Happy Easter

Thanks to Shannon, our family had Easter activities to enjoy. Ian and Colton had so much fun having them in town. But probably not as much fun as I did. I felt like a had six nannies this past week. It was a much needed break for me. Between everyone wanting to hold them, and change them, and bathe and feed, I didn't do much work. And if I was ever holding Colton and he saw Jaren, he would immediately lean to him. I think they are bonded because of their identically curly hair. Come visit more often!

Easter Week

We had so much fun with Shannon, Jaren, and the girls this last Easter week. The girls and I (minus Sofey) went into the city and spent the afternoon shopping at H&M. That's always a treat. Then the next day was when we had our, recently posted, Bobby Flay experience at the Mesa Grill. Saturday we all went to Liberty Island and Ellis Island which was a lot of fun, after standing in the security line for the ferries for 2 hours. Burrr.

Throwdown...

With Bobby Flay at the Mesa Grill!!! Shannon and Jaren and their girls are visiting us for the week and we had an adult night in Manhattan and dined at Bobby Flay's place. It was delicious!! I had an Ancho-chile crusted chicked, which was cooked to perfection, accompanied by a chile relleno with a white cheddar cheese, black beans, and rice stuffing. Taylor had a New York strip steak with a twice baked potato. Shannon and Jaren both had fish dishes, and even though I am not a seafood person, their dishes were fantastic. The desserts were also heavenly. We were seated right by the kitchen and I mustered up all my nerve to grab his arm and ask him for a picture on his way back to the kitchen from the bar. We could see him through the kitchen window and he was in the midst of all the food. I have managed to convince myself that he personally cooked my meal. I am usually prepared with my camera everytime I go into the city, but I left it behind, so the quality is not the greatest since it was taken with Taylor's phone. It has thus been the highlight of my time here in New York. It was well worth the $130 Taylor and I paid for dinner!!!

Year in Review

After seeing that people were actually looking at our sorry blog, we have decided to really utilize it to keep in touch with our family and friends. Before we start full-force blogging our current events, we thought we might bring you all up to speed with what has happened in the last 12 months or so. It's a little long, but here we go...

"I think I can, I think I can"

Ian liked making Salty sweat by using my gigantic belly as a track.

Our Favorite 2007 event

Out of all the significant events that you will see took place in 2007, the birth of Colton is our favorite. It was a fast delivery, one that almost prompted me to have him at home, I was fortunate enough to arrive at the hospital just 15 minutes before his birth. No epidural, how is that for tough? He was just anxious to meet his brother. I know, I'm brave for posting a bloated hospital picture of myself the day of delivery. Colton Michael Seare, February 25,2007, 6lbs. 13 oz.

Three Amigos

I foresee lots of wrestling, spitting, jumping, eating, climbing, punching, farting, comparing, running, etc. etc. etc.

Colton 4 weeks old- April 2007

I see pictures of Colton now and think, "what was life without him?" Certainly not as good.

Easter- April 2007

Cute boys in cute oufits!

Guys' Trip-May 2007

As part of a month long graduation celebration, Taylor and a few of his buddies took a 3 day trip to North Carolina where they golfed at Pinehurst and various other courses.

Taylor's Graduation-May 2007

It has come to an end. We see the fruits of Taylor's labors. Wow, can't believe 4 years have gone by. Good Work Tay!

Gala-May 2007

From left: Seares, Stevens, Blake+date, Woods, Whitlocks, Lighthalls, Workmans, Owens, Greenhalghs, Knudson, and Belnaps. On our way to the Gala, we rented a stretch Hummer to bring back 1998. It was a great night spent with our dear friends in celebrating this great accomplishment of these guys.

Colton's Blessing-May 2007

Looks good in his Sean John suit, doesn't he?

Seare Family Vacation-May 2007

Since all the Seares were able to come out for graduation and Colton's blessing, we extended to a fun family vacation. We stayed in Williamsburg, and visited Colonial Williamsburg, Yorktown, went to Busch Gardens, and also did DC. It was such a good time.

Leaving Virginia-May 2007

We didn't think we would be as sad as we were to leave. We made lots of friends and lots of memories. Two of which were the births of our kids. Our love for our little house grew and it just become comfort to us. We are headed to Staten Island, New York where Taylor will be doing a residency that will lead him to specialize in pediatric dentistry. Virginia will always be special to us, but we're excited for what awaits us.

Mr. Potato Head-June 2007

While looking for an apartment, Ian was in a hotel room with Grandma Seare. They had no vehicle and little entertainment. After 3 days of confinement, Ian found ways to amuse himself.

Home Sweet Home

After days of looking at apartments, we finally founds something to call home. It's a good place. Nice neighborhood, lots of grass for Ian, close to Target, 3 bedrooms, and reasonably priced (for NY). The downfalls, only 1 bathroom, washer and dryer in basement which we have to access from the outside, and way too expensive.

NYC...here we come

We've settled in, and now the fun can be.

Central Park

The following pictures were of a day we spent at Central Park.

Brothers

I am so grateful for the fact that Ian and Colton have been buddies from the start. Ian has so much love for Colton, and it's obvious that Ian is Colton's favorite person.

Hallloween '07

Jack Sparrow and his scarlet mccaw sidekick.

Fall

No particular reason for this picture except that Colton looks adorable and I love fall.

Cruising Manhattan

Chris and Kristen came out to visit in early December. We had so much fun with them. Chris, Kristen, and I went and saw Mama Mia, which I loved. This was on top of a double decker tour bus. We also saw various other attractions such as Yankee Stadium, Christmas window displays on fifth avenue, and Canal street for those of us women who consider that an attraction. We ate at Tom's restaurant in uptown, also known as the Seinfeld diner. This place never fails in entertaining company...so come visit!

Christmas PJ's

The Seares have the pj tradition.

Waiting for Santa

Ian was anxiously waiting for Santa. This was a fun year since it was the first one that really understood the Santa thing.

Christmas day

Christmas day we went into the city, which was a mad house. We went to Rockefeller to see the tree. We ran into this gentlemen that Taylor and I had taken a picture with when we came to NYC on our first wedding anniversary. Here we are 4 years and two kids later.

Ian's birthday

This picture makes me laugh. This was the day of his birthday and Ian had preschool. I wanted to get a picture of him wearing his birthday crown, and he just wanted to go play with his friends. You could see the look of anxiety/distress/embarassment on his face. He was a good sport for trying to smile so I can get this shot.

Ian's Party

Ian and his Thomas birthday cake. A little weak but I have limited talent and resources. The beauty is that Ian loved it.

Winter Visitors

Living in Arizona for so long, I was always used to the winter visitors that would come every year. I have now become one. We escaped the miserable cold and basked in the warm Arizona weather for 31/2 weeks. A little long, I know, but my kids sure had fun playing outside everyday!

Snow Fun

Quite a difference from the sunny days we were having in Arizona. We loved playing in it. Ian spent his time making snowballs and throwing them, while Colton spent it eating the snow. Somebody needs to tell him not to eat snow...especially in New York!

Colton's B-day

After waking up having the yuckies, we postponed Colton's birthday celebration a few days. Taking after dad with his sweet tooth, he dove right into his cake.

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There you have it, our life in a nutshell in the last year. Hopefully you enjoyed it, since I spent the last 4 hours of my life blogging. It was fun reminiscing. I wonder if my kids are OK? Maybe now I won't feel so far from home. Look forward to your comments!!!