the hay.

And then got down to bidness. Finding the perfect punkin.

Loretta worked feverishly picking and stockpiling about a dozen pumpkins, until we explained that we could only take one home.
Climbing on haystacks is fun!

2008-11-18T11:03:00.003-05:00

Sailing With Piers

Ahoy mateys! On a blustery day in mid-October, Henry and his trusty crew went for a sail on the Chesapeake Bay. Ben Shaw was good enough to invite the gang out on his day-sailor Wyvern. Captain Ben shows Henry some points of interest. "And that's where I hope to build a strip-mall soon. We could really use a floating Starbucks out here."
Les Bissell: mouth-breather

Papa and son enjoying the sail. Ben had to take the heft of Todd's mustache into account when tacking.
Lauren and Les thought the waves were just swell.

A worn-out first mate. Sailing can take a lot out of you!

2008-11-18T10:14:00.004-05:00

Hangin' With The Mt. P Homeys

Now that our time in DC is drawing to a close, I see all the sweet moments with our friends here in a different, bittersweet light. I know our friendships will continue, but it won't be the same as popping in and out of each other homes, impromptu moments, helping each other with our little ones at this intense time in our lives when were are overkidsed and underpatienced, as Erma Bombeck used to write. Here's some random moments when friends stopped in from next door or down the street.

How many Lamont Street kids can you fit on one bed?

Or one crib?Two beautiful Mt. P moms. That's Royce on the right, and Kristen holding Gavin. Beer and brownies night must live on somehow!

One lazy Sunday morning, we enjoyed a visit from Malika, Sage and Jonah.

When Frankie came over, Todd helped the kids to make cookies.Too many chefs may spoil the soup, but they definitely help make cookie batter lump-free.

Same kids, same kitchen, different day and project. This time it was making lemonade.

Henry CAN NOT BELIEVE Loretta is spiking the lemonade.

But I can.

Lemonade is even better when you add a few raspberries.

2008-10-16T14:52:00.011-05:00

More Fun In Arizona

While Richie and Gabriella's wedding was the main event of our Arizona travel, we went out a week early so we could spend time with Todd's wonderful cousins, the Churchills. Above, Henry and Loretta out enjoying a morning rowboat ride.Holding the coozie (an Arizona necessity) is Todd's Aunt Ellen and in red is Todd's cousin Alane. Alane and her husband Mark very graciously hosted us at their fab home for the week. It couldn't have been more comfortable or fun. Here's Eric and Nicko, who were messing with Alex about whether or not they would hold the boat steady so she could get in.

Todd's Uncle Bill and Grill Master Mark (his official hip hop name when he raps on the mic). Todd's cousin Paul the forest firefighter. He was good enough to stop by straight from the airport after a 3-week stint fighting fires in the Oregon forest. Sporting glasses is Todd's beautiful cousin Jackie, and on the left Sharon, a dear family friend and a kindred funky-mama spirit.

Can you spot the Washingtonians? From left, Alex, Jackie, Henry, Todd, Nicko, and Todd's Aunt Jean.

Thumbs up from Todd's cousin, Mark.

Jackie just about made Henry's life when she gave him Nicko's old Spiderman costume.

Mark and his special air-conditioned shorts, (a must in the Arizona heat).We also met up with my friend Jennifer, a cherished friend of mine from Cleveland advertising days. Above, Loretta plays with Jen's sweet daughters Alex and Maya.
Me and Jen, a friend I think the world of.
Here's Jen's husband Ron grinning for the camera. Ron and Jen up and relocated to AZ without knowing a soul, really. They started their own ad agency in Cleveland which they transported to Arizona, and now it -- and they -- are flourishing. I wish I had some pictures of their back yard and town. It was Wile E. Coyote territory for sure. An area with a real rugged beauty and sense of place. I hope this is the first of many reunions between our families.

2008-10-16T11:57:00.010-05:00

Richie and Gabriella Wed

After a whirlwind courtship (10 years), Richie and Gabriella decided to throw caution to the wind and get married. Happily, they invited us along to Phoenix to join in on the fun!

I call this one, "Herding Cats."

Why yes, there WAS an actual brilliant rainbow that came out moments after their ceremony. They had to pay EXTRA for that. My dapper son, the 1920's banker.

This was taken SECONDS after we arrived at the Desert Botanical Garden. Todd said, "Take it quick! Before they get dirty!!!" Good call.

Tricia holding Phoebe Field, the youngest and most adorable wedding guest. My old man planting one on my beak. We were enjoying the prickly pear margaritas the bride and groom thoughtfully provided to everyone immediately following the ceremony.
These are Gabriella's parents Garthanne and Eddy. They are shown above at one of the MANY incredible events they planned. I told them they should go into professional wedding planning. Both of them are so creative. You should have seen the myriad special touches the wedding and pre-wedding events had. My favorite was the deLUSCIOUS Dim Sum they hosted at their house the day after the wedding. Beyond wonderful.
My mom and pop transcended a lot to be at the wedding. My father WALKED DOWN THE AISLE UNASSISTED. For those of you following the story of his knee replacement surgery, you know what a miracle that was. We were all very emotional and grateful that day for many reasons, and that was
surely one of them.
Wild girl dancing at the wedding.

The Intrusos!! Sam, Todd and Tim hold a beautiful Gabriella aloft.

If you like, you can see (hundreds) more wedding pix at http://picasaweb.google.com/Adrianadifranco

They're in Arizona Part 1 and Part 2.

Thank you to Tricia and Sam, the real shutterbugs of the family, from whom I stole most of these pictures.

2008-10-10T13:06:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Nonno!

This year was something of a subdued birthday for my father, as he spent it in a rehab clinic trying to rehabilitate his knee after surgery. The kids tried their best to send him some love and good cheer.

2008-10-09T23:28:00.003-05:00

Breslins Descend On DC...

Little Miss Sarah Breslin came to town this summer to visit her Uncle Tom. She and my kids wasted no time in becoming fast friends.

