So we've had lots of fun w/the expanded family lately, to include the unexpected visit from Uncle Patrick this weekend!  He was in Virginia on business and extended his stay through yesterday.  It was great to see him and the kids LOVED it!  They couldn't get enough, and proved it by waking him up at 7am Saturday morning to start playing again!  :)  He taught them a new trick called the 'Maddie/Hunter burrito'!  Charlie got into the action too when we introduced peanut butter.  It was a very fun weekend for all and won't be forgotten for a long time.  

Charlie enjoying a 'Maddie burrito'!

Another proud Grandma!

A BIG burrito!

The kids love their Uncle P.

Grammy chasing Maddie w/the hose!

Cameo by Reagan

More baby & misc pics

Just a few more pics from the week along w/some other random photos.  Kids are getting used to the idea of having another little one in the house and ask daily to hold her.   Reagan had her first checkup and all is well.  She had already gained 2 oz back and the doc said everything is normal.  She is sleeping quite well, feeding every ~3hrs or so.  Thus far she has been an 'easy' baby, but time intensive nonetheless.  We are quite enjoying having her around and look forward to introducing her to family & friends very soon.  In the meantime, enjoy the pics below.

This week was also the Marine Aviation Centennial Celebration, so Bill has had to work a few days and it will culminate with a black tie dinner w/Bruce tonight.  Hopefully we'll have a couple pictures from that for a future post.  Until then, enjoy!

Easter fun at Grandma/Grandpa's house.

Maddie graduated from pre-K this week!

Bringing home baby!

So the title is pretty much self-explanatory, but I thought I'd add a few details.  Grandma & Grandpa Bell are here and there are no words to do justice to their help! Needless to say, they were anxious to meet their new granddaughter as well, hence the photos below.  We were released from the hospital today about 2:30 and excited to go home and introduce Reagan to the kids & her new home.  They were very excited to meet her and hold her.  Hunter said "I want to keep her forever!"  She was sleeping when we arrived and they wanted to know when she would open her eyes.  Then M & H opened some gifts from the Bells, Yan and mommy & daddy to provide some distraction.  We're glad to be home, very thankful for a healthy mom & baby and anxious for some sleep!  More pictures later. 

Spring break fun w/cousins!

Uncle Craig, Aunt Tara, Gavin & Carter came to visit during Spring Break this week and lots of fun was had by all!  We hit the National Zoo, Mt Vernon estate, the Museum of Natural History, rode the train and had lots of fun playing at home.  It was a busy week, and we're so glad we had the time together.  Aunt Tara's birthday was Friday, so Shannon baked cupcakes, as evidenced below!  We rounded out the weekend by dyeing some Easter Eggs.  We were looking forward to a sunrise service tomorrow morning, but Maddie isn't feeling well and Shannon needs her sleep (35wks pregnant!) so we're taking a raincheck.  If you're ever in DC over Easter weekend, Arlington Cemetary hosts a phenomenal sunrise service that isn't to be missed.  Anyhow, happy Easter to all!

The kids miss their Uncle Craig!

See the remnants of green icing??

The younger cousins.

They loved to have U. Craig and A. Tara read to them at night!

Six multi-colored eggs for Easter.  Fun!

Springtime

Spring is here!  Grammy came up to visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival and Bill escaped the Pentagon one afternoon for a run to meet her, Shannon & the kids.  It was wonderful outside and the Nat'l Mall was crowded w/visitors.  The kids had lots of fun w/Grammy while Bill & Shannon ventured up to Philly for a Log Home Convention and to visit w/Shannon's family.  It was a great weekend, and so good to see Aunt Linda and Uncle Ant'ny.  Our prayers continue to be w/him and Linda as he battles cancer.  We look forward to bringing little Maples #3 in only 6 short weeks, and also to the many family/friends coming to visit DC this summer!  If you haven't made plans to visit us, come on up!

Everyone is looking AND smiling....amazing!!  ;)

Fun paddle boats w/the Washington Memorial

A profile shot of Jefferson.

Maddie crawled into Hunter's bed during naptime so we couldn't resist this one!

The loss of a dear uncle

Monday marked the end of an earthly journey for an incredible man, my Uncle Sammy.  While we mourn the fact that we won't have any more time w/him on this earth, we're comforted by the fact that we know he has joined our Father in heaven and is in pain no more.  While we never look forward to such an event, we enjoyed our time w/family as much as we could in light of the events.  A few pictures from the service and family gathering afterwards.  We very much appreciate your thoughts and prayers for Sam's family as they grieve during this time.

Uncle Sam....one of the finest men I've ever known.

The nephews assembled to bear Sam's casket to its final resting place.

Sweet Maddie placing a rose.

The sistas.

Mom & Yan reflect on the many floral arrangements.

Most of the Maples' clan.

A tired little boy and special time for Grammy.  Sammy loved to rock in this chair by the fire.

Sammy lived a beautiful life and he will be missed.

Mardi Gras - kid style!

So our good friends Kain & Kelly met us in Crystal City, VA for a kids Mardi Gras, complete w/face painting, magicians, ice skating and beads.  The kids had a great time and were so tuckered they both fell straight to sleep in the car.  It was great to see our friends and fun for the kids as well.  We were planning to go to Sat night church after, but thought we might not want to show up as a zebra and green tiger??  Enjoy!

And so it begins...

M's class at school is called 'Zebras', hence her request.

H wasn't so sure about this at first...

but he and M loved it once they were done!

Maddie & Daddy's 1st ice skating venture!

Tuckered out on the drive home.