The Goldston Family

WCAC Championship...Go Falcons!!

2010-11-23T19:17:00.003-05:00

Another WCAC Championship game, and yes, another Good Counsel v DeMatha championship game. The girls and I only made it for the 2nd half (after ballet), but it was worth going to!! The girls meet up with the Maurano sisters!
Can you find Clay?

The girls with their favorite coach after the game!

Alex had her fingers painted in Good Counsel colors - navy and gold

(which also happen to be Highland colors!)

Kirstin and Campbell

Falcons blow away DeMatha!! WCAC Champions for the 2nd year in a row!

Dinner in Frederick

2010-11-22T19:16:00.003-05:00

It's always nice to go to Frederick for dinner with the Derrick family!! The girls got the head of the table

(probably because they are little enough to fit down that way!)

Debbie and Walti were there!
Sam and Clay being silly!

The girls with cousin Walti

Campbell and Sam (thanks for bringing Zola with you!)

GG and Pop Pop with 4 of their 10 great-grandchildren

Sisters!

2010-11-14T19:16:00.001-05:00

Fashionista

2010-11-10T19:10:00.000-05:00

Campbell gets herself dressed...

Hi Walti!

2010-11-05T22:11:00.000-05:00

Being at the National Harbor had it benefits - we were closer to Alexandria and got to visit Debbie, Walter and Walti!

Weekend Visit to the National Harbor

2010-11-05T21:48:00.004-05:00

We had cancelled a weekend trip during the summer, so decided to rebook when the girls had a long weekend. Because we still had football, ballet and Halloween, we decided to stay close to home and head on over to the National Harbor. And since we booked so close in, it was wonderful having 3 bedrooms! Sydney loved having a room of her own. Alex and Campbell loved sharing a room, but neither got much sleep!! It's still a growing area, and because of the time of year, it wasn't crowded at all. The girls favorite thing was the Awakening. Everytime we left our room, they wanted to see it and take a climb aboard!Dinner at the Cadillac RanchThey placed us in the back table and is was loud - perfect for us since we seated Alex and Campbell together!Look!! Peeps store!!And we had to go check things out (and buy something for Walti!)Eating at Ketchup for lunch. We got an appetizer of 3 different french fries and 5 different types of ketchup!The AwakeningHaving a seatClimbing around! Campbell wouldn't go near it though!Sunset from McLoone's Pier HouseWatching the sunsetThe girls loved the cow bench at Ben and Jerry's

The girls with Jake from "Life is Good"!

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T21:39:00.000-05:00

Mummy hot dogs for dinner before heading out to trick-or-treat!!
After much debate, Sydney decided to be a devil

Tigers and lions and bears, oh my!

Hello, Hannah Montana!

Ready to trick-or-treat!

First house, next door. Every time we left Campbell would ask "Can we go to another house?"

Checking out her stash - lollipops and starburst are her favorites!

Hmmm...what to choose first??

Alex goes for a peanut butter cup

Grandma and Grand-daddy came trick or treating with us and are now ready to share the candy!

Halloween at Highland

2010-10-30T20:00:00.006-05:00

It was a very busy Friday at Highland! Between "Math-querade Balls" for both girls, as well as Halloween parties for each (one of which was also a birthday party for Alex's teacher), Campbell and I spent most of our day having fun at Highland!

Each of the classes each decorates a pumpkin to represent a character from a book. All the kids then vote on their favorite. Unfortunately neither was a winner, but both so cute! Alex's class made Skippyjon Jones

Sydney's class made the Cat in the Hat

Sydney with her best friends Samantha and Anna Alex and her new best friend, Vy

"Nelly" came to hang out with us. Campbell loves her, can you tell?

Alex at her class party decorating cookies

Two of our favorite teachers at Highland, Ms. Thompson and Mr. Freiss! Campbell "oinked" and "mooed" all day and night telling us about their costumes (missing from the picture were Mrs. Dorsey, the chicken and Mrs. Falcone, Farmer Brown).

Pumpkin Carving!

2010-10-27T19:59:00.003-05:00

Campbell is thinking "Umm...not sure what the heck I am doing holding this pumpkin top..."
Mommy starts..
This is the design that Sydney and Alex created. It was supposed to have eyelashes, but too bad I'm not very good an cutting those.

Daddy takes a turn to finish up.

Proud of their finished pumpkin!

Pumpkins!

2010-10-25T06:24:00.005-05:00

We headed out for pumpkins! We decided this year to go to a local spot and buy from a local boy scout troop. It was perfect! Campbell amongst the pumpkins and mums

Sydney looks thrilled to be there!

Alex found hers!

The girls each picked a pumpkin (and we got a big family one too!)

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!!

2010-10-24T06:22:00.002-05:00

Granny and Grandpa came to visit. They arrived on Friday, which was also Grandpa's birthday. We had to celebrate with cake. This time Sydney and Alex got to decorate it.Sydney adds starts decorating with M and M'sAnd more by Alex with Campbell supervisingThey decided to make a 65 for his age and a "G" for Grandpa!Happy Birthday to Grandpa!

(And yes, Sydney is wearing devil horns. A preview of her halloween costume)

Grandpa loves his new camera from the Goldstons and McDerricks!

Welcome to the family, Walter Thomas!!

2010-10-21T06:20:00.003-05:00

We are so excited to have another baby cousin! Debbie and Walter welcomed Walter Thomas into the world on October 20th (and I believe his cousin, Thomas, is happy to have another boy in the family amongst the 8 girls!) I headed over to meet the little guy with orders from Alex to take a picture of the new family of 3 and from Sydney to take pictures of every inch of him (and I was later told that I didn't take enough. In particular, I didn't take one of the back of his head!) The girls can't wait to meet him! Welcome to the family!!Me and Baby Walty!New Dad!

The family of THREE!

More Mancusos!

2010-10-11T18:27:00.004-05:00

On Sunday after ballet, the girls and I headed over to visit with Debbie and Walter (and hoping that Baby Bruehs would make his/her appearance soon!) Just before we headed home, John, Chi and Thomas stopped by too. Much screaming and running around quickly ensued with those cousins. Those poor people who live next door, or below! (We did miss the other NC Mancusos!! ) Nice cousin picture

Funny faces!!