Luckily, the Zoo had their misters on that day and we just ran the kids through them to clean off.

Henry and Loretta making spaghetti sauce -- a DiFranco tradition that apparently skips a generation.

Exploring Rock Creek.

Here, Loretta prepares to do major damage to some sports car across the creek.

2008-10-09T23:19:00.005-05:00

Scouting Out North Carolina

So a few months after we made the decision to move to Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, we decided it might be a good idea to visit it for the first time. (true)

This is us at at Pullen Park, a super-cool city park in Raleigh. We were joined there by our wonderful DC friends Peter, Farrar, and Miles and Porter who coincidentally happened to be visiting NC family at the time.

Why yes, we are posing with a statue of Andy Griffith and Opey Taylor. Andy is a proud NC native son and has done a lot for the state over the years.

Our kids doing some boating while Farrar and Peter look on.

When pigs fly!!

Farrar introduced us to the yummy local tradition of LocoPops. They're made in the Mexican tradition of paletas and come in unusual flavors like mojito, mango chile and plum black pepper. Loco!
Peter and Farrar on her mom's front porch in Durham. In this photo, Farrar has decided not to speak to Peter until he shaves. ;)

Not only did P&F show us around the area, they even TOOK OUR KIDS OFF OUR HANDS for a few hours so we could look around in peace. Above, the boys concoct some major magic in a special cauldron found in the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

2008-10-08T22:57:00.010-05:00

Showering Richie & Gabriella

In August, our clan got together in Cleveland to throw a big ol' wedding shower for Richie and Gabo. (photos are wonky because they're from Estela's camera and were compressed in the sending)

My mother, the shower mastermind and hostess with the mostest.Richie carrying in the first of 231 gifts.

We were enjoying each other's company immensely. Loretta was enjoying that roll immensely. "I love brunch!!"
Tricia kept the troops entertained with a "relationship quiz" to see who knew the most about the engaged couple. I had no idea they had their first kiss in my parent's basement!!! In front of the stuffed deer head, no less! Scandalous.

Rosetta and Mary Lou sharing a laugh.

Lora holding little Miss Phoebe. Now what could this be? I gotta' say, these two were the most gracious, entertaining and poised couple I've ever seen at a shower. They hit just the right tone.
Stealing a smooch.

Not everyone found the shower enthralling. These pretty boxes contained the shower bonbonniere, a stainless steel toothpick dispenser, (toothpicks are oft-used tools in Italian homes). The line on the box reads "True Love Is Easy To Pick Out." Love that line. Go Trish!

The biggest surprise of the shower came at the very end when my father made an unannounced appearance. He was a week post knee-replacement surgery and until this moment had been horizontal. There was a great cheer and sustained applause when he walked into the reception hall. It really meant a lot to all of us that he made it there.

2008-10-08T22:45:00.003-05:00

My Kind Of Town... Chicago is... In August, a hardware trade show was just the excuse we needed to visit our beloved Chicago friends Aaron, Becky, and Anya.

We had even more fun this visit than the last, which is saying something.

The pix above are from the now infamous photo booth we have a tradition of visiting at the wonderful Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park. (click them to enlarge)

Anya, Henry and Loretta really enjoyed frolicking at the beach a few blocks away from Aaron and Becky's place.

They are all good eggs and definitely "coconuttos" a term of endearment Henry has coined.

2008-09-15T16:10:00.004-05:00

Naked Chefs

I think it was Harry S. Truman who first said, "If you can't stand the heat, get out the clothing!"

2008-09-15T16:01:00.003-05:00

Loretta's Big Day Out With Papa

Sometimes a girl just needs some time alone to have fun and bond with her Papa.

Getting all cleaned up to go out.
"Papa, look at that lady snapping pictures of us!"
Loretta in front of the Smithsonian Castle where she and Todd took in the Jim Henson exhibit at the Ripley Center.
"Ha ha! I'm touching everything!"

"I'm Carnac the Magnificent!"

2008-09-15T15:24:00.003-05:00

Traveling Back In Time

The most fun activity we did this summer was attending the Maryland Renaissance Fair. It was a really big hit, not just for the kids, but for us as well. It's a community set deep in the woods near Annapolis with semi-permanent buildings. It was really a trip. Great food, great entertainment, great eccentrics.

"Hail and well met, m'lord!"

Up close and personal with a knight.

Uncle Tom gives a boost.

How can you beat free pony rides???? Answer: you can't! We got in line twice!

There was real jousting!

I think everyone's favorite carnival game was the "Dunk-A-Wench Booth." God's bread, that wench was clever with her taunts to the throwers!

2008-09-15T15:19:00.001-05:00

A Relaxing Nook

2008-09-15T15:07:00.003-05:00

Importing Pfeiffers

Now that Uncle Kurt has moved to town, there's plenty of fun to be had! Kurt has moved to DC to help us run the hardware store. He has been beyond helpful with the store and with the kids. We are so lucky to have him here. And it goes without saying that the kids adore him.

He sure knows his way around a dinosaur puppet.

And he makes a great landing pad.

2008-09-15T14:55:00.005-05:00

School Daze

September brought with it the first day of school! Henry was thrilled to return to ALG and see all his old friends.

Loretta is psyched to go every morning, too. I wish they could both go, but she's not old enough, plus she'd probably take over the place and have the other children do her bidding.

Here's a photo album the school sent out of some cooking they did last week.

http://picasaweb.google.com/CElkins123/FriedGreenTomatoes?authkey=zvP_Gk9foNQ#

2008-09-15T12:20:00.007-05:00

One Morning In Mt. Pleasant, DC

Here's a slice of our lives: how we spent one rainy morning in Mt. Pleasant.

When we woke up to rain, the kids were delighted to go out and splash in it.

Then we headed to the plaza at the top of our street where Henry was placed in Kid Jail. (a favorite pastime)

Next we walked up to the hardware store to visit Papa and play with his toys.

Chains!

