Farmer's Market!

Our cousins were on Spring Break, so we decided it would be a perfect time to visit them and spend some time with our favorite people. Of course we had to hit our favorite spot- the most awesome farmer's market in the world! We made a "scooter parade," with Patrick as our leader, and rode all the way there. Much to Peter's chagrin, he wasn't quite ready for scootering, so he followed in his car. We had a great pizza dinner and listened to the live music. Patrick danced while the girls and Peter climbed on a nearby railing. We went to the bouncy houses, and were amazed that all the kids, even Peter, waited so patiently in line for their turns. After we played at the playground for a little while and went on the merry-go-round. I was nervous that Peter was a little small for it, but in typical fashion, he loved it, and held on very proudly. We hit the face painting station and Lizzy and Peter got hearts (yes, even Peter wanted to join in), Caroline got ballet shoes, and Patrick got the most hilarious mustache ever. We finished the night with ice cream cones and then scootered home. Whew! Who could imagine that so much fun could be squeezed into just a few hours, but the kids had a blast, and we can't wait to go again!

Look Who Came To Dinner!

Peter has been crabbing and fussing about getting in his high chair. He never wants to come to the table, and fusses and cries about sitting in his chair. Turns out he was trying to tell us something......he wanted to join us at the "big" table! I finally caught a clue and pulled out Lizzy's old booster seat- problem solved! Now Peter comes right to the table, and he loves being a part of all the action close up. His favorite new part of eating together.....doing lots of "cheers!" with our glasses. What a social guy!

Three's A Crowd

The other day Lizzy had her friend, Hazel, come over for a playdate after school. We were just able to squeeze in Hazel's booster seat between Lizzy and Peter, so I was able to take the kids home from school. I felt like such a "mom" because I've never driven anyone else's kids around before- it was so fun:) I loved hearing the chit-chat in the back seat between the girls- sharing about their brothers and sisters, giggling and being silly. Peter couldn't quite figure it out. He seemed confused and just kept pointing to Hazel and saying "Oh! Oh!" I think our next car may need to be a little bigger, so we can fit more friends inside:)

Nothing To Do....

It feels like almost every day there is "something" to do- school, classes, events- some activity becomes the center of our day and we hurry and plan to get ready for the "something." Lot's of days, that's just fine. It's nice to have a place to go, fun things to do, friends to see. But some days, when there's nothing to hurry off to, I'm reminded of all the wonderful little things that are happening right under my nose. Things so seemingly insignificant, that when I recount the days happenings they may sound silly or unimportant, but when you're fortunate enough to have the front row seat, you can feel how magical and special the day really was. The other day I got to watch Lizzy and Peter really enjoy playing with one another. I got to listen in to all the "Come on, Peters" and "Look Mommy! We're playing together! We thought of a new game!" For a few moments, I became second fiddle, and the games being created between the two of them became center stage. They played in their kitchen, had a picnic in the living room, read books together on the couch, and "drove" like maniacs in the grocery store. I've never been so happy to have "nothing" to do, because watching these two children come together so beautifully to share their time and imaginations together, was exactly what was on the schedule that day.

A Great Dye Job

I love dying Easter eggs so much! There's just something to be said for the fun traditions of the holidays. I remember dying eggs with my family as a little girl- those funny little tablets that you're never quite sure what color they'll produce, the vinegar and egg smell, using the clear crayon to make designs, putting on the stickers afterwards, using the special egg holder to dip the eggs- it's all just so great, and I always get so thrilled when I can do these same traditions with my own children. It is so darling to see the kids get so excited, and now that they are a little older, both kids really had a fun time. They both "helped" me boil the eggs, and we lined up the little cups on the counter, kids standing on chairs for a good view, as Lizzy helped me fill the cups with vinegar and water. The kids loved watching their eggs become so colorful and beautiful. When we were all finished, Peter stuck around outside for his favorite part of egg-dying: the ol' dump and pour. And I guess that's what's also special about traditions: everyone gets to make them their own!

Twins

You're wearing that too? I thought I told you I was going with gray sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers today!

The Hunt Is On!

We got together with our neighbors for an Easter egg hunt. Everyone gathered for some donuts and coffee and a quick hello with the Easter Bunny. The hunt was set up in a great way. Using several different front lawns, the eggs were hidden for the various age groups. Peter's group was first, and he had lots of fun finding his eggs. Then when he returned his eggs to the Easter Bunny (to be used next year), he gives you a prize. Lizzy's group was next, and while the kids in her group were certainly more enthusiastic, they were still little enough to avoid the full-out crazy elbow throwing search of the older kids. After all the hunts were finished, there were egg-and-spoon relays and other fun games. All the kids had lots of fun, and it looks like even Peter is warming up to the Easter Bunny:)