Where did the month go?

I just realized today that we've been home a month, and I haven't posted anything of late. I have taken a few pictures of the last few weeks, thankfully, because there is never a dull moment at our house. 1) JD successfully used the bathroom. This is no small matter, as many of you know, so we had much to celebrate. He hasn't done it since, but I blame our negligence for lack of persistence . . . and the fact that he's 21 months old. 2) A went to the dentist for the first time. She did great, followed all of the directions from the hygenist, took x-rays of her teeth, and unfortunately found four, yes four, cavities. We went back the following week, and, even more remarkable, she did well while they fixed two of the four cavaties. Again, I blame myself for that one. If a three year old has cavaties, it must be her mother's fault. 3 and 4) We took a quick trip to the beach with J's family, and the kids had a great time in the sand. I say kids, because if you know me, I hate sand. It gets everywhere in a short amount of time, and I continued to find it, weeks later, in crevices in my car, on the floor in the laundry room, in our suitcase -- annoying. But, the kids had a good time, and I had fun hanging out with the family. I would just prefer to do it in the mountains. 5) We bought A's birthday present early, so she could enjoy riding it. This was her first and last attempt (close to a month ago). She did great riding it on the sidewalk in front of our house, but she slightly felt it tip, and did not fall, mind you, but refuses to ride it. At first I thought she'd try it again in a few days. But no. Then I bought her a book about the little girl's daddy teaching her how to ride a bike. She loves the book, but still won't ride the bike. I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile the bike is getting dusty in the garage.

ND Vacation 2009

Church Picnic Done Right

Every year our church has a Memorial Day picnic, and we all had a great time. This was taken before the picnic. Both of the kids enjoyed the petting zoo . . . ,

they both rode ponies . . . ,

and A and her cousin enjoyed a few trips down the bouncy slide.

Cousins

We celebrated Papa's birthday last night, and the kids enjoyed their usual fun with the cousins. Papa and Nana brought donuts, which was a big hit. JD consumed who knows how many, but there were no reprecussions, so no harm done.

My Little Baker

I let A stay up after her bedtime to make cookies with me one night last week. She loves to watch the mixer do its thing, add ingrediants to the bowl, and, of course, sample the dough. I don't let her take anything out the oven, however, despite what the picture might imply.

Days of Play

ND Grandma sent a box with fun goodies for all of us: new outfits for the kids, a birthday card for J, and slippers for me. What better way to enjoy the extent of the box than by sitting in it! Oh to be so small as to fit in a shoe box!

A had to give JD a hug after grabbing some books from him. Apparently, no harm done.

Some sort of sand creation in the making. Through my eyes: more to wash and vacuum. Am I becoming a pessimist? Or just more confirmation of the realist I already am.

It appears that A is praying, but she is not. They are both poring over a book in the yard. I love all of their interactions.

New Do

JD is sporting a new do. Last week, I finally did the inevitable and took him to Supercuts. He sat in the chair all by himself, didn't cry at all, and did great. He even sat still when she used the razor around his ears. I went away wondering why I waited so long.

Tulips, continued

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

We went down to Woodburn, OR yesterday for our first experience of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival. Here's a glimpse of what we saw and did:

Easter baskets

I really enjoyed seeing their enthusiasm for their Easter baskets this year. Apparently, green "grass" has real appeal.

Egg Hunt Extravaganza

The kids participated in two egg hunts last weekend, one at their cousin's birthday party (the last two pictures), and one at their "school." JD quickly acclamated to the concept of picking up eggs, but, instead of grabbing as many as possible, he stopped to look inside each one. Don't worry, he still had a basketful of eggs when he was done.

A Beautiful Spring Day

The Big Day

Preparations for Auntie's Big Day

At play

Can you say messy?