Papa sure must have fun all day in this playland!

And then a quick stop to run through and watch the laundry in the laundromat next door.

They have tasty candy machines!

And back to the plaza to play with friends. (Loretta and Siena)

Phew!

2008-09-15T12:19:00.002-05:00

Summertime Slurp!

Loretta Lou Hoo multitasking at the Zoo.

Slurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrp!

What could be more delicious than a hot dog from a vending machine?!

The favorite part of the National Zoo for my kids -- the pump where you wash your hands before and after petting the animals.

2008-09-15T12:06:00.002-05:00

Seven Year Itch Begins!

Todd and I took a fun dinner cruise on the Potomac to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary.

Now what are you up to, Todd Pfeiffer?

The romance is still alive.

2008-09-15T12:05:00.001-05:00

Dirt Devils

Henry delights in the dirt at Rock Creek Park.

Monkey see, monkey do.

In concert.

I am so outta' here.

2008-09-15T12:00:00.003-05:00

You Can't Keep A Good Man Down

At the end of July, my father had knee replacement surgery.

That didn't keep him out of his garden, though. He is still very much on the mend. Recovery has not gone well and he developed a very serious Staph infection and had to have an emergency surgery. Currently, forty-days after his surgery, he is living at a Rehabilatation Clinic to finish his recovery. If you'd like to e-mail him good wishes and positive thoughts, his address is dino1939@hotmail.com

Here is my mother (my dad's round-the-clock nursemaid and an absolute saint) with the gruesome twosome.

2008-08-28T18:46:00.003-05:00

Go Nats!

On a bright sunny day a few weeks back we root root rooted for the home team, The Washington Nationals at their brand new ballpark.

Loretta liked the chili fries aspect of the game.

Henry the hillbilly liked running loose in the stadium.

It was all fun and games until we encountered a Tickle Monster on the loose! (Lauren)

And then Henry's head sprouted a metal pole. Uncle Kurt seemed nonplussed.

Photos are courtesy of Ben. You can see the whole album by going here. http://picasaweb.google.com/benjaminshaw/BaseballWToddOddAug32008?authkey=XxUT8lZjm-c

2008-08-07T13:04:00.001-05:00

Beach Bums

So we headed off to Litchfield Beach, SC in late July for a little family vacation. For those of you playing the home game, you will no doubt remember that Todd got down on one sandy knee and proposed marriage to me on this very beach 8 years ago.

Henry wasted no time in hitting the surf.

He and Todd elevated body surfing into an art form.

The whole lovely trip was organized by Chris and Hiromi Lowber. We had a great time with them, and our kids had a major blast with their kids Sarina and Shoma.

Mama and baby soaking up some sun.

2008-08-07T12:32:00.005-05:00

A Reel Adventure

Wanna' make a 3-year old's whole weekend? Take him fishing! Which is exactly what Todd and our good friend Wing did with Henry recently. They went out to Fletcher's Boat House and rented a rowboat for the day on the C&O Canal.

And caught some fish to boot!

Some fishes were as big as a boot!

A happy, silly fisherboy.

2008-07-22T00:23:00.003-05:00

Welcome To The World, Baby Girl!

After much anticipation, speculation, and perspiration (on Estela's part)...may we present the newest member of our family!

Phoebe DiFranco Field!

Here she is swaddled up tight and surrounded by her happy, adoring family.

Congratulations Tim and Estela!

Visit Patricia's blog for more info and pics. http://phatrish.livejournal.com/

2008-07-20T21:21:00.011-05:00

Ride of Passage

Hey, Henry got his first two-wheeler! I saw this spiffy red number in the thrift store two weeks ago and couldn't resist its training-wheel charms. After a preliminary spin in Lamont Plaza, Henry decided the bike needed a good wash. (is he his father's kid or what?)

Polishing the handle bars until they gleam.

He recruited Loretta too. They may give my uncle's Mohawk Car Wash a run for its money!

2008-07-20T21:15:00.003-05:00

Wrasslin' With Uncle Tom

We're lucky to have Uncle Tom living so close by. 'Specially since he doesn't mind the occasional Super-Fly Snuka Attack.

2008-07-20T21:14:00.005-05:00

I Want My Baby-Back, Baby-Back, Baby-Back Ribs

As has been well-documented in this Blog, my kids love them some ribs. Below, Henry gets in on their preparation.

Look at that concentration.

2008-07-20T21:13:00.016-05:00

Beating The Summer Heat

This summer has officially been the Summer of Splash Parks for me and the kids. Luckily, they're all over DC -- these little public playgrounds with some water feature . They're just the thing for active, water-loving kids and lazy moms. ;)

Above, Henry is running toward the camera delighted to be drenched. Loretta is walking away from the camera with her beloved Tupperware containers of water. We bring several of them to every park and she joyfully passes the time filling them up and dumping them over. If you could see how happy it makes her, you'd run right out and buy yourself some Tupperware.

The highly silly Loretta Lou Hoo.

2008-07-20T21:10:00.005-05:00

I Believe I Can Fly

The kids spreading their wings at the Rock Creek Nature Center.

2008-07-20T21:07:00.006-05:00

Estela The Procrastinator

Well, Estela's due date came and went and she's such a slacker that she didn't even bother to turn her project in on time.

But I forgive her.

2008-07-19T22:59:00.018-05:00

A Big Apple Fourth Of July

We decided to get out of Dodge for Independence Day and enjoy New York City.

Y'know, you can go WAY faster without all that friction of the extra shoe.

We kept Dan busy.And Colleen kept the kids busy. She made them practice Chopin for two hours before they could escape. Above she's saying, "You call that Legato?!"

Truth be told, Dan and Colleen's place in Sunnyside, Queens is like a magical emporium of wonder for children and adults alike. C&D could not have been more lovely or accommodating to us and the chitlins. We really felt welcome and comfortable. Above Henry plays with Dan's "Randomizer." You know...to randomize things.

