Ethan and Eleanor broke away from an overnight visit with their cousins to meet Eva this afternoon. Ethan was a little concerned about our name selection but promised that he wouldn't hold it against his new baby sister. Despite being very tired and hungry, Eleanor lit up the room with her excitement over another girl in the family. Both older siblings gave the new recruit a good inspection. All toes and fingers were counted twice. Ethan was feeling very protective of mom. He promised Kyra that he is "giving up Sponge Bob to help her 20 times a day with the baby." That's a serious sacrifice. We'll see how he does. So far, so good. Kyra and Eva continue to do very well and are expected to come home tomorrow. What a wonderful Mother's Day it will be!

It's been a busy 24 hours for Team Forrest. Kyra went to into labor yesterday (Friday) afternoon and was admitted to Akron General Medical Center. At 9:45 p.m. Eva Katherine Forrest (7 pounds, 11 ounces) was born. She is absolutely precious! Both Kyra and Eva are doing extremely well. I will be taking Ethan and Eleanor to the hospital this afternoon to meet their baby sister. They are very excited to say the least. More photos to come. Time to grab a big mug of coffee before heading out.

Ethan has been asking me to remove his training wheels ever since the snow melted. This week, he said, “Daddy, I’m ready. Please get your tools.” Within five minutes of removing the training wheels, he was cruising up the street and doing circles in the cul-de-sac. Oh, there were a few tense moments. But he caught on quickly, and we were both very proud. Introducing the next Lance Armstrong:

On Tuesday evening, we bundled up the kids and headed to the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a much-anticipated trip on the Polar Express. This is something that I have wanted to do for quite some time. With the kids a little older, it’s the perfect year.

Ethan and Eleanor in their pajamas and ready for the trip.

All aboard! The snow and darkness added to the magical atmosphere.

The kids kept each other warm during the train ride.

Hot, hot, hot, hot chocolate! We heard that song a few times.

The chocolate chip cookies were delicious, too.

The elves read the Polar Express and displayed scenes from the story.

The kids cleaned the windows as we approached the North Pole.

The kids and their friends watch a flurry of activity outside the train.

Santa makes a big impression on Ethan and Eleanor.

Magic sleigh bells round out a great night.

On Sunday morning, the Forrest family headed to Rehoboth Beach for our annual summer vacation. Just about everyone on my wife’s side of the family (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins) makes the trip each year. Ethan and Eleanor had a blast with their cousins at the beach during the day and Funland during the evening. Here are a few shots of Ethan and Eleanor.

It was great to get outdoors and spend time with the kids Sunday. They were looking very rugged when Kyra realized that I was documenting the day. Within 30 minutes she had the kids bathed and in their Easter outfits. Hmmm, guess she was trying to tell me something. I obliged by taking a series of less-casual shots. It took Ethan a while to warm-up his modeling skills.

The kids after Mom's impromptu cleanup.

Someone wasn't very happy about cleaning up for pictures.

Eleanor is very proud of her bows.

Ethan racing through the yard earlier in the day.

Eleanor still loves that thumb.