Sailing to Hampton, Virginia

I just took a great quiz (I found it on Amy & Chad's blog) that helps you find the ideal spot to live in the US. My ideal spots were:

Hampton, Virginia (on the Chesapeake!)

Greenville, South Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Biloxi-Gulfport, Mississippi (I might have to research that a little bit)

Wilmington, North Carolina

St. George, Utah

I wanted an airport within driving distance, lakes/ocean, rolling hills...and a medium sized town. I don't know much about Hampton, Virginia...but we loved UVa and all the history of the area. I'm sure we just need to sail around the east coast to make up our minds...right honey?!

Taking my zoo to the Zoo!!

Monday was beautiful and in anticipation of rainy days ahead, we went out for the morning.

It's spring break around here and the zoo was packed. The kid wanted to see "EVERYTHING" as usual so we ran from exhibit to exhibit. Great work out.

Savannah, what does a lizard say?

Little Wugzie just needs a few more inches...

We stopped by the elephants for a rest and snacks. I loved all the stares and even go a comment on what a nice figure I had for having 4 little ones. :)

If you're wondering how I did it all....this stroller is the answer. Truly the best investment I EVER made. Brady had Drew on his lap in front, and L & S were cheek to cheek in the back seat. Phil and Ted are my heros!! (I can't imagine trying to carry 4 tired children)

Thanks Queen M!!

GOOD CLEAN FUN!!

Queen M sent the girls some bath time paints in the mail...and needless to say we had a great time. Lauren's favorite was the hot pink cotton candy scented one and Savannah loved the apple scent. I loved the rainbow ring around the tub when we were done....just evidence of a good time!

Easter all the way!!

The Vanderbilt Housestaff Alliance hosted an Easter egg hunt at Percy Warner Park. We loved the quiet setting, complete with babbling brook. TN is so beautiful right now! All the trees, flowers and kids are blooming!!
Easter attire sponsored by Nana & Papa Inc.

(As a Stowell, we never pass up an opportunity to fish...)

This is the Man of the Year!!

(He's the only person who does more laundry, dishes and house work than me...and manages to work an 80 hour week on the side....and then tells me how appreciative he is of my hard work!!)

Oh look, the Easter Bunny's favorite kids!!!

Yay Jay!!!

***** News Flash*****
Jason (my sister Rachel's husband) just passed his big Line-man test!!!
(I think this nap was before, not during the test)
Congratulations!!! We're all excited to see what happens at your interview on April 1st!! You guys rock!!!
(of course this means big pay-out for everyone...can't wait until Christmas!)

From Riv's blog

Take the Quiz here!

Everybody gets a foo-foo dress!

Lala Sis
Paisley aka:Pader-pot
Lil
Meg

Meeting Meg!!

Poor Meg wasn't too sure about being held by a 4 year old...
...but was cooing and playing along once she got over the noise level.
sorry, Meggy...one more picture (poor kid is still seeing spots, no doubt)

Thick as Thieves!

All the cousins together...to the theme song of "I smell T-R-O-U-B-L-E"
"hmmm...which wall should we color next?"
Little Paisley playing the big leagues.
The one pony ride that Papa didn't have to give.
Bath time was a messy business, but so much fun! Thanks for hosting Jen!!

Are you from INDIA or CROATIA...maybe CHILE?

I don't want to be a statistic....I woke up this morning to post and found 80+ views on my blog (from places I would never venture to). It's not that I'm not open minded but I'd rather go base jumping than take chances on-line.

So, I'm joining the ranks of other paranoid agoraphobic cyber-space-hypochondriacs.

This presents quite the problem for me seeing as I don't have everyone's email address. I love this blog for staying in touch but don't want to endanger my family/children by being too well known. If you have any suggestions, I'm open to ideas. Otherwise, you can e-mail me at this temporary address: pancakepantryfan@yahoo.com with your email contact info so I can invite you into my soon-to-be private blog. If you're a war refuge looking for comfy digs in the states, we're an equal opportunity blog. Thanks y'all!

We traveled to California last weekend for Grandma Alexander's funeral. After we'd made our way to the grave site and taken this picture, I was touched by the magnitude of the moment. She had left behind all of these beautiful spirits with her life long testimony that family truly was "the most important".

I do feel blessed being a member of this family, who love and look out for one another

ALL OF THE TIME.