While an earlier Blog post shows Loretta and Henry dancing to Dan's tune "I'm A Good Man Most Of The Time," here's the live performance!

Then we headed over to Manhattan to meet up with the usual suspects in Central Park. Here, Kevin, Julie, Todd and Jack participate in a heated round of Simon Says.

A great guy on The Great Lawn. (Tommy Breslin)

From the park, we walked over to Jack and Saghi's beautiful pad. Above, Jack quickly (and wisely) childproofs his home. He was a blur -- moving a Ming Vase here, an irreplaceable family heirloom there and throwing entire sheets over couches.

Above, Aaron nervously wonders if Heineken can stain a Persian Rug.

The next morning walking around in Sunnyside we came upon this little impromptu shearing session.

And then we rode kangaroos.Colleen: "Who knew kangaroo rides were available in my neighborhood?!"We also went to Dumbo to meet friends and see two of the New York City Waterfalls. They are part of a public art project. http://www.nycwaterfalls.org/

Henry and Ramón enjoyed hurtling rocks into the East River.

It was great to visit with our good friend Carlos, Marnie and Ramón. They know all the best kid spots in town, like this pirate ship playground.

Then back over to the Brennan-Ghaffaris for a fabulous dinner party capped off with Jack's Birthday Cake. We are eating cake because Jack is now 40, decrepit and old. I'm sure glad I'm still in my dewy, youthful thirties. Please note the way my children are hovering over that chocolate cake.

Here is Saghi, the hostess with the mostest and the mastermind behind getting us all together to celebrate Jack's demise, er, birthday.

The wonderful Julie Brennan was there. As was her delightful daughter Kara. Can these two charming souls really be genetically related to Jack? Astonishing. At some point in the party, Kara launched into a spontaneous solo round of charades. Above she was acting out, "Searching Through Skirts On A Store Rack." And Aunt Saghi guessed it!It's not really a party until someone gets to fly.
Sorry fellas, these two captivating lookers are taken.

Loretta watching the toy sailboats in Central Park.
Henry climbing on Alice.
Loretta plotting her toadstool climbing strategy.Some child rearing advice from Lewis Caroll.

Enjoying the day with old friends. And Jack.

2008-07-19T22:08:00.003-05:00

Southern Comfort

A couple of weeks ago, we got the happy call that our dear friends and former neighbors from Jacksonville, Florida would be coming through DC. We had such a good time reconnecting and sightseeing and introducing them to the new members of our family. Above Beth and Lauren hold the gruesome twosome.

Here's Merle, the pilot and impetus for this DC road trip. Merle is a lovely person and the world's bestest kindergarten teacher. I wish so much that we still lived across the street from her.

Lauren and the kids got on like a house on fire. Lauren has grown into a poised and lovely young lady.

It was quite shocking to see how much Lauren had grown. Todd and I still remembered her as the cute kid who lived next door. But time passes and children grow...that's their job. This was Lauren back in the day with her proud folks, Beth and Don.

It was so great to have some of the Dellwood Avenue Gang together again.

2008-06-29T23:07:00.005-05:00

The Other Famous Rose Garden in DCWe live in a row house on an alley. We're lucky because that means we get lots of sunlight from side windows. We're also lucky because the side wall of our house has hundreds and hundreds of roses. I don't know when they were planted, or by whom, and no one exactly tends them. But by god, when they all come into bloom it is something spectacular and fragrant to behold.
Here's Tommy Breslin taking time to smell the flowers.

2008-06-29T22:44:00.004-05:00

Thick As Thieves

Although they have their fierce moments with one another (think WWF cage matches), Henry and Loretta do manage to have a lot of fun together.

Taking in the classics...

Keeping their toy chest safe...

Scrub a dub dubbin'...

Creating chalk art installations...

Getting their shoes shined... Chillaxin at the pool...

Or just dancing to some really good music, (in this case singer-songwriter Dan Kilian).

Why yes, Loretta does have a piece of scotch tape on her nose in this clip. All the cool kids are doing it these days.

2008-06-29T22:31:00.005-05:00

Gramma In Capital City

We were happy to have Gramma Madeline come visit in June. We had a lot of fun together, and she was a great sport during a sweltering DC heat wave.

We celebrated her arrival with an inaugural trip to the Baltimore Aquarium. It was truly an incredible, jaw-dropping place. And I ain't even all that into fish.

We took in a dolphin show which the kids LOVED...

Loretta: "Hey, is this what they call sushi?"

2008-06-29T21:53:00.003-05:00

Memorial Day in Philly 2008

The whole fam damily (minus my folks) got together in Philadelphia over Memorial Day to relax and celebrate Miss Cora's second birthday. Here's the gang at Valley Forge, which turned out to be super-beautiful and lush.

And here is my precious, precious niece Cora talking about turning two. I have a feeling she may skip right over the terrible twos and land smack dab in the terrific twos.

Oh, and also...we're all pregnant.

2008-06-29T21:40:00.004-05:00

Welcome To Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom

Starring my children as wild animal tamers...

Here, Loretta subdues a wild dragon into submission.
And Henry auditions to be the new Roy in Siegfried and Roy.

[click to enlarge photos]

2008-06-27T21:00:00.004-05:00

Summer Campin ' ItFlashback to last year at this time...here was Henry on his first day of Summer Camp.

And here was Loretta on that same day.

Fast forward one whole year! Same camp, same boy, same turtle backpack.
(Thanks Aunt Estela & Uncle Tim) Click to enlarge.

And here's what Loretta did that day. Ta da! Made some cool dot art!
(she's a smidge more active than last year)

2008-06-27T20:51:00.004-05:00

Enjoying The Arboretum A couple of weeks back, Todd and Tom took the kids to the always gorgeous U.S. National Arboretum. It is immense and fabulous, yet nearly always devoid of people.

Henry pokes around in the Anacostia River.

And my lil' sweet pea finds a sweet pea tree.

