Wednesday, March 3, 2010

We're downsizing!

In 2003, while Erika and Josh were on their honeymoon, Tony and I impulsively bought a new Suburban.  We'd had a Suburban once before and enjoyed the space and seating capacity.  Now that we were parents of 4 adult kids, we needed the room if we were all going to go places together. 

Well, that was then, and this is now.  There are 9 of us in the family these days, 3 of whom are in carseats, and we have outgrown even this large, wonderful vehicle.  We need to take at least 2 cars everywhere we go, and Tony and I don't need such a big truck.  So.......it's

Buh-bye to The Beast.
Say hi to The Shrimp!  We are now the proud owners of a 2010 silver Nissan Murano. 
As you can see, it's quite a bit smaller than the Suburban, which to us is a good thing......more room in the garage, better gas mileage, easier handling.

The only downside is the gorgeous black interior.  Millie is fawn colored, and she sheds.  'Nuff said.

We'll be keeping the Suburban in the family, though.  The Cribbies will be driving to Kanakuk in style this summer!!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Perfect timing!

My sisters Lisa and Alix, along with my niece Erin, came for a visit Feb. 12 for a few days.  Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your perspective, we had a major, record-breaking snowstorm the day before they arrived.  It was a winter wonderland for several days, cold and white, and absolutely beautiful.  The flight just before theirs from Jacksonville was cancelled, but theirs arrived precisely on time.  I suppose that was a sign of a very good visit to come.
We spent the majority of the 5 days with my kids and 3 grandkids, who were completely fun and adorable the entire time.  They entertained our guest with their antics and performed exactly as predicted.  It was baby overload at Casa Leo the entire visit.  It's always a special time when my sisters are in town.
Not to be outdone by the little ones, Millie extended her own unique hospitality, eliminating the need for an alarm clock in the morning.  You can't see from this picture, but Lisa is coming unglued with laughter.  Alix wasn't quite as amused, understandably.
Alix brought along a bunch of her exercise DVDs to keep up her workout program, and everyone enjoyed exercising together in the living room.
Even little Leo got into the act, showing off his baby 6-pack.

Zoey was a pro at the routine by the time the DVD was finished.
And little Ruby had her say in the kitchen during her lunch, responding with glee to the "How big is Ruby?" question.  "Sooooooooo big!!"
Millie adored Auntie Alix and let her know it every chance she got.  Alix, who has cats and a mini Dachshund, was a less-than-enthusiastic victim of Millie's adoration.
No, this is not a picture of a Muslim neighbor.  It's Alix, swathed in layers of warmth, during one of our walks.  She does NOT enjoy the cold!!
It was breathtakingly beautiful, though, and we enjoyed our few days of true winter.  We especially enjoyed it inside our cozy home, in front of the blazing fireplace.  In our 25+ years in Texas, we have never seen anything like this.
Auntie Lisa enjoyed cuddling a sleepy Ruby.  She was in baby heaven!
We sisters had such a good time together, as we always do, and once again it was hard saying goodbye.
Ruby complied by giving Erin a few cuddles before our guests had to leave for the airport.
The gals posed for a last group shot before saying their goodbyes.
It's always sad to say goodbye to my family, but I'll be seeing them again in April in Florida, and it's wonderful to have that on the horizon.  I love my sissies and niece!!