Apple Picking in Winchester

2010-10-10T08:52:00.005-05:00

It was a beautiful, fall day for a visit to see Aunt Ginny and Uncle Tommy and go apple picking! I think we now have enough apples to last us awhile...I also see a lot of cooking/baking in my future!

At the Playground

2010-10-09T21:53:00.004-05:00

It's so nice having the school just around the corner from our house. It means that there is a playground we can walk to!Sydney goes down the slide!Our little monkey, Alex!

The slide does wonders for Campbell's hair!

Hokie, Hokie, Hokie Hi!!

2010-10-08T21:21:00.004-05:00

Our littlest Hokie!

Shake those tail feathers!

Only One Paci...

2010-10-08T21:03:00.003-05:00

...and this is Campbell with her - Paci the Owl!

After chewing though about 8 pacifiers in a couple of weeks, we took the last one (holes and all) to Build-a-Bear. She picked out an owl, she has a thing for owls these days! The owl got stuffed with the holey pacifier inside!

Miss Us??

2010-10-08T20:59:00.001-05:00

OK, so it's been awhile. Life gets busy with 3 little ones and posting got put on the back burner, but we're going to try again. No promises on how often though!

Christmas Day

2009-12-26T14:06:00.007-05:00

We had a quiet Christmas Eve at home. Before going to bed, we left out treats.We always leave out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeerThis year the girls had something elseSpecial reindeer food to leave outside...

it even sparked to let the reindeer know where to landIt must have worked - the stockings got filledand lots of presents were left under the treeSydney got a karaoke machine from SantaCampbell got a Mickey Mouse trainAlex and I both got snuggies!!American Girl gift cards to spend when we visit the NYC store in a couple of days!Clay's latest well used phrase Finally - a new mp3 player, hopefully Alex won't lose this one!Campbell gives her new baby doll a hugTrying out the new karaoke machine

After enjoying chocolate croissants for breakfast and lots of time playing with our new gifts. The Goldstons came over for our Christmas dinner.

Sydney's gift from Grandma and Grand-daddy - a Leapster DidjAlex LOVES her new cheetah coatMore Mickey! Campbell loves to sing and dance with himIs this the way the girls thank Uncle Charlie?Me and the girls after dinnerJammie time!We love Uncle Charlie!Merry Christmas!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Alex!!

2009-12-14T14:06:00.006-05:00

Alex's 5th birthday was quite the celebration. She had already celebrated with her friends, now it was time to celebrate with family! She got to celebrate with both sets of grandparents the Saturday before her birthday. On Monday, her real birthday, she got to celebrate in school in the morning. Later that night, we did our traditional visit to see the Christmas lights at Brookside Gardens. We were thankful that it wasn't too cold out (thanks Grandma, Grand-daddy and Debbie for coming with us!). Uncle Charlie met us at home for cupcakes! Not too bad being 5!!Opening presents...her favorite gift, the American Girl Kirsten doll

(and just in time too, they retired her)Alex wanted a chocolate cake with guitar on it.

And of course it was served on Jonas Brothers plates!Make a Wish!Thanks for celebrating with me Granny and Grandpa!Thanks for celebrating with me Grandma and Grand-daddy!Her birthday crown from schoolYummm...birthday cupcakes at schoolThe caterpillar usually greets usNew this year - the treehouse was very cool, even Debbie climbed upThe Loch Ness Monster is pretty cool. It even makes sounds and blows smoke.Alex's favorite this year, the dolphinFamily photo!More cupcakesHappy Birthday to you!!

(Campbell LOVES that song!)

And more presents!Alex shows her sisters another favorite gift - the Jonas Brothers concert experience movie!Alex loves her godmother, Debbie!Mommy and Daddy with their 5 year old!Uncle Charlie and his nieces

The Nutcracker

2009-12-12T22:21:00.003-05:00

Ballet Petite has a production of The Nutcracker every year. This year Granny and I took the older girls and met GG, Aunt Ginny, Thomas and Walter there. We really enjoyed the part with a special guest!

According to the girls, Debbie was the best part!

Picking out our Christmas Tree

2009-12-10T21:55:00.004-05:00

Our yearly trip to the tree sale sponsored by the Wheaton Rescue Squad.What the heck is this place??This one?Or this one? This one!!Getting ready to bring it homeCampbell helps her Daddy get the tree in the standAlex admires our treeGiving the tree some water

Alex puts the snowflake on top!

1st Snow of the Season

2009-12-08T21:54:00.003-05:00

We watched the snow fall while at Alex's party. Although we didn't get much, it didn't stop the older two from playing in it. Campbell loved watching them from the family room window.

The Party Begins...

2009-12-06T21:52:00.007-05:00

Alex is turning 5 on the 14th, but we had her kids party on the 5th. Lots of fun was had by all at Strike Bethesda, even though we all had to brave our first snowfall of the season! And even better for her mom and dad, all we had to do was bring some balloons!The birthday girls gets ready to bowl!

They had ramps to help get the 8 lb balls all the way down the lane

(it didn't always work though!)Even Diggity got to come to the party - thanks for bringing him, Matt!Alex with her buddies Billy and KaylaIt's a tie! FYI - attention span for preschoolers bowling

# of years old = # of frames they will bowl

5 years old = 5 frames

(before they move onto the arcade or only want to eat snacks)

Debbie takes a break from chasing Campbell to hang out with Sydney The cake! Chocolate cake with chocolate icing (just like her Daddy!)Make a wish (or a 2nd wish since a friend blew the candles on the 1st time!)Alex and best buddy Caleb (who we will miss since he is moving to VA!)Home to open presents

A Jonas Brothers nightgown!! Thanks Debbie and Walter - it's perfect!!

Santa!!