2008-06-27T20:40:00.004-05:00

Loretta Tries On Some Cosmetics

So help me, she was left unsupervised playing with her toys for 4 minutes. I was folding laundry. I thought she was kind of quiet, so I went to check on her and found this. She had found my makeup bag, and in it, my Chanel Star Red lipstick. Click on the photo to see it in all its vivid, glamorous wonder.

"Mami, do you think this is my shade?"

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so of course I grabbed the camera.

...and that, dear friends, is the story of how I finally threw away all my makeup.

2008-06-27T00:28:00.002-05:00

Auctions Speak Louder Than Words

During the school year, Henry attends this wonderful playschool called Amazing Life Games. Each year they have an Auction and Family Carnival Day to raise money for the school. It's been going on for decades, and has grown to be a big annual event. Againt all common sense, the school put ME in charge of the event this year.

It turned out to be the biggest project I've ever handled in my career. And maybe also the most personally rewarding. We set out to raise 15K, and wound up raising 19K! It was a tremendous learning experience, great fun and a wonderful way to bond with other ALG Families.

Here's me and my friend, the deeply talented Carolyn Chang. This was the night before the auction as we set up the space and boogied to 80's hits.

The techno dweebies setting up the computers and database for check-out.

It's never too early to teach the kids the principles of marketing.

Auction Day!

2008-06-04T15:51:00.004-05:00

Scooptastic My parents have four grandchildren (for the moment). I would say that of these four, two are feisty firecrackers and two are mellow zensters. Up above are the two mellow yellows calmly sharing an ice cream cone.
And then a firecracker comes along. And then Sam gives all the kids Heineken. ;)

Here are Henry and Cora doing their cousinly ice cream thing on YouTube.

NOTE: NOT FOR THE GERMOPHOBIC!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVCpB70Eh9c

2008-05-28T11:11:00.003-05:00

Hangin' With The Daileyssamis

Colleen and Hamid bought a house! They had us over the other day to celebrate. Here, Henry keeps a close eye on Salma.

Loretta left some chocolate for the other guests...but not much.

Tom received a honorable mention for his good citizenship. He hasn't dipped anyone's pigtails in ink for well over a month.

ha ha ha Salma thinks all her parent's friends are funny!

2008-05-12T14:07:00.002-05:00

Playground EscapadesBlowing some bubbles with Loretta Lou. (who only wants to eat the bubble wand)
The way you say bubbles in Spanish is burbugas. It's one of those words your mouth just loves to say.

Here are the Orvetti Lads and Henry all anticipating a parachute toy I'm about to throw from a slide. Miles and Porter are SO happy because they might catch it, and Henry was so frustrated and sad because he might NOT catch it. There's an important life lesson to be learned here. I will let you ferret it out. We left this playground at 5:30 pm and Henry fell asleep in the car and didn't wake up until the next morning. So I suspect exhaustion had a little something to do with his world view that day.

Thank you Peter Orvetti for the pics!

2008-05-12T13:29:00.003-05:00

Kiwi Love

Last Friday night, I got to do something utterly, utterly fantastical. I got to see The Flight Of The Conchords in concert. I cannot remember the last concert I attended. (sad, I know) But I would have to reach back to being 19 years old and seeing Sting in concert at Purdue University to replicate the gelatinous insides and trembling fan girl feeling I had throughout this concert. It was that momentous.

When they finished their third encore and left the stage, I was still screaming for more. Then I began plotting a way to sneak onto their tour bus. For realsies.

My friend Rob Candia, somehow scored us tickets to this show. The two performances sold out in TEN MINUTES. And Rob got us primo seats, too! I think he may have used mob connections. In which case all I can say is, YAY MOB!

Arj Barker, the comedian who plays pawnshop owner Dave in the show was the surprise opening act. He was HYSTERICAL and I will have to find his stand-up CD.

If you don't know who FOTC are, do some poking around on YouTube to find clips of their HBO show. Here's a clip of one of their more beloved songs. And one from their show. (swoon)

Jemaine and Bret, if you are reading this (and I know you are because I send you the URL in all my perfume-soaked letters) please know that although I love my husband and children, I will gladly come join you and be your courtesan on tour. Yes...I would be your tourtesan.

2008-04-18T01:05:00.004-05:00

Daily Life With The Dynamic Duo

Loretta offers me support while I do the dishes...

She thoughtfully makes any stray morsels of fallen food disappear, so I don't have to vacuum...

"I think I'll call Papa on his store walkie talkie. But first I'll pretend to be Professor Poopy Pants."

Mohawk boy in bath.

2008-04-18T00:51:00.002-05:00

It's For the Birds! The bird feeder Todd set up isn't exactly working out the way we had imagined...

But now we have The Squirrel Channel to keep the kids entertained!

2008-04-18T00:32:00.005-05:00

Chillin' With The Mini-Pfeiffers "Yes, sometimes we sit in our toy bins. What of it?"

Loretta's a real city girl. Playing happily with Uncle Tommy.
Henry fell on the concrete recently and landed right on his old lip.

You think a fat lip is going to slow Henry down? No way.

I wasn't home when it happened. (thank god, cuz' it was a gusher) Todd called me at work to tell me. After I established that Henry was fine, and Todd explained to me how he looked, I said. "Great. It's not like he has his school picture tomorrow or anything." Which of course, he did...

I kept giving him Otter Pops all the night before and that morning...

I think he dug that fat lip, big time.

2008-04-17T23:52:00.008-05:00

O Steel

Some Carribean flava' wafted through Lamont Plaza in March as the kids from Oberlin Steel played their steel-drummed hearts out. Here's the tail end of their performance above. This 20-member band was AMAZING. The fact that this many Oberlin students were so near my house was of course, disconcerting, but nothing seemed to be missing afterwards. ;) The Obies were on their Spring Break and traveled to DC to play in a formal concert with DC's own Pan Masters Steel Orchestra.

Here's Todd and Loretta cavorting with two members of the group.

Our friend Chris juggled.

And Loretta tried to figure out what the heck these Ohio hippies were doing in our neighborhood.

