Donuts at church are the best. (And bring back memories from my own childhood)
Kaitlyn had her official pictures taken today for her ballet recital. Several of her preschool friends are in her dance class so they love to get together. We spent a rainy afternoon waiting our turn but the girls had a blast and I can’t wait to see the official pictures.
Who doesn’t love a cookie decorating birthday party? The kids had a blast.
And to think he used to take awesome shower pictures like this.
Deep discussions over cars.
Somebody got a new blanket today.
I have been admiring Amy Tripple‘s photographs for quite a while. When we first realized we would most likely be moving, I booked a family photo session. I got the pictures and love them!
Alex’s current favorite drawing.
“Kaitlyn let’s play trucks”
Teague loves to bake and does so often. He’s great about letting Kaitlyn help when she asks. Today Kaitlyn wanted to bake and could not be convinced to let Teague help. He took it well and we all ended up with bran muffins.
Wednesdays are for Judo.
Kaitlyn and I have gotten into a new routine. After lunch we have about 30 minutes before we need to get Teague from school. I’ve been letting her watch a little bit of Frozen and she lets me take a short nap. It’s a win-win.
Little girl playdates are so different from little boy ones. These girls are in preschool together and have had an awesome year. Today we got together and they colored, played dolls, and are now blowing bubbles.
Morning reading with a side of cat.
Bedhead at its best.
Little girl play date.
Breakfast.
Treehouse shenanigans.
I noticed something new in Kaitlyn’s coloring today. She is at least attempting to stay near the lines!
Bedtime.
Bedtime.
Left to her own devices, this is how she puts on her pajamas.
At the Masquerade a few weeks ago, I won a sign making party during the silent auction. Amber, Nicki, and Maria joined me and tonight we made signs!
We are off to have family pictures taken. Wish us luck.
Let’s celebrate my birthday!!
Kaitlyn is so easy to entertain. Today she wanted to play in the water. Done!
Crazy hair day for school.
Sharing a few good books.
Wade is out of town so I wasn’t planning to really celebrate my birthday till this weekend. Amber and I had arranged a playdate this afternoon and that included dinner. I figured that would be a great way to celebrate. Imagine my surprise when she also showed up with a cake – made by one of my favorite people. Yum! Happy Birthday to me.
The Strouds came to visit and I ended up with a birthday dinner and cake. Perfect timing!
Walking in the rain.
She is so determined to be independent until she hits a brick wall. Then she’ll ask me to get the full gallon of milk.
Kaitlyn is a wonderful napper – in her own bed. I have never been able to transfer her from car to bed or vice versa. She also doesn’t sleep in the car more than 30 minutes (compared to a 3 hour nap in her crib). Teague has long ago given up naps, but can always be counted on for a snooze if we are in the car after about 3 pm. Imagine my surprise when we to to Alex’s appointment and I went to get the two youngest out of the car. Kaitlyn had already had a 2 hour nap, but apparently wasn’t quite done and Teague joined her.
Morning bus stop.
Just a little fun with the snowplow sticks.
Awana
When Mom finally buys you the princess cereal you have been begging to get for months.
When a local photographer, Emily Hernandez, offered “Mommy and Me” pictures I gladly signed up. It’s hard to be in pictures and I rarely have fun ones with just Kaitlyn. Included in this session was someone to do my hair and makeup – even better!
Easter!
Today is Easter. The kids patiently waited at the top of the stairs for me to take a picture before diving into their Easter Baskets. Then we dressed up and headed to Church. I demanded a picture afterwards and then we had a wonderful family meal afterwards. Happy day.
One of my favorite Easter traditions is our Saturday brunch and egg hunt with Milwaukee friends.
Amber started our Saturday-before-Easter brunch and Egg Hunt when the big boys were two (and there were only four kids). Over the years we have multiplied quite a bit! To try to make the hunting fair we’ve tried to separate the eggs for different kids in different ways. This year we told the big kids they couldn’t pick up an egg that was too easy to find – as in laying in the grass. Maybe soon we can just hide them and let them go wild.
One of my favorite things to do is compare old pictures. Here is our history of Easter Brunches (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017)
I love when my friends have fun parties. Sara threw an Easter party for all the kids and they all had a blast!
Ending the week with s’mores and neighbors.
Bubbles!
This is how our afternoon went:
Brothers bonding over video games.
Something is not right with Kaitlyn. This is her at the dinner table after she chose not to eat.