2009-12-04T21:56:00.004-05:00

Can you tell who liked Santa and who doesn't??
And this was after she stopped screaming!! Thank goodness she had an older sister who would hold her because she didn't want to go much closer to the jolly old man in red. Maybe Campbell will appreciate him next year if she gets something good this year. Sydney and Alex had no problems asking him for new American Girl dolls and stuff! :-)

November Pics

2009-11-30T21:51:00.005-05:00

Campbell hidden among the elephant ear plant - it's almost twice her size!
The plant is the same size as a certain 7 year old

Campbell LOVES putting a sock on her right hand,

she'll even take it off her foot to put it there

Making/decorating cookies with special colored cookie dough

(Campbell is showing us why they call them "sprinkles"

as she sprinkles them all over the kitchen floor)
Clay's (aka Don) Dad welcomes him with banner when we go over for dinner
Getting ready to eat, not sure what Campbell is ready for

Alex with Uncle Charlie

Clay and I taking a picture of ourselves

Grandma and the girls checking out Gymboree online...get ready to shop!

Campbell wears Alex's towel, she loves being Mickey!

Mickey fans!

WCAC Championship

2009-11-23T21:49:00.003-05:00

The Falcons made it to the WCAC Championship game (again) against DeMatha (again). This time, with much better results...THEY WON!!Getting ready to take the field!Go FALCONS!What's a football game without Mickey and Minnie

(Campbell doesn't leave home without them these days...although

she sometimes has to fight Alex off to get them)Sydney and Alex are excited for the game (and to eat big pretzels)

And it's even warm enough to take off our jackets,

unlike any other game the past few yearsCoach Clay on the fieldFinal Score 14-7 - Falcons are WCAC Champs!

Clay and the girls after the win - happy smiles all around

Gold Medal!

2009-11-13T21:40:00.001-05:00

Another end of a gymnastics session and another gold medal ceremony!

Alex with her friends Gina and Phoebe and Coach Brian

Welcome, Diggity!

2009-11-09T21:39:00.002-05:00

Alex's class has a special friend, Diggity D. Dawg, that takes turns visiting all the kids in her class. This weekend Diggity got to come home with Alex. He never left Alex's side and was very busy!She LOVES her buddyDiggity went to the gym with Alex and Clay!Diggity helps make pancakes and turkey bacon for breakfast

Diggity even got to go to ballet

Friday Night Lights

2009-11-07T22:52:00.003-05:00

Not sure how almost the entire GC football season has gone by, and we haven't been able to go to a game. And the one we are able to go to is FREEZING!! Even so, we made it to our usual halftime, visited with Clay and then headed home. Go Falcons!Coach Clay with Alex (and Diggity)Freezing while cheering on the Falcons!

Getting ready to take the field!

Yeah, it's been awhile...

2009-11-07T22:12:00.000-05:00

So, I've been finally trying to update this website (yes, I know it is January and I'm still posting fall photos). And now that I'm ready, there's some sort of technical glitch and the website won't upload pictures. Guess I'll be trying again tomorrow...

Happy 11th Anniversary!!

2009-11-07T21:27:00.002-05:00

11 years...how did that happen so fast?? We didn't really have any plans, so kind of at the last minute we decided to go to dinner. The 5 of us headed towards downtown Silver Spring to Red Rock Canyon! Yup - Diggity came too!

Fun in the Leaves

2009-11-05T22:51:00.003-05:00

It wouldn't be fall without some leaves to jump in!

Sydney, Alex and Alex's friend Delia

Grand-daddy makes the pile bigger.

Campbell was not so sure about the whole thing.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T22:49:00.007-05:00

We had a Halloween party with Bruehs, Mancusos and Burchs!

Ariel, Flounder, Cheetah, Superman, Hannah Montana and Minnie Mouse
3 Cats (aka Debbie, Alex and Chi) with a little mouse nearby

Sydney as Hannah Montana

Alex the Cheetah

Campbell as Minnie Mouse

We off to trick or treat and trying not to get wet

as the rain couldn't decide whether to come or go

Our last stop - our house!

Checking out the stash

Hmmm...what's the favorite?

Campbell checks on her own

(before she goes on to steal from any other pile)

Not sure who is giving who candy...

CHAOS!!

Pumpkins

2009-10-31T21:36:00.000-05:00

Somehow, we never found the time to get a pumpkin. We headed out on Halloween in search of one. Instead of one big family pumpkin, each of the girls got one :-) Better luck (or better planning) next year!

Go Falcons!!

2009-10-30T21:21:00.000-05:00

We finally made it to a Falcons football game this season, and it's the 2nd to last of the season! The girls loved it, although none of them seemed to stay seated very long. Luckily we made it to halftime (where we got to watch a "Thriller" themed routine by the band, cheerleaders and pom squad, which just happens to be a new favorite song of Sydney and Alex). Even better, the Falcons won again, bringing their record up to 8-1!

A Visit to NJ

2009-10-20T22:44:00.004-05:00

We headed up to NJ for the weekend. Lots of fun for the cousins!

Granny and Grandpa with their 4 granddaughters (and soon to be 5!!)
When Izzy gets tired she needs her thumb and someone's ear :-)

Campbell and Izzy trying to decide whether or not to share the tupperware lid

The girls playing with Grandpa

BFF's!

One of Sydney and Alex's favorite parts - the big bathtub

and LOTS of bubbles!!

Uncle Clay and Aunt Kris with niece Izzy

As we were driving away, check out what we saw. 5 wild turkeys crossing the street!

Trip to the Zoo

2009-09-30T22:43:00.006-05:00

We took advantage of a nice day that both Sydney and Alex were off from school and headed down to the zoo with Grandma and Grand-daddy.

This area seemed to be the girls favorite. Checking out which way to go.

Campbell still loves the cows - both real and fake!

Sydney loved the alpaca, especially Ziggy (the brown one)

There's a foam pretend pizza that the kids can climb on.

This is the only mushroom the girls will go near!

Checking out the lion

My favorite part - the baby gorilla!!

Grand-daddy and the girls

Grandma's turn (while stopping to eat an ice cream snack)

1st day of Pre-K

2009-09-11T23:09:00.000-05:00

Ready for Pre-K at SSDS with Ms. Janet!! I co-oped the first day, so Alex always wears her SSDS shirt to match me in mine.

Campbell is 15 Months!

2009-09-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

Using a spoon by herself for the first time
Not sure if she is getting more in her mouth or on her bib

Helping?

Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi!

