Winter Picnic

It was a beautiful late winter/early spring Vermont day - 40 degrees and sunny. Our goal was to have an outdoor adventure within walking distance of our home. The five of us (plus Riley) headed out for a snowshoe excursion to a nearby sugar house. We packed a picnic lunch and the kids loved the idea of having a picnic in the snow. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great hike in, a super lunch complete with hot chocolate, and then went launching off (small) cliffs with the goal of a crazy mid-air leap.
It went so well that when we arrived back at our house, people weren't ready to head inside. We ditched jackets, gloves, snoeshoes, and bags to continue to explore a neighbor's forest we had never entered. Here's a few shots from today. . .

The hike to the sugar house

Lunch on the snowTegan's excitement about the day :-)

Leaping from the cliffBraden enjoyed the outdoor air but slept through the entire adventure.

Early March photo updates...

Beautiful

Are ALL the boys really asleep here?

Hangin' outside Aunt Lindy & Uncle Bruce's barn before gathering eggs from their chickens.

Listening to the cluck, cluck, clucking coming from inside.
Aunt Colleen stopped by for some quality outside time.
Braden's first hoody!
Braden's first "real" bath. He absolutely loved it - he was so calm the entire time.

Pre-bath photo op for the big kids. Wow, they do look big!

Braden's getting big, too!

Excellent, post-feeding active time (photo by Tegan)

First few days home as a family of five

Tegan sat with Braden for over an hour just snuggling...they were both so happy.

Dinner time - Braden's got a spot in his bouncy seat between the big kids.

Kisses from a proud big brother, Finn.Nap time - Cristin, Braden and Cabot.

Getting ready for our first walk...

It was chilly but the sun was shining bright!

"I think I'm starting to get the hang of life on the outside."

Braden's downstairs changing table is also Cabot's new favorite napping spot (yes, we take her off before he gets changed).

Happy parents...

Visit from the Whitney's - Emma didn't spend much time without Braden in her arms!

We love this guy!Cristin's first time holding Braden in the Bjorn outside after the big snowstorm.

Mountain climbers making their way to the top of the huge snowbank in our driveway. So much fun!

Patrick riding the snowdeck - Burton's skateboard-size snowboard, perfect for backyard snowbanks.
Back inside - still asleep.
Braden slept through the whole winter adventure.

Snug as can be...

Introducing: Braden Charles O'Donnell

Born on Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 10:12 AM. Weighing in at 9 lbs, 3 ounces, 21 inches long. We are all so incredibly happy to announce Braden's arrival - the final piece of our family puzzle!

Tegan and Finn meet Braden for the first time!

The star blanket is a gift from Tegan and the cow blanket is a gift from Finnegan - they got to pick out gifts for their new sibling a few weeks back.

The Three O'Donnell Siblings!

Braden's first visitors: Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Tegan, Papa, and FinnHeading home from the hospital . . . .We are all home together and happily adjusting to life as a family of five. Many more photos to share soon!