A Couple of Adventures

Mommy had a busy spring (April-May) with a few adventures for work including Lima, Peru; Rome, Italy; and the not as exciting Fort Worth, Texas. Here are a few pictures from Peru and Rome at least.

While in Peru, Mommy extended the trip over the weekend, with a couple coworkers in order to see Macchu Picchu and a few other neat sites along the way. It was an exhausting trip to get there that took several days but it was well worth the journey...Macchu Picchu, a mysterious city of ruins set high in the mountains, did not disappoint.

Daddy joined Mommy in Rome for a quick getaway while Morgan had a great visit with Grandma Brown and Pop-Pop. We fit in a number of sites during Mommy's limited site-seeing time, including a tour of the Vatican and St. Peter's basilica.

Daddy also fit in a trip to the ancient ruins and viewing of the amazing Borghese gallery. But the best part of Rome is the food! Endless options of fabulous places around every corner. There just weren't enough meals in the day. One place we went to with Mommy's coworkers didn't even have a menu...they just kept bringing plate after plate throughout the 2-hour dinner...starting with the best antipasto meats and cheeses we have ever had.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone!

It was a beautiful day in PA and we had a great time celebrating the holiday in Carlisle with the Brown family.

Morgan loved looking for the eggs that the Easter bunny left both at her house and at Grandma's...it didn't take long for her to figure out there was a "finder's reward" inside each one.

In Loving Memory

Dearest Alia,


Thank you for the joyous memories and the everlasting love you have given us for the past 8 years. You meant so much to us and we will forever miss you.

Love always,
Cory, Elizabeth and Morgan

Snowed In

It snowed the entire day! Literally we had over 24 hours of snow...starting at ~6 pm last night. And in total we got over 30 inches (it's hard to tell the actual amount since the 40 mph winds created quite the snow drifts) on top of the at least 1/2 foot that we got last Sat. From the front window you can't even see Daddy's car...it is completely covered! Now those of you in Chicago will probably say, "that's nothing...just a typical winter day." But for out here it's the blizzard of the centry with record snow totals not seen since the nineties...so I guess you can say Philly was due. :)

Needless to say, we didn't make it to work & school today (and are still wondering about tomorrow). Morgan got out a little bit this morning and definitely seemed to handle the snow better than the first snow fall (until her mittens fell off and her fingers started tingling). Apparently being 2 makes a big difference! But with the winds, for most of the day we stayed inside and enjoyed watching the snow, playing with toys, bringing the snow in to make a winter wonderland in the sink, and making our first batch of cut-out cookies (idea courtesy of Mr. Cookie Baker...Morgan's new favorite book).

Update: 2/11 - Still snowed in. Today the sun was shining though and it was a little warmer. Daddy even took Morgan sledding at our local park...a few runs and she was done, but she did seem to like it. :)

Month 24 in Review/Year 2 in Review

It is unbelievable that another year has gone by and it is amazing to think just how much Morgan has grown and developed since this time last year. Last January she wasn't walking, just starting to communicate with sounds, and was still our little baby...this year she is all toddler.

At school, the teachers write a little story every day about Morgan to share with Mommy and Daddy. Here are just a few we wanted to share to show just what a difference a year makes...

_____________________ 2009 _______________________

10-Jan-09: Morgan and Jack took turns looking out the window from the top of the climber. Morgan noticed a few of the toddlers playing outside and she waved and babbled to them.

11-Jan-09: Morgan and Maggie were very busy rolling the big balls back and forth to each other. Morgan quickly crawled behind it and pushed it forward. It rolled fast and both girls laughed as they chased it.

16-Jan-09: Morgan and Emma had a good time exploring the musical basket. Emma pulled out all the instruments and passed them over to Morgan. She babbled to Emma and loved making lots of noise.

_____________________ 2010 _______________________

04-Jan-10: During one of our activities, we swam like fish to the fish tank. As we swam down the hall Morgan moved both arms out and in repeatedly. When we arrived, she pointed to the tank and responded "ishes." When I asked Morgan where her fishy lips were she perched them out and moved her arms again.

05-Jan-10: While playing in the Gross Motor Gallery, Morgan discovered the balance beam. She successfully walked a few feet across before losing her balance. She joined Emma and Wesley at the big climber slide. They all laughed and giggled when sliding down.

07-Jan-10: Morgan enjoyed music today. She shook her shakers the whole time. Ms. Judy was singing a song with the class and Morgan was called on to say a food she liked she said "pie." After she said this she smiled.

14-Jan-10: As soon as Morgan got to the slide gallery, she jumped on the tricycle. She then drove it to the door. When she could go no farther, she said, "beep, beep." She then looked at Miss Ashley and smiled.

Morgan's Birthday Fiesta

Everyone had a great time celebrating Morgan's 2-year birthday with a fiesta theme. We had maracas to decorate, sombreros, a pinata, stickers, music, and tons of food.

Morgan's friends Maya, Abigale, Emma and Sophia were there along Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Owen, Aunt Hillary and a few of Mommy and Daddy's friends.

Mommy was adventurous and made the cake from scratch. It turned out great, but Morgan seemed most interested in the little candy pepper on top.

And at 2, she definitely understood the concept of presents.

Thank you everyone for a great party!