1st Day of 2nd Grade!

2009-09-02T20:26:00.006-05:00

Off to 2nd grade with Mrs. Goetz!!Waiting for the bellSydney saw me with the camera and quickly looked down to do her work

Happy 40th Uncle Charlie!!

2009-08-30T21:02:00.006-05:00

We celebrated Chuck/Uncle Charlie's birthday with dinner at Clyde's Tower Oaks and then came back to our house for his favorite lemon cake.

Look Who Visited!

2009-08-27T21:00:00.002-05:00

The girls loved having Grandpa visit during the week

MoCo County Fair

2009-08-24T20:24:00.009-05:00

Again it seemed at though we picked the hottest day of the year to head to the county fair, although the girls didn't seem to mind!

We started with the kiddie rides
Our serious boat captain

Round and round she goes!

Campbell LOVED the cows!! Each time we left the barn she would cry!

Grandma and Grand-daddy met us thereThe girls were fascinated by the horns of this one

The new pet of choice...

Our last thing of the day - trying to win a fish!

Throwing ping pong balls in the dishes...

Grand-daddy and Campbell watch the girls

They won! 2 new pets!!

I Love Sugarland and Keith Urban!

2009-08-23T20:23:00.003-05:00

2 concerts in one month...for me at least! Campbell loves Sugarland as much as I do, but I'm not buying her concert tickets...yet...

Jackie and I celebrated our 35th birthdays together and also realized that we've known each other half our lives. How did that happen??? Not sure where the time goes. What better way to do it than with some good old country?!Keith!Sugarland - Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles - they were AWESOME!!

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Bruehs!!

2009-08-16T20:22:00.008-05:00

Mr. and Mrs. Bruehs!!

The wedding finally came and went! We had a great time celebrating. Sydney and Alex were so excited to be flower girls and wear long dresses. Alex and Campbell spent the night dancing away and didn't want to leave (even if it was 11:00 at night!) Welcome to the family, Walter!

The girls were so excited to get their hair done!

All dressed up and ready to go!

Getting ready at Aunt Ginny and Uncle Tommy's house

Getting ready to walk down the aisle

Cousins Sydney, Alex and Thomas - flowergirls and ring bearer

Family photo in turquoise and brown!

Sydney and Alex with the bride and groom

Sam and the Goldston girls!

Flower girls Gabby and Sydney

Clay and Alex having fun!

Clay and Debbie

Clay and I with Mr. and Mrs. Bruehs!

The bride and groom with their Aunt Marge

Loving sisters (at least until one starts screaming! :-)

Cousins Brittney, Walter, Debbie and Drew

The bride and her flowergirls take to the dance floor

Campbell was our other dancing queen - barefoot and all!

Sam and Alex

My dad made it! Better late than never!

Alex was having so much fun, she didn't want to stop dancing and leave!

Pool Day

2009-08-10T20:58:00.004-05:00

We enjoyed a day at Debbie and Walter's pool! The next time we see them they will be married!!

Goldston Dinner

2009-08-08T20:57:00.003-05:00

Cousin Brittney (on the Goldston side) was in town visiting. We headed to McCormick and Shmick's for a family dinner!

Cousins Brittney, Donnie/Clay, Sydney, Alex and Chuck/Uncle Charlie
Kris and Alex

Group photo except for Grand-daddy, the picture taker

Alex and Clay toasting with their chocolate dessert cups

After dinner we took a walk around Bethesda

and found the perfect bench for another photo op!

American Idol Concert!!

2009-08-06T07:50:00.003-05:00

We're all big fans of American Idol. Sydney started watching when she was 2 and got to go to the concert for her 3rd birthday (yeah, she was the youngest one there! It was the year Carrie Underwood won it). So now, it was Alex's turn for her 1st concert. Sydney was excited to see winner Kris Allen, Alex was excited for Adam Lambert! First we went to dinner at Austin Grill with cousins Debbie, Chi and Thomas and then over to the Verizon Center. Yahoo!! It was a LATE night, but fun was had by all!!

Me and the big girls enjoy a night out together!

I'm sure Campbell will be joining us before we know it!

Cousin/Aunt Debbie with Sydney, Thomas and Alex

Sydney, Thomas and Chi - getting ready to head over to the Verizon Center!

Waiting for the show to start...

What's a concert without some cotton candy?

4 year olds know how to have fun at a concert!

Group photo!!

Hanging out in their seats

Me and the kids during the intermission

American Idols 2009 with Adam and Kris up front

Happy Birthday, Kris!

2009-08-03T07:43:00.003-05:00

The last of our summer birthdays have arrived, and Alex is now counting down to hers (only 4 1/2 months away...) The girls came home from NJ and then we all headed out to dinner at Red Rock Canyon Grill in downtown Silver Spring. Afterwards we came home to Baskin Robbins ice cream cake and presents!Present time -

Peter Walsh's "It's Too Much" - how to get rid of the lots of stuff in our house!!It wouldn't be a birthday without a birthday present of

shoes from Clay - this time cool rainboots!

Happy Birthday to Me! Campbell LOVES that song!

A Visit with Granny and Grandpa

2009-08-01T07:45:00.008-05:00

For the first time, Sydney and Alex had a sleepover at Granny and Grandpa's all by themselves. Campbell and I went up with them on Tuesday and stayed overnight. The girls had a wonderful time swimming in the pool, playing with Cousin Izzy and going on field trips to the Liberty Science Center and New York City. They can't wait for next year! Look who was here when we arrived! Thomas was just getting ready to leave from his NJ vacation. It was a fun half hour of running and screaming together (getting our practice in for American Idol and the wedding!)Sydney and Alex love playing with their little cousinBFF's and cousins - Campbell and IzzyWe love Uncle Timmy and Aunt Beth!The girls playing with the pretend dogOnce Campbell and I left, the rest headed over to the Liberty Science CenterThe next day it was off to New York City - 1st stop Central Park and the carouselThen over to the Central Park Zoo - they loved the polar bear and penguins And finally over the Cloisters

Sydney wanted to go see this unicorn tapestry that

she had learned about in one of her Magic Treehouse booksSydney at the Cloisters

The girls LOVED going in the pool,

and somehow even managed to get Grandpa in (which is not an easy task)

It was much quieter in our house with just Campbell, who seemed confused about being an only child. I think she liked having just mom and dad to herself, but is not used to being alone. Clay and I used the time to repaint the girls' room!

