Sky and Chris Visit

Sky and Chris came down to see us and we went wine tasting at some of the surrounding vineyards. We love taking people to Kluge Estate, one of the most beautiful and peaceful settings in which to sip wine!

Reunion with Philly Friends

This is a great story. About two months ago, Violet and I were at the grocery store when we passed a lady and her daughter with a shopping cart. Both the lady and I kept walking, then stopped, turned, stared at each other, and then got very excited to see one another. Letran, Jason, and I used to be in a college group at our church in Philadelphia and we had lost touch when she and her husband, Rob, moved away with the Navy. Turns out Rob left the Navy and is now in law school, so they will be living here for the next few years! We had them over for Jason's annual Easter feast of Mediterranean/Middle-Eastern food. They now have two kids and one on the way!

Egg Hunt 2009

We are a bit late on this post, but wanted to share a few Easter pictures. Violet enjoyed decorating the eggs and we did several egg hunts throughout the weekend. We talked about the death of our Lord, but the eggs were more tangible for a little girl. Recently, though, she got very excited when she saw a telephone pole that looked like a cross and she shouted triumphantly, "Jesus died on the cross!" So, there are some connections being made there.

DC Cherry Blossom Festival

The blossoms were beautiful...the crowds were unbelievable! Never again on a weekend! The winds were strong and blew many of the blossoms away within a few days of taking these photos, so it's a good thing we went when we did.

Fun in Arizona

Hole In the Rock

We went out to AZ to see Grandma and Grandpa and had a great time climbing up "Hole In the Rock." The last time we climbed it, Laurel was pregnant with Violet, so it has now become a family tradition. Baby #2 has now made the trip!

A Belated St. Patty's Day to You!

Christmas is over and through;
New Year and Valentine's, too.
We truly do hate
When we pro-cras-tin-ate
So it's "Happy St. Patty's" to you!

Jason continues to sweat
At his job where he hopes he will get
A grant that pays
For his grad students' ways
And the research expenses be met.

Laurel is doing just great
As her body works hard to gestate.
Just to be clear,
Come September this year,
The Chrumas will be one-half of eight.

Violet is growing up fast,
In June three years will have passed!
And as a rule,
She enjoys her preschool
With five other girls in her class.

"GO CARDINALS!" that was the cheer.
The memories still bring a tear.
As with our "Christmas" letter
We hoped for much better.
Of course, there is always next year.

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2009!
Love, The Chrumas