Vday and the Wonkinator....

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day was a fun experience for all this year. King Tony pulled out all the stops and special ordered two boxes of the most delicious chocolate ever created by chocolatiers, Jacques Torres (Mr. Chocolate) and Fritz Knipschildt of Chocopologie in South Norwalk and introduced, the Chocolate Challenge.  We pit these two master craftsmen against one another--chocolate for chocolate and found interestingly, that Fritz took home the winning box! Even the kids got in on the fun this year so we could help elevate their palletes beyond Hersheys. :)

Chef Aramis also decided to make some chocolate of his own--brownies for Papa! :)

Alec stands at the ready to begin the chocolate challenge--donning his newest Chic Boutique Creations design from Auntie Wendy, and you can catch a glimpse of Aramis' and Abby's too! :)

The weather was so warm in late February that we were able to take out our new bikes and test run our new Raskulls helmets--which the kids love!! :)

Love that we're on our way to biking the trails around the region! :)

For an unusual weekend activity, we took in a community theater rendition of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory--our kids' first play. They were absolutely mesmerized by the showmanship, colorful costumes, music and adventure. A good choice all around. I guess it helped that we attended with good friends, the Schmiedels. :) Abby's bestest gal pal Colleen is cousin to the young lady who played Violet Beauregarde -- the blueberry. And, she really did blow up like a blueberry! :)

The kids with Emily (aka Violet) and Colleen post-show. :)

Alec takes a turn at a trumpet, courtesy of musician, Bill Pickles. Thanks Bill! :)

And the hijinx continue as we begin to head out to local parks. The missing snow has sent our region into a moderate draught, sadly, but the kids couldn't be happier. They've enjoyed 80 degree weather already this Spring, and multiple visits to several parks.  King Tony and Queen Wendy took them to one this past weekend--even though the temps never got above 45 degrees. We found interesting ways to keep the kids laughing though as we scaled the play structures ourselves. 

You are never too old to prove to your kids that you'll be young at heart...forever.

Happy Spring, you little devil! :)