Easter eggs

 This year I bought an Easter egg kit that allowed you to paint your eggs rather than dipping them. I thought maybe it would be more fun for the kids, and I think it was, although it definitely wasn't any cleaner. I love having little kids who get so excited for about holidays, and the fun traditions that go along with them!

 

Arizona - Playing

 While I was in Arizona, Amanda and I had a lot of fun 'playing'. We did a lot of shopping, which was a treat, especially since I only had 1 child with me instead of 3! We also had fun catching up, going on walks, and playing with the kids. And of course there was chocolate cake involved as we were celebrating Amanda's birthday! I had such a fun time while I was in Arizona, and was so glad I could go visit.

 

One evening we went up to the parks in Anthem and went fishing, and walking around with the kids. It was such a beautiful area, and evening to be outside.

 

 

These ducks were hilarious, they dunked their heads under the water right at the bottom of a small waterfall. It was almost like their own personal whirlpool bath.

 

Kate and Uncle Morgan with one of the fish he caught. Clara wanted nothing to do with it, but Clayton was brave enough to touch it.

Arizona - Pictures

While I was in Arizona visiting Amanda, we took a LOT of pictures of Clara. For Christmas John had bought me Amanda's old camera, so she was trying to teach me how to use it. I sort of understood what she taught me, but pretty much forgot everything as soon as I got back. Oh well!

 

The pink dress

My mom bought this pink dress for all of her granddaughters to have their pictures taken in. Most of the girls have had their 1 year photos taken in the dress, but since Clara is probably the size of most 1 year olds, we decided to go ahead and take some pictures of Clara in the dress. I love this sweet baby girl!!

 

Her scrunched up nose face

 

 

Clapping

 

 Walking - I love her ankle rolls, and big smile you can just see!

Eating Amanda's earrings

Arizona - Birthday Surprise

My sister Amanda turned 30 this month. Since turning 30 is kinda a big deal, I thought it would be really fun to go to Arizona and surprise her for her birthday! My parents were already in Arizona visiting, so Clara and I flew down to Phoenix on Friday the 15th. I was a little nervous about how Clara would do on the flight, but she was so great!

 

My aunt and uncle who live in Phoenix picked Clara and me up from the airport. The plan was for my parents to take Amanda out for an early birthday dinner (her actual birthday wasn't till Monday) with my aunt and uncle before they flew home to Omaha on Saturday. So after picking me up from the airport, we drove straight to the restaurant to meet my parents, Matt and Amanda, and brother Morgan (who lives in AZ too). My aunt and uncle went into the restaurant

 first, and I waited in the car for about 10 minutes before going in and just walking up to the table.

 

Amanda was SO surprised to see me!! It was awesome!! I had been worried that somehow the surprise would get ruined, since everyone else was in on it, but it totally worked out! She was really happy that I had come to visit, and would be staying for the weekend!

 

Amanda and me at the restaurant

 

 

Clara and aunt LaRae

Clara's Walker

Clara got a little walker for Christmas, and has loved walking all over with it. At first she could only walk in straight lines, and I would have to help her change directions after she bumped into something, but now she can turn it, and go where ever way she wants! Thanks for the great present mom and dad!

Snow

We had a pretty good snow storm a few days ago, and the kids were SO excited about it, that they couldn't even wait for it to stop snowing before they were outside playing. Our yard is mostly flat, but does have a gradual slope on one side, so the kids went out and went sledding. I was shocked at how long they stayed out and played, especially because it was still snowing so hard.

 

Makenna after she finally came in!

Two days later, we were able to have some more fun outside in the snow. Clara even came outside for a little bit, and enjoyed discovering the snow.

 

John also helped the kids make a snowman, using the new snowman kit they had received for Christmas from Uncle Joey and Aunt Marie.

 

And of course there were a few snow angels made as well.

Valentine's Day

The best part of my Valentine's Day was that John surprised me that morning, by telling me that he was taking the day off to spend with us! We had a nice Valentine's breakfast together, and had a fun day as a family. John also got Clara her first ever flower (which she later smashed on her high chair tray).

 

 

My favorite 'love' story came not on Valentine's day, but about a week later. Hudson had done something to land him in time out in his room, and he was not happy about it. (There were lots of tears.) John and I went into his room and shut the door, and were talking to him about why he was in time out, and trying to calm him down, when Makenna slipped this note under his door. What a sweet big sister she is to Hudson and Clara!!