Look what came from Amazon.com today

all those toys and she loves a box???

So with the addition of a baby comes two challenges to shopping (1) the need for more stuff - diapers, bibs, sippy cups you name it (2) less time and mobility - There is no more casually wandering in and out of stores. Taking time to think about purchases - coming back later if you don't find a better price somewhere.  Time is precious - we want to spend it together, not in stores.

So we have been doing a lot more shopping online. While we feel bad about not supporting local businesses, it is just so much more convenient. . . And it is not like buying a box of 200 pampers is the thing helping to keep the mom-and-pop businesses open.

All that to say that while we find our joy in being done with our shopping and with the family - Ellie finds hers in - well - the boxes.

A special gift

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jess live in North Carolina but somehow they make time for me when the come to town.  They came by to see how I was doing and to bring me a special gift.

Jess is a VERY talented artist and she brought me this hand painted chair. . . check this out:

My own special chair - hand painted By Jess

I actually feel extra special because on this visit - it was a whole crew of Hrivnaks (do you call that a gaggle? a flock? ah no matter). . . Aunt Di, Uncle Scott and Aunt Liz came too - It was like a party!!!  Thank you all for making my Sunday so special.

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Jess

Aunt Diane

I only got a shot with Uncle Scott.  Aunt Lizzy has to come back

Happy St Patrick's Day

Not only is today special because it the lucky St Paddy's day but it's also Aunt Amber's birthday.  Ellie wanted to recognize her Aunt by sending a special shout out.  Happy Birthday Aunt Amber!

Skiing - Take 2

 A little while ago, I got to try on dad's ski boots.  That was great and all but I wanted a taste of the real thing.  Today I got my big shot.

In the morning I stayed in mountain-side day care and in the afternoon - Mom and Dad sprang me from the "joint".  Dad strapped me to his chest and away we went.  The chair ride up was fun. I have never been so high up but I think my favorite was the ride down the hill!!  Dad was careful but man we went fast.  I loved the wind in my face - I was laughing and swinging my legs the whole time.  Even when Dad and Cortny went so fast, they broke away from the pack!!!

Then it was beer and nachos at the Goldminer's Saloon.  I think I could really get into skiing.


I'll keep up with dryland training this summer - trying to strengthen my legs and core. . . .all with the goal of beating my old man down the mountain.

Until next year Alta!!!!

6 months old. .

This weekend marked Ellie's 3rd flight - this time to Utah.  We all got a chance to ski and spend time with family.   One of the other benefits is that Aunt Amber is a photographer. . . and I am not talking aobut a point and shoot camera kind - I am talking real photographer!!  Check out the shots she got:

Well needless to say, Ann Marie and I love the pictures.  If you want to see more of her work you can find her at http://schiavonephotography.blogspot.com/ or www.SchiavonePhotography.com

A weekend of firsts

Man, what a weekend. Ellie sat up for the first time and G-Pa sent his first successful picture through text. As a result of the cooperation of the triad (technology, Ellie and Grandpa) we are all able to witness the event.
Enjoy!!!

Crazy Hair

Karen. . . .you wanted crazy hair - well you got it. :-)