Campbell

2009-07-31T21:35:00.002-05:00

Trying her first lime...she loves them!
Hanging out with Daddy

She loves looking at other people through the mirror (and also loves wearing Mardi Gras beads...can you tell that she has on a few strands?)

Dinner in Bethesda

2009-07-31T21:28:00.002-05:00

We were very excited to hear that our friend James got engaged! It's been too long since we've all seen each other, but we finally got together and also got to meet Tanya and her daughter Cecelia. Clay and James (sorry Clay, we should have taken another photo) The happy couple!Alex with the cameraSydney with the cameraJackie and Clay being goofy - some things never changeSydney, Cecelia and Alex - they are already planning future playdatesCampbell and James

Thanks Grandma and Grand-daddy!

2009-07-22T21:23:00.002-05:00

The last night Sydney and Alex had a sleepover at Grandma and Grand-daddy's hotel room. Popcorn right before bed and watching "Ace of Cakes"as they fell asleep - yahoo!The girls in their pjs, heading over to the other hotel (Campbell is only along for the ride, someday soon she'll get her sleepover too!)We all met up for a breakfast before heading home. We had fun in Williamsburg with you!!

Family Dinner at Shields Tavern

2009-07-22T21:22:00.005-05:00

This is Mr. Fields, the proprieter of the Tavern where the family all met for dinner on Saturday. There were about 45 family members (and to think only about 1/2 the family!)
One of the kids tables

Uncle Larry, Aunt Barbara, Felice and Carita

Campbell with Grandma and Grand-daddy

Cousins Elisha, Khalil and Emanuel

Cousin Eric, Aunt Lu, Cousins Sheree and Shari

Cousins Chip and Karla with Eleanor and Elizabeth

Ugh - I'm so bummed this picture is blurry, the girls had a FABULOUS time playing together

Cousins Ryan, Brielle, Sydney and Alex

The next generation of cousins

Aunts Clair, Estella, and Berniece

Campbell with Cousin Khiry

Cousins Eric and Donnie hanging out

Family pic!

Busch Gardens

2009-07-22T21:08:00.001-05:00

On Saturday we headed out to Busch Gardens with Kesia, Brielle and Braxton.

We missed you Eric!They added a new part of the park this year, Sesame Street sponsored Forest of FunCampbell wouldn't get too close to the characters, but learned how to say "Elmo".

It sounds a lot like "Grandma" both being "ma-ma"Getting ready for the 3-D movie! Alex wasn't so sure,

especially when she kept getting squirted by water!

Moore Family Gathering

2009-07-20T20:52:00.001-05:00

We headed south to Williamsburg for a long weekend to hang out with the rest of the Moore family - lots of aunts, uncles and cousins to visit with!Our first night we went to dinner near the historic district of Colonial Williamsburg. The last time we were here, Sydney was only 9 months old. We have a picture of her sitting with this Thomas Jefferson statue. How things change in a few years.After dinner we headed over to the candy shop for dessert,

then enjoyed them on a nearby bench Say cheese!By Friday night, Grandma and Grand-daddy had made it down.

We headed to Bonefish Grill for dinner Afterwards we headed out to a little meet and greet to fine the rest of the family.

Sydney, Alex and Brielle were scheming somethingCousins Sheree and Kaya

(I still can't believe that this is the same girl who was the flower girl at my wedding!)Cousins Damon and Clay/DonnieMore Cousins!Aunt Berniece flew in from CA - here she is with granddaughters Keila and Sidney

Birthday Piggy Banks

2009-07-15T20:48:00.001-05:00

The girls each get a piggy bank filled with quarters on their birthdays from Grandma and Grand-daddy. After their birthday we empty them and return them, only to get another filled pig a year later. This year, we hadn't found the time to empty Alex's, so all 3 were at our house. A trip to the coin machine at the bank soon followed...

Happy 7th Birthday, Sydney!!

2009-07-12T20:29:00.008-05:00

How is our little girl 7?? It seems like just yesterday that we were waiting (really waiting...2 weeks past my due date...) for her to arrive. We started her all-day birthday celebration with her "flip-flop" birthday party with a few friends. She and Alex had lots of fun when cousins Brielle and Braxton hung out a little longer. Just as they were leaving, Debbie and Walter came over to finish celebrating the day with our birthday girl.Sydney requested breakfast in bed. She even woke up first,

woke me up, then got back into bed to wait.

And had to do so very quietly since Alex was sleeping.We had a moonbounce at her partyHere comes Alex down the slideEven Campbell liked it, until she rolled over and got stuckSydney and her best friend CarolineDecorating flip flopsEach an individual masterpiece!What's a flip flop party without a flip flop cake?Happy Birthday to you!Make a Wish!Her favorite gift - a kids snuggie from Alex!Playing in the tent with cousins Brielle and BraxtonCampbell hangs out with Cousin Kesia Her birthday tradition - getting a 7-11 slurpee!Yum!! Even better since it's an appetizer before dinner!Campbell tries a slurpee for the 1st time and loves itSydney requested Wendy's for her birthday dinner.

We had a picnic on the family room floor

while we watched her ballet recital DVD

(and hid our french fries from Campbell who kept stealing them from everyone)Sydney with her mom and dadSinging one more time!We love you Sydney!More presents!Club Penguin membership and book...something else that had been on her wish listGranny and Grandpa sent her an American Girl, Julie

Thanks for sharing Sydney's birthday with us Debbie and Walter!

Massanutten 2009

2009-07-06T21:59:00.003-05:00

Vacations always seem to take forever to arrive, and once they do, never seem to be long enough. We were looking forward to time away in Massanutten, especially since we didn't get there last year (we were too busy with our newborn Campbell's arrival!). The first thing they wanted to do was go fishing!Clay gets the worms on the hooks, the girls didn't want to touch themEven Campbell gets in on the funThe serious fisher-girl

Alex catches one!! There were the tiniest fish in the pond, you can barely tell there is even one on the end of the line (I didn't realize the picture wasn 't great) Once a fish was caught, we were done. By this point, the girls got brave and would touch the worms and fed the rest to the fish hovering near the edge of the pond. 30 minutes of fishing - check it off the to-do list for the week!