Here s'more about Oberlin Steel in DC. Some of these shots (where the kids are being interviewed mostly) were shot in Mt. P.

2008-04-17T23:34:00.005-05:00

Bok Bok! Thanks Eastah Bunny!

On a night-before-boarding-a-morning-plane whim, I decided to go home with the kids to Cleveland for Easter. Sadly, Todd had too much work to come, but Estela and her family visited too and we had a good old time at my parent's house. Sweet Cora and her bunny rabbit friend.
The egg dyeing tradition. Tim concentrates on his dipping technique. Nonno and the boys shovel some Easter snow.
How did that clever rabbit know the first letter of each of the kids' names??
Henry was psyched about his Easter basket.
Nico was psyched about his candy carrot.

Loretta was psyched that she was handed a basket filled with chocolate and candy at 9 in the morning. She quietly ate everything in her basket and then moved onto anything within her grasp.
But it's okay, because she worked it off later.

The Easter Bunny hid all the eggs in my parent's basement.
Henry thought he found one!

2008-04-17T23:17:00.010-05:00

Hollyweird Comes To Mt. Pleasant

So the big crew and cast of a fancy schmanzy Hollywood Film came to our corner of the world a couple weeks back. The movie State of Play filmed all around DC and made a special stop right in front of and above our hardware store. The production crew arrived three days in advance of the shoot to prepare and install a new Pfeiffer's Hardware sign.

Russell Crowe's character, a scruffy journalist, is supposed to live above our hardware store. So there were some exterior shots of Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe walking on our street, as well as some interiors of the apartment. Even though I am the self-admitted People Magazine addict, it was actually Todd who was in his seventh heaven. He spent days becoming friends with the 50 or so production crew who milled around our store, redid our display window, and painted and fixed and lit the apartment upstairs.

This is a fake machine belonging to the "Washington Globe" the fictitious newspaper Russell Crowe's character works for.

Do you think Ron Price picked this weekend to visit us by chance, or because he wanted to see the movie production?? That's our friend Caesar holding Loretta Lou. Caesar had the privilege (?) of putting his hands on Russell Crowe's chest to hold him back and calm him down when Russell became enraged at an obnoxious member of the public who was interrupting filming. True story.

The night they actually shot, there were something like 300 people standing in and around the plaza in front of the hardware store hoping to catch a glimpse of the stars. It was a carnival-like atmosphere. Really, really fun and different and bizarre and TOTALLY FREAKING COOL!
Russell was pleased.
Ben was pleased.

We were beside ourselves.

The movie comes out in April 2009. And unless the entire scene winds up on the editing room floor (which happens), Pfeiffer's Hardware should make it into the movie!

2008-04-17T23:03:00.004-05:00

Fire In Mt. Pleasant A few weeks ago, a devastating fire broke out on Mt. Pleasant Street a few blocks from our house. The fire leveled a 4-story apartment building and was the first 5-alarm fire in 30 years in DC. In an absolute out and out miracle, no one was killed or hurt from the blaze. All the residents managed to get out safely. Two hundred people were displaced and wound up standing in the street with nothing more than their pajamas on their backs.

In the weeks that followed, our entire community (and many others) pitched in to help the displaced residents as best as we could. Big-hearted neighbors contributed at the hardware store, and we raised more than $10,000. And after being deluged with donations, they finally had to ask people to stop donating clothes, food, and furniture. It was a hard thing to see the pain these residents have gone and are going through, but it was a marvelous thing to see so many neighbors unite and help one another.

This is quite a 'hood we live in. I'm so grateful to be a part of it.

*photo credit Brandon Wu.

2008-04-15T22:01:00.001-05:00

April Showers When those April showers hit, Gabriela and Henry will be ready!

2008-03-18T21:54:00.007-05:00

Encyclopedia Brown and The Case

Of The Flashing Toilet

So one day, our toilet stopped flushing. These things happen. It's an imperfect world. But Todd noticed that when he looked down into the bowl, there seemed to be a flashing red light down there blinking. That sounded suspiciously to me like Henry's FireFly toothbrush which blinks red, and had also gone missing.

So Todd spent THREE HOURS taking apart every piece of the toilet. Snaking it, snaking everything, and while he had it all apart, replacing parts and readhering pieces. (sometimes it's handy to own a hardware store) So after three hours, he yells, "Hey I found something!"

He'd found the toothbrush.

It looked something like this, only...not quite as pristine. The toothbrush blinks so kids know how long to brush. So the question remained. Who done it?

Was it that cagey vixen Loretta Lou Who? She had the opportunity and the interest. Playing in the toilet bowl is her #1 favorite thing to do. (besides all-you-can-eat-buffets) Up 'til now though, I'd never seen her be able to flush the toilet.

Or was it Handsome Hank? He had the motive. He's not a big fan of oral hygiene. And he is able to flush the toilet.

Well, we did some sleuthing and extracted a confession...

It was Colonel Pfeiffer in the conservatory with the FireFly.

And he promised he'd never to do it again.

2008-03-18T14:57:00.005-05:00

Baby's First Salon Trip

Loretta the hippie got her first haircut recently.

She just got her bangs trimmed so her vision was no longer impaired.

And just like when you get your hair cut, she got a sucker during the trim. Yes, she did get hair all over that sucker. Yes, we did have to take it away from her and rinse it. Yes, she did scream like a banshee.

A unqualified pig-tailed success!

[click to enlarge]

2008-02-29T11:02:00.004-05:00

On February 24th, my parents celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Wowzers! This is the ad my sibs and I placed in their hometown paper, much to my mother's mortification.

We celebrated this milestone event with a whirlwind family trip (minus tots and husbands) to NYC. Tricia and Sam, Gabriella and Richie were excellent hosts and planned lots of fun activities as well as nonstop gastronomical delights. You can see pictures of the debauchery here. http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=10znfdrq.92so2852&x=0&y=ju7wn

2008-02-28T01:09:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, Mr. President

For President's Day, Todd took the kids to go see a couple.

