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

Random Acts of Cuteness

This is a song that Violet is learning in pre-school. We recently learned that there is another verse to it, but we have had difficulty capturing Violet singing it on film. Also, the fact that the last verse tends to make Mommy cry doesn't help.
(Last Verse as sung by Violet: "I could never make one; even I could try. Only God in heaven can make a blutterfly.")

Little EMT

Violet proudly points to her expert application of first aid to Mommy's lip. Thankfully, this was the only injury reported for the infamous noggin vs. lip incident.

How Do You Bring in the New Year?

The Arsenal


Trying to stay awake until midnight


Little Celebrator


Cheers!