Plate and Spoon

2009-07-06T21:58:00.003-05:00

Somehow either Sydney or Alex packed a small wooden spoon and a plastic plate in with Campbell's toys. Who knew they would become her favorite toys? Does this mean we might have a future chef on our hands?Hanging out on the deckShe even slept with themAt the pool

Having Fun in Massanutten

2009-07-06T21:51:00.002-05:00

Hanging out at the pool
Getting ready to make s'mores for dessert

Who needs a campfire? YUM!!

Another Massanutten favorite...the huge bathtub!

Even better when Alex dumps in too much soap!

Time for yoga...Campbell is an expert at "downward dog"

Tracing our shadows with chalk in the parking lot

The girls get a chance at mining

Campbell enjoyed splashing in the water while the girls were panning

We took a couple turns down the tubing hill - here comes Clay and Sydney

Alex went down once, and that was enough.

Sydney was glad to go down a couple of times

The view from the top of the mountain

(and the last picture taken on our camera before I dropped it

and it wouldn't power on again. Thank goodness it was our last day)

We Love the Waterpark!

2009-07-06T21:38:00.001-05:00

The indoor/outdoor waterpark is a HUGE part of visiting Massanutten. I'm sure each year we're vacationing, we'll spend more time here. We went during the twilight times (which start at 5:00 pm). Cheaper prices and still plenty of time before bedtime (well, a late bedtime). The lazy river was a huge hit for all. Even Campbell got to ride on it, but pictures were taken on an underwater camera that we have yet to develop. Sydney loved the slides, Alex loved the warm pools, and Campbell loved the baby pool with the spraying water (and didn't mind when it sprayed her in the face!)

Movie Night at Massanutten

2009-07-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

On one of our last nights, we rented "Air Buddies" for a family movie screening. I think everyone was more excited for the snacks (popcorn and cheerios...guess who ate what). The movie itself got mixed reviews (there was crying at the end by Sydney and Alex since the puppies got new homes. Which in theory, was actually a good thing, but they saw it as leaving their parents, NOT a good thing).

Horse or Pony Ride?

2009-07-06T21:22:00.000-05:00

They call them pony rides, but the girls were really taking a very leisurely walk in circles on a horse. Campbell was fascinated seeing a horse for the first time, she kept trying to climb the fence to get closer to them.

Massanutten Playground

2009-07-06T21:06:00.001-05:00

We head out to the playground at least once during our visit. The weather either is really hot or really cold, this time we got really hot. Every year we take a picture of each of the girls in the bouncy car. It's amazing to see the change each year. I don't think Sydney is going to fit in it much longer!

We love Granny and Grandpa!

2009-06-23T20:41:00.003-05:00

Debbie's Bridal Shower

2009-06-22T20:40:00.005-05:00

More parties! This time we've on from birthdays to the upcoming bride-to-be. We celebrated with lunch at Restaurant 3 and lots of presents to open. The bride and matron-of-honorThe bridal party (yes, lots of flowergirls!)Aunt Pat and Mom (aka Granny)The Goldston girls with Brylie, Chi's Mom, and Brittney Brylie and Debbie Aunt Anne and the girlsCampbell and SamCampbell loves doing "velcro baby"!!The bride getting lots of help opening presentsCampbell and GG

Derrick cousins - Debbie, Brittney, Sam and Kris

Happy Anniversaries!!

2009-06-19T20:21:00.000-05:00

Both our parents have June anniversaries - 49 years for the Goldstons on June 18th and 38 years for the Derricks on June 19th. We took both sets out to dinner at Clyde's Tower Oaks to celebrate!

Alex's End of the Year Events

2009-06-17T20:09:00.002-05:00

The end of gymnastics class, receiving her gold medal

Alex LOVED her coach and hopes to have him again for camp this summer

Alex with her coach and friends Alex says goodbye to her teacher, Ms. Soma

Alex was thrilled that she and Ms. Soma both wore long skirts on the same day

Enjoying 1 of her 2 popsicles at the class picnic

Class picnic with some of her best buddies (and sister!)

Another 1st Birthday...and Another!

2009-06-13T19:51:00.003-05:00

Happy 1st Birthday Natalie and Isabel!

We were off to Winchester for more party fun. This time for our twin cousins who were in town (this was after Alex already having been to a birthday party in the morning)The girls love hanging out with cousin ThomasAlex got a hold of the camera...Campbell and Chi get to bond over hot dog bunsCampbell and GGSydney and Alex got to help the twins open their presents,

luckily there were two of everything!Cousins!Sydney, Alex and Thomas eating Aunt Ginny's yummy cake

Birthday Carbecue

2009-06-07T22:22:00.008-05:00

Happy 1st Birthday, Campbell and Happy 41st Birthday, Clay!!

We didn't get to celebrate Clay's 40th birthday, we brought Campbell home instead (which is a pretty great birthday present). So, this year we decided to go big and celebrate their birthdays together with a Carbecue! We had seen them profiled in the Washington Post magazine a couple of years ago, and now the time was right. Our backyard was almost swamp-like from all the recent rain, but we lucked out and no rain on the party day. The sun even made an appearance later in the day.Campbell and Grand-daddy in front of the CarbecueClay and the Carbecue guys - Mike and JohnKirstin and JackiePark Police pic - Clay, Tommy and ShibuDebbie and Kris (we even color coordinate, so not planned)Clay and GantBest buddies - the Goldston and Maurano girlsEnjoying the bbq - Debbie, Tim, Jackie and GrannyClay, Grand-daddy, Uncle Arnold, Bu and TommyBirthday GirlBirthday cakes - vanilla car cake for Campbell and chocolate for ClayHappy Birthday to You!Campbell and our next door neighbors, the WilsonsCampbell makes the rounds. Here she is with GrandpaCampbell and Aunt EstellaMust have been some party! Izzy takes a nap in the playground swingWatching the girls in the moonbounce Grandma and CampbellAlex and big cousin SamCampbell gets ready to open her presentsShe loves her new ballet doll from Debbie and Walter

Opening presents, she got the hang of it pretty quickly (when her older sisters let her)

Happy 1st Birthday, Campbell!!

2009-06-02T22:02:00.005-05:00

Where does the time go? It's hard to believe that Campbell is already 1! She loves her big sisters and being out in a crowd. She's got 5 teeth - 4 on the bottom and 1 on the top side (she looks like she could be a vampire from Twilight). She's mastered the commando army crawl and is starting to crawl on her knees, but no walking yet. Campbell wanted nothing to do with Honey Bear

so we had to position the bear just so for the pictureYou would think she wouldn't be so freaked out by the bear

since it stays in her crib all the timeCampbell's birthday coincides with National Donut Day.

It only seemed right that her traditional birthday breakfast will be donutsTrying a glazed donut for the 1st time and loving it!Dinner was from Baja Fresh since Campbell loves black beansWe celebrated with cupcakes that night. Campbell loves Mickey Mouse, so the cupcakes had Mickey sprinkles and the cupcakes were shaped into a Mickey headShe had a couple licks of the icing then proceeded to pick up the entire cupcake

and dropped it on the floorCampbell and her big sistersShe was more interested in talking to the Mickey candleOpening presents!Her favorite present - a Mickey Mouse play cellphoneHATES the car, but notice the Mickey phone is still in her hand

(after a couple of days, she now LOVES the car, especially when we go on walks outside in it)

Happy 1st Birthday, Campbell!! We love you!

Happy 1st Birthday, Isabelle!!

2009-05-31T22:09:00.004-05:00

The parties have begun! We headed north to celebrate Izzy's 1st birthday. The girls loved staying at Granny and Grandpa's and getting a chance to play with their little cousin. We had hope that Izzy would inspire Campbell to walk, but no luck there yet. We did have a fun time! Campbell and Izzy playing together before the partyBirthday Girl!Sydney and Izzy4 cousins...although Campbell was not overly thrilled to take this picture

At the Circus

2009-05-30T22:01:00.001-05:00

We treated the Sr. Goldstons with tickets to the Universoul Circus when it was in town. Alex loved watching the elephants. Sydney loved the kids who could contort themselves in all sorts of ways. Campbell was in awe of everything, even took a nap. Not sure how since it was loud and hot, but lots of fun (and Grand-daddy even bought them light up wands!) Then we had Ledo's for dinner - yum!

May Happenings

2009-05-25T21:50:00.001-05:00

Alex's school has a plant sale each year as a fundraiser. Granny is always happy to buy something, too bad for the past 2 years she's not able to pick them up in time and we get to plant them. The girls get much more excited that I do! We also had some special Mickey Mouse seeds to plant

(too bad it seems they all got washed away by all this spring rain!)

Planting something...

Hanging out with a messy little sister

She loves black beans, although not so sure about the avocado

Watching out the back door,

not too happy about us being on the other side though!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-13T22:04:00.000-05:00

The girls were so excited to celebrate. It almost killed them to wait until after ballet, and after Clay woke up to give me their presents!

Sydney wrote me a poem describing herself using the letters of her nameAlex made me a very special hat :-)

(although I am still wondering why it fits her better than me...)I got yummy Edible Arrangements (especially the chocolate covered ones!)My 1st Mother's Day with CampbellI'm so thankful for my 3 wonderful girls

Goldston BBQ

2009-05-10T20:37:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since we've seen Clay's Goldston aunts, but they were able to come down from NYC to visit again . We lucked out with some great weather and had a bbq outside.

The Goldston Clan

Campbell and Uncle Charlie

1st Pool Day!

2009-04-30T20:33:00.001-05:00

It doesn't take much to get the girls to want to put out the kiddie pool in the backyard. But a few summer-like days in spring, seemed well worth it! Sydney and Alex didn't mind the freezing cold water, but Campbell liked sitting on the towel better.

MS Walk

2009-04-28T20:15:00.000-05:00

This year we joined Team Randolph for the MS 5K Walk in DC. Our friend Heather was diagnosed a couple of years ago and now is fighting for a cure. We are trying to do our part. It was a sunny, hot day. Sydney and Alex both walked the entire 5K (3.1 miles!) and Campbell insisted on being carried. It took us about an hour and a half as we enjoyed the sights. Afterwards, we headed out to Leesburg to celebrate Gant's 40th birthday!Got their numbers and now ready to walk!Campbell fell asleep and missed the Capitol, but Sydney and Alex thought it was cool A pit stop at the reflecting pool and a view of the Washington MonumentFamily pic in DCAlex and Clay made it!Julien, Max, Alex and Sydney hanging out at the finish lineThe Randolph boys and the Goldston girlsHappy 40th Birthday Gant!Clay and his godson, Julien

Clay and the Randolph boys

Spring!!

2009-04-26T20:02:00.001-05:00

Spring is finally starting to show...too bad it never seems to stay. But we will take what we can get. We hung outside while Clay and his dad worked on our shed (those pictures to follow!)

We Heart Mo Willems

2009-04-22T19:53:00.000-05:00

Our favorite kids' author was going to read a couple of his books at the National Zoo. Being a member of FONZ, we were able to go. He read "The Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed" and his newest Elephant and Piggie book. The girls were able to get a personalized copy of the Naked Mole Rat and think it is so cool that their book now says "The Goldston Girls Rock!" (I even ran into "the other Kirsten" who I grew up with in NJ and graduated high school in line - talk about a small world!) We even got to check out a few animals on the way out.

Fish Lips!

2009-04-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

While Granny was visiting she commented that it was around this age when Sydney started doing "fish lips" and was hoping that she could get Campbell to do it too. No luck while she was here, but of course within a few hours of her leaving, Campbell "performed"!

White House Easter Egg Roll

2009-04-15T18:58:00.005-05:00

Sydney's school got tickets to the Easter Egg Roll (it pays to go to a Blue Ribbon school!) and we were lucky enough to get some (it "pays" to be PTA treasurer!)

We took the Metro down, but as I took this first picture, I realized that the battery was dying on the camera. Ugh! I had to be selective about the pictures I was going to take.

The first thing the girls wanted to do was get their faces painted

Family shot in front of the White House.

We got to see Fergie perform. Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama were standing not too far from us. We never did see the President, but supposedly was around when our group was. That would explain the delay getting in.

Can't leave without the egg roll! Get ready...

Get set...

GO!!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-15T18:38:00.006-05:00

Since Clay was working until 9:30 Easter morning, I had to find a way to keep them upstairs. So, we watched some tv shows in bed then a picnic type breakfast in Campbell's room. They were very excited to finally go downstairs and see their baskets and find the eggs that the Easter bunny left!Alex LOVES her Leapfrog Tag Reader and really wanted a new bookEven Campbell was excited for her Easter basketSydney gets some new books - her favorites these days are any of the Magic Tree HouseThen we headed up to Frederick to celebrate the holiday with Grandma, Grand-daddy, GG, Pop Pop, Debbie and WalterThe girls with GG Three sisters
Hanging out in their pjs with Debbie and Walter

Easter Eggs

2009-04-15T18:34:00.002-05:00

What's Easter without some colored eggs?

Getting started...Sydney chooses a yellow one for GG

Alex makes an orange one for Pop Pop

The finished eggs!! Too bad they probably won't eat any of them...

Campbell is 10 Months!

2009-04-06T19:54:00.007-05:00

I don't know where the time goes, but Campbell is just growing up too fast! Her 10-month photo with Honey Bear and a Campbell's soup can

She had 4 teeth, all on the bottom

Thinks the fastest way from the family room to the kitchen is through the exesaucer (sp?)

Is already a daddy's girl...falling asleep holding the tv remote

TOUCHDOWN!!

And she's crawling...not your traditional crawl, but just like Alex did! You can also hear Campbell's fans (aka sisters) cheering her on.

Spring Break Bowling

2009-04-06T13:43:00.006-05:00

Day 1 of spring break - duckpin bowling!! Clay and Alex keep score (Clay won!)Campbell joins us for the first timeShe "helps" me bowl

Sydney getting ready to hit some pins

April Fools!

2009-04-01T21:44:00.004-05:00

Look! We had mini hamburgers...for dessert...

April Fools!! They are actually Nilla wafers and peppermint patties. Alex was so thrilled to surprise Clay and Sydney with this treat.

Alex was home with Scarlet Fever.....NOT April Fools!

Who knew that Scarlet Fever still exists? I didn't think so. Turns out it scarlet fever is a strep infection with a rash and luckily she just needs some antibiotics and will be just fine. We're just hoping that she doesn't share it with the rest of us!

Visit at Spirit

2009-03-31T21:50:00.002-05:00

After our picnic, we headed over to Spirit for a quick visit. I can't believe that it has been almost 7 years since I left (which also means that Sydney is almost 7 years old! How did that happen??) The girls can't wait to actually sail on the boat, but had a great time checking it out.

Pretending to enjoy a meal

Future entertainers??

The girls and Miss Yvonne - former co-worker, current tenant and friend!

DC Cherry Blossoms

2009-03-31T21:49:00.002-05:00

Since Sydney was off from school on Monday, we decided to head down to see the cherry blossoms. It was a little chilly, which also means not crowded. We usually drive past the tidal basin and then stop at Hains Point. We checked out the flowers and then had our picnic lunch. This year it was a little to windy to sit outside, thank goodness for our big backseat in the car!

Picnic in the car!!

Our Ballerinas

2009-03-25T21:59:00.003-05:00

It was visitor's week again. Campbell and I were busy going from both Sydney and Alex's classes (that are held at the same time). Sydney's class did their warm-ups and then a short performance. Alex's class performed to the story of Goldilocks and the 3 Bears.Our serious ballerina

Alex as Goldilocks trying the porridge

Happy Birthday, Grandma!

2009-03-23T06:47:00.003-05:00

77 years young! We celebrated with dinner and then cake - the girls helped make a "77" on the top of the cake with M&M's. It was yummy!

Had to take the trains for a spin, and try out Grand-daddy's new racetrack too!

3 Conductors!

Watch at your own risk...vehicles may come off their tracks...

Happy Birthday, Debbie!

2009-03-19T09:40:00.000-05:00

We celebrated a couple days early. Cake and American Idol...what more could you ask for on your birthday?? :-)

St. Patrick's Day in Frederick

2009-03-17T09:35:00.000-05:00

We headed up to Anne and Bruce's for an early St. Patrick's Day dinner. Sydney and Alex love going up there (I got a "yahoo!!" from Alex as soon as I told her and later that it was "super fun"). Thank you for our corned beef and cabbage dinner!! Grandma and KrisAlex and DebbieCampbell and GG

Campbell was balancing on Uncle Bruce's hand, I just couldn't get the picture taken quite in time

Thanks Uncle Lou (aka Unka Woo)!!

2009-03-15T09:34:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at dinner - thanks again! We hope to see you again soon!

Our Alex...

2009-03-14T20:27:00.006-05:00

I was trying to get a picture of Alex wearing her cowboy boots (the boots she wears ALL the time!) but she was not cooperating. Instead, I got some pictures that I probably couldn't of gotten of her if I tried. Eventually I did get a couple of her smiling. Sydney thinks she looks famous, like the pictures they take on American Idol :-)

February Pics

2009-03-01T21:01:00.003-05:00

More pictures of the girls...

We took advantage of a rare warm day to play outside on the playground.

Campbell loves her swing!

Sydney and Alex like to climb on top of their playhouse

Campbell at 8 1/2 months

Playgroup just wore Campbell out!

Alex and Campbell watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse together

A Visit with Granny and Grandpa

2009-02-20T18:51:00.002-05:00

Granny and Grandpa came to visit for the long holiday weekend. On Saturday, they got to babysit Campbell while the rest of us went to see Disney on Ice.

Campbell likes hanging out with Grandpa

And really liked playing with his shoelaces
We celebrated Granny's birthday with her favorite cherry pieThe girls love Granny and Grandpa!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T22:04:00.001-05:00