Or at least the monuments named after them.

2008-02-28T00:43:00.007-05:00

When Nonnos Come To Town

This could be a Discovery Channel nature show about how much homemade cavatelli, homemade pizza and homemade cooking a person can eat before they explode.

My parents came to town and we took them to the Rock Creek Nature Center where Henry tried on a new set of antlers.

Later, we planted basil and oregano from seeds we sell at the hardware store.

We are watching them sprout a little more every day. My father took home a few packs like this, and he says his favorite part of the day is coming home and checking to see how much they've grown. With Spring around the corner, can homemade pesto be far away?

My parents marvelled at how much Loretta likes to eat grapefruit.

...and everything else put in front of her. God bless.

One night, my parents cooked and we had a family dinner with Ben, Colleen, Hamid, Salma, and Tom. After dinner, Ben brought out a present for Henry. It was a whoopee cushion! Henry didn't know what it was exactly, but he asked Nonno to blow it up.

We told him to put it on the floor and sit on it.Ready, set..... Ppfffffttttt!!!

Oh my gosh, he laughed like a crazy man when it made the noise. Then he did it again and again and again. We taught him to say "Pardon Me," and "Sorry," afterwards. He did it so many times and with such gusto that he finally broke it. If any of you out there have a 3-year old in your life, this is the perfect gift.

Thank you Ben Shaw for the cushion, the comic relief and the photography.

2008-02-28T00:35:00.001-05:00

The Art of The Matter

Sometimes it's fun to paint with a brush. (Henry and Gabriela)

But it's more fun to paint with your fingers!

Loretta agrees.

2008-02-28T00:27:00.003-05:00

Lovey Duv Duv Day

Here's my two cherubs in their Valentimes Day outfits courtesy of Nonna and Nonno.

Loretta learned what Conversational Hearts were and tried to eat an entire box by herself. Then she snuck her way into a box of chocolates. I think she's going to be a big fan of this holiday.

Check out the pizza bread my father made my mother for Valentine's Day.

Are they cute or what?

2008-02-28T00:21:00.005-05:00

Future Professions

Loretta: "I'm going to be a doctor when I grow up."

Henry: "I'm going to be a monkey."

2008-02-28T00:17:00.001-05:00

Buzzworthy Fashion

Henry: "I loves my bumble bee slippers!!"

Thank you Colleen Fellingham!

2008-02-28T00:11:00.002-05:00

Botanical Sabbatical

On a particularly cold wintry day, we retreated to the lush and balmy splendor of the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Surrounded by greenery.

Loretta liked the floor especially.

Apparently, Henry did too.

2008-02-28T00:08:00.001-05:00

The Three Gay Plaid Caballeros

Nuff said, really.

2008-02-28T00:00:00.001-05:00

Into The Woods

Even though we live in the heart of the city, we are a short walk away from the woods of Rock Creek Park.

Off to the woods with Papa.

A few blocks, and voila! Nature.

A wicked-cool tree.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

2008-02-27T23:48:00.002-05:00

Salma Arrives!

In mid January, the very beautiful Salma was born to Colleen and Hamid.

And of course, on the very same day, a loving mama was born.

And a proud papa was born.

And a blog was born!

http://salmasworld.blogspot.com

I've added Salma's blog to our links section, and also added some other families we're awfully fond of. Look on the right hand side of this page under the Blog Archive.

2008-02-27T23:36:00.004-05:00

A Typical Weekday Morning At Our House

Before I had kids, I was one of those people who DRAGGED their sorry self into work and arrived half-asleep desperately craving coffee. I always wondered why the people with kids seemed so chipper. Now I understand.

2008-02-27T23:07:00.004-05:00

Friends From Hither And Yon

One thing we will surely miss about DC if we ever move away is the fact that so many people we know and love happen to pass through here. Recently, we've had a spate of ne'er do wells, er, old friends come over to visit.

Pete Kope got to know Loretta. And she got to know his cell phone.

Pete doing his best Luciano Pavarotti impersonation. Michele seems unimpressed. These two professional dancers are hard at work on their next production. Their little baby boy is due this summer.

Dr. Kevin Kinser stopped by to hang out with us, although Henry seems to be doing most of the hanging around courtesy of Tom.

It was great fun seeing Kev and having him get to know our kids.

World traveler Lisa Doherty took a mini-break from globetrotting to come see us.

She is back in Chengdu, China now, teaching English to college students.

A fabulous photo of the fabulous Trevor Colas.

Which makes up for this one of Aaron and Todd.

2008-02-27T22:57:00.002-05:00

Futon Fun

So one night, these two spent twenty delighted minutes climbing up ONTO the futon, then jumping (and squealing) off said futon. Cheap thrills in the DiPfeiffer household I tell you. After we put the kids to bed, Todd and I did the same thing for about an hour.

Woo-hoo! Ouch.

2008-02-27T22:52:00.002-05:00

Red Plate Day

This is old news but...way back when in October, I started a part-time job! I done forgot to share that with you all. I masquerade three days a week as a Senior Copywriter for a small ad agency in Bethesda called August, Lang, & Husak. I really like it, and I really like the people. Here I am eating dinner on my first night after work. In Todd's family growing up, if someone had a "Red Lettter Day" like a birthday or a special occasion, then they got to eat dinner on a red plate. I thought that sounded like an excellent tradition and so we adopted it. My mother-in-law Madeline even got us a red place setting one year for Christmas.

2008-01-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

A One-Derful BirthdayIf you know Loretta at all, you know she likes pasta. A lot.

Holla!

(Lorettaghetti photography by the incomparable Johnny Stuhldreher ably assisted

by the deeply talented Tami Hatch)So when she turned one, we knew we already had a theme for her party...

Spaghetti! Athena was there.Tommy and Colleen were there. G. and Hamid were there!

Ben and Erik the super-lush were there!

"I'll drink to that!" Even Aunt Estela and Cora and Nico came in for it! Cora REALLY

liked the marinara sauce Uncle Todd made.So did Loretta!
Singing the song and making it official.
She seemed to enjoy the chocolate cake a little bit.
So did Henry.
Here she was on her original birthday. Awww...

Now look what she can do! (only she does it right side up)

2008-01-13T14:15:00.000-05:00

Kicking Off The New Year Right!Estela and Tim invited us to their Rio de Janeiro New Year's.

(a genius concept that allows us to drink rum AND count down to midnight at 9pm)

Here's Stel in her harlequin best.

Drumming up a good time.

DO NOT ADJUST YOUR MONITOR. That's just the Field Boys

sporting matching shirts, caps and beards. (Tim and Sam)

Blue Steel.
Lizy just thought that was too much.
"Wanna cookie?? I just picked it up fresh from the floor."

2008-01-13T13:18:00.000-05:00

Big Boy Turns Three!

Although he is the incarnation of Evil Knievel, Henry has still managed to keep racking up birthdays. To celebrate his third, we invited 5 of Henry's friends for a party at the Air and Space Museum. This is a rare shot of the children sitting still. They were watching a presentation on the principles of flight. Mostly they just ran around, shrieking and looking at impossibly cool things.

Later we retired to the museum food court for some much needed pizza and pop.

Kim and Todd enjoy a bite.Happy Birthday Henry-bear!
No matter how big he gets, he'll always be my baby.

He actually shared his cupcakes! Talk about maturity!

Fast forward to one day (and one haircut) later. We drove to Stel & Tim's house in Philadelphia for their famous New Year's bash, and celebrated again on Henry's actual birthday.

Brownies! Let me at 'em!

Deelish.

A Waltz Down Memory Lane

Henry at Birthday Zero.

Henry near Birthday One.

Henry at Birthday 2.

The time...how she flies!

2008-01-11T00:16:00.000-05:00

Kentucky Krissmas

Some real, real clean Pfeiffers. (Aiden, Slone, Henry & Loretta)

Some real, real silly Pfeiffers.

Uncle Kurt makes the perfect playground.

...and airport.

Brett & Vanessa collaborate to make a delicious Christmas Eve roast.

The decked out Christmas tree in Brett & Vanessa's beautiful home.

Our family Christmas morn'. I swiped the coonskin cap that Santa brought Henry.It was a busy Christmas morning opening scads of gifts. Ain't we lucky?

New Matchbox cars and Lightning McQueen slippers. Does it get any better than that?

Something came over me (like maybe eggnog), and I offered to make Christmas breakfast. I whipped up some New Orleans French Toast ala Ron Price. It actually came out good. Thanks Ron!

Loretta seemed to approve.

The Pfeiffer brothers recreating a 1976 Christmas photo.

Over at Gramma's the kids received fancy new outfits!

Check out the matching sweaters!

Cousin Henry sure makes a comfy pillow. The super-sweet Sloney Slonenstein.
Henry dons Slone's outfit Part 1.

(a cool belly dance outfit that Gramma brought Slone from Turkey)
An acrobatic belly dancer!
Henry dons Slone's outfit Part 2.

(the Wicked Witch of the West)

Brett: "Lord help us. He's turning out just like Todd."

Henry wears funny teeth Part 1.

Henry wears funny teeth Part 2.
And Loretta just really loves her carbs.

2008-01-10T23:10:00.000-05:00

Christmas Comes To Mt. Pleasant Smack dab in the middle of Santa and the Three Reyes is little Loretta Lou Who trying very hard to understand what the heck is going on.
Merry Mariachi!
Papa and his bundled up duo.

Feliz Navidad!

2008-01-10T21:55:00.000-05:00

Showering Colleen & Hamid Although they protested mightily, we still managed to throw the Daileyssamis a proper baby shower. Here they are playing a silly baby shower game. The exact thing they feared the most.
Tommy tries to figure out some celebrity babies.

Ben holds on tight to the chubby chubster.

Jenny Quick demonstrates her extensive People Magazine knowledge.

Here are the girls who threw the shower. Cristina (holding Erica) Melissa and me. It should be noted that Colleen threw each of us a baby shower. We were delighted to return the favor.

2008-01-10T21:43:00.000-05:00

Seven Crazy Nights

Our neighbor David created a wholly original and very funny Hanukkah puppet show for the kids.

A rapt audience.
Oy vay! David made everything by hand with materials from the hardware store!
An incredible shadow display.

2008-01-10T16:18:00.000-05:00

Even More Argentina Pix

Todd Pfeiffer, Swimwear Model Nonna surrounded by her favorite company..

Having our own backyard was heavenly. We could play baseball...
Make mudpies... Or just get naked. Here are Todd and Tim carrying their precious cargo at a local amusement park.
Nonno carrying some precious cargo too.
I call this one "Detente." It can't be easy having 13 crazy foreigners visit you. But my aunt Lily managed to make it all seem easy. She was the perfect, gracious host. Gustavo and my uncle Nino char some flesh.

Loretta and Todd go for a spin.

"Hey! I like South America!""Just cuz' I'm on vacation, doesn't mean I stop working out."

Instant family portait!
It ain't easy keeping Argentine hours.
Me and Tricia chillin.'
For my birthday, Todd made a cake and had all the kids help.Hard at work.
Ta-da! My chocolate and corn flake birthday cake!
My birthday present was a wonderful date with my husband to downtown Buenos Aires.
Here we are in La Boca. ...and with a new friend.
My zonked out kids after a taxi ride.

Totally refreshed!
We rented a big house a couple of blocks from my aunt and uncle in the gated country club community where they live. This was the clubhouse.
Matching gritty grins.
Polenta. One of the many heavenly meals my parents made.

Monkey on the monkey bars.
Nonno with his hands full.
Nico and Henry making bread at the wedding reception which we later ate!

Intrusos unite!

(Tim, Gabriella, and Todd)

A typical night...