thanks!!!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving (and Black Friday, if you're into shopping!) There are so many things I am thankful for this year, not the least of which is my wonderful family and my amazing friends. We also consider ourselves very fortunate to have made it through October's Superstorm Sandy completely unscathed, while so many others have suffered such devastating loss. I am thankful to not only have a roof over my head, but to be able to enjoy this beautiful, cozy new home of ours. I'm thankful to have my health and to feel significantly better than I did last year at this time. I'm also grateful to have a husband who ushered in my 35th birthday with a pancake breakfast and the most delicious brownie and peanut butter cake in the universe.

And I'm beyond grateful for the health and happiness of Elliott and Zoey, two little girls who are the loves of my life.

Speaking of Elliott and Zoey...and my amazing husband...and my birthday...(how's that for a segue?)

Ryan happened to have off from work on my birthday so we celebrated by visiting the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia. This museum is nothing short of awesome. It's situated in this gorgeous old building in Fairmount Park and features endless hands-on displays and activities for kids, little and big. Both girls enjoyed themselves immensely, as did Ryan and I. The experience made driving home in Philly rush hour just about worth it!

Here are some photos from our outing, along with a little video of Zoey's first ever carousel ride, at the museum:

This is not the dinky building the museum was housed in when I was a kid!

Zoey loved playing the tiny grand piano...

...and the singing frogs.

And Ellie liked driving scooters...

...and the bus!

Weeeee, a roller coaster ride!

My pretty (scary) husband

We even went on an outer space adventure!

Zoey's first carousel ride (before the tears started!)