Spring Break = Work

Since I have the kids on a pretty set schedule in our house, spring break wasn't so much of a break as it was work.  Christian has friends in almost every house on our street and our house is the popular hang out spot for all of them.  Getting Christian's school done, Tay's nap in, and keeping up with my chores was a bit challenging.  After Monday, I decided to go easy on school... so Christian just did some reviewing and computer work the rest of the week.  (He is now reading books!! *squeal*) I couldn't bare to keep them indoors any longer than necessary with our incredibly fabulous weather! 

One night, we took four of the neighbor kids with us on a walk to the lake.  It was so muddy by the lake, so the kids all washed off on the boat ramp... which made them soaking wet.  I wish I had my camera!  I was laughing so hard when they all got their shoes stuck in the mud.  Taylor Rose couldn't stand the mud on her shoes, so we had to stop a lot with her.  She kept trying to pick it off with a stick. 

The rest of the days were spent doing other fun things, like...

...Hunting for mayflies

... Hunting for rolly pollys

 ...Making little houses for the bugs

...Tay trying to say "rolly polly", but it comes out like "chewy dewy" (She took it out to go take a nap inside.  I think it was dead.)

 ...Splashing around in the pool and running around in swimsuits

 ...Making playdough food

 ...Making playdough noodles

 Rolling out playdough

 Making a playdough birthday cake (CK told Matty that Tay puts too much salt in her food so it isn't really that good.)

 (Tah-dah!)

 eating a yummy cake, hamburger, and cookie

 ... and making Pinterest crafts

 Peek-a-boo!

Baby Party

My cuz, my lil' sis, and my I'm-sure-she's-gonna-be sister-in-law all got together and threw us a diaper party at my house.  Kelli walked in with a pink diaper cake and a bunch of super awesome decorations - they looked professional, but she promised that she actually MADE them.  She did a great job!  Nikki made a ton of way yummo cupcakes and an orange diaper cake.  Sami made the heavily addicting hot sauce, dip, and a green diaper cake (which she decorated with TONS of hairbows that she made).  They had planned on making my fave punch, but forgot.  It was kind of a hectic day.

The party was so much fun!  The boys, plus a few girls, all hung out in the garage and played beer games.  The rest of us migrated around to talk and eat. 

I didn't remember take any pictures of the actual party, just the decorations.  I was too busy working my jaw muscles the entire time, anyway.  I had a lot to catch up on with some friends I hadn't seen in, like, foooorevs.

Gnome at Home

Having a two-year-old is just like using a blender without a top.  Add nailpolish to that and its a disaster.  So, after failing at a few attempts to paint cute little Easter eggs on Tay's toes, we moved on to something less challenging. 

We created a real life gnome out of an old sock.

Little Prayers, Big Heart

Taylor Rose insists on a routine at night before she goes to sleep, otherwise it can be a very long battle.  First, we have to sing her ABC's, then spell her name (in a song), then count (again, in a song), then say her prayers.  Her prayers are so sweet and she never forgets to mention the little things, which range from snacks to shoes. 

I captured a few of her prayers on video:

My very happy and very thankful girl... If she only knew how thankful I am to have her.

This Tent is Your Tent, This Box is Our Box

I ordered a camping/beach pop-up tent to take with us on our travels.  I think it will be perfect for naps or just a place to get some shade.  (I should've done this years ago)  It cleverly twists and folds up into a tiny pouch about the size of a large frisbee.  Amazon clearly hasn't gotten the memo on going green, so they sent our new tent in a box big enough to hold both of my kids.

 

Christian and Taylor Rose also felt the calling of Spring a little bit too soon.

The water was freeeezing, so they really just splashed around.  Tay still insisted on her floaty, just like CK really needed his goggles.

Why Can't Birthdays Stop at 21?

I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my 21st birthday not long ago. 

I woke up to a massive sign and a million balloons covering the kitchen. 

Sitting on the counter was a note with instructions. 

The rest of the morning was spent tearing through my house to find gifts hidden in inconspicuous spots.  Each gift had a clue as to where to find the next gift.  The gifts started off pretty bad -  a pink plastic trash can, a stank nasty bottle of knock off perfume from the Dollar Tree, some weird sandpaper contraption that rubs hair off (I tried it on my arm just to see and it actually works!), among a few other equally odd surprises.  I zoomed through until the very last clue - "shiny white California tree."  The shiny part really through me off.  I ended up having to text Ryan for a better clue.  As soon as I did, my brain returned to full function and I solved the riddle - my car.  In my car was a really cool messenger bag and the ugliest shoes I have ever seen. 

Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport LS - in pink and black

I tried them on and then told him that I just couldn't do it, but thank you for the gift.  I have heard so many good things about these shoes, but just didn't think I could get past the weird feeling between my toes.  After giving them a try for a day, I decided that I really do love the fit.  Its crazy how