Thursday, April 28, 2011

Yee-haw!


Today was Rodeo Day at Isabella's preschool. She was excited to wear her cowgirl get-up. (Thanks to her cousin Benjamin for lending her his bandana and hat. ) The bandana stayed on all morning, but the hat didn't even make it out of the car. "It's scratchy and messing up my hair" she said. Here are some of the activities she participated in: sitting on ponies, feeding goats, petting other farm animals, making s'mores, and a cowboy-themed storytime.

Victoria insisted on wearing her boots as well. Hey, it's Austin, anything goes.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Easter Fun

We had a fun-filled Easter weekend with family. We loved having Grandma and Grandpa stay with us all weekend. Here are a few photos of our time with them and of our fun Easter Sunday.




Sunday, April 24, 2011

Adored

Oh Victoria, how I adore you and your quiet but unique ways. You have a laid back personality most of the time, but you are always observing, absorbing and thinking about your surroundings and others. You follow me and your big sis around most of the day, but you have definite opinions and you let us know what they are. You are full of facial expressions and your big brown eyes tell so much of what you are feeling. Here are some memories of the times you had us laughing this past Easter weekend.




At both egg hunts, you took more pleasure in wearing your basket as a hat. You could care less about running around like the others picking up little plastic eggs that you had difficulty opening anyway.


At the Easter festival, you patiently waited for your pink balloon bunny to be made. And afterwards, you studied the balloon master and his movements as he continued sculpting out balloon bunnies for the other kiddos in line. Then you turned to Daddy and smiled while you imitated the same hand movements for a few minutes and pretended to make him a balloon as well.


I filled up your swimming pool in the backyard so that you and Isabella could go fishing, not swimming. When I came back from rolling up the hose, you were sitting in the pool fully clothed, shoes and all, with a grin from ear to ear. So we said to heck with clothes and that's how you and Isabella ended up "skinny dipping" in the backyard.



Just another one of your silly ways of having fun.



You are plotting your next move.

Friday, April 22, 2011

April's Come and Almost Gone!







Can't believe April's almost over! What a beautiful month full of beautiful weather, perfect for parks, picnics, and potty training? Here are some photos from this month.

1. and 2. On the way to the park for a picnic on what seems like a very sunny day
3. and 4. Getting some wiggles out at the park on a Saturday morning
5. Vanilla milk from Starbucks made for lots of potty practice
6. Daddy's being himself as he patiently keeps his Sweet Pea company while she does her business

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Before and After


I had no idea that ruffles were going to be so time consuming, but I got it done. My nap time project turned into an evening project as well, but so worth it. The new twirly skirt brought a big smile to Isabella's face this morning.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Donuts for Dads


Last week, Isabella had a special day at school just for the men in her life. So Grandpa and Daddy were there right by her side. She sang a few sweet songs before sharing some donuts and fruit with them. I was sad to miss it, but happy that Mark and Charlie could enjoy the morning bonding with her.



Monday, April 4, 2011

A Perfect Day for the Park

Here are some photos from this past weekend's afternoon at the park where the girls had fun celebrating Luke's birthday.

Learning the proper form for softball.


Blowing bubbles.


Looking for forgotten remnants of food...yummy!


Soaking up some sun.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Topless




Isabella is going through this phase right now where she wants to wear as little clothing as possible. She began to strip her shirt off when she eyed some shirtless men playing volleyball at the park this past weekend. It wouldn't have been so bad except for the fact that we were at the park for a birthday party, and it wouldn't have been the appropriate way to arrive to the party. After trying to explain that boys can take off their shirts but girls shouldn't because God has given girls something that boys will never have, she was satisfied to leave her shirt on at least until the party was over. But as soon as we arrive home (from anywhere) she strips off her shorts, shirt or both. Here's a shot of her running through our cul-de-sac before I could corral her back into the house to pull her shirt on. "I'm free!!!!!!"


"My sister is nutty."

Friday, April 1, 2011

Snazzy Socks


Mark has recently gotten into wearing flashy socks. It's his third pair and he's having fun sporting them at the office. Who knew a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers guy would have a secret sock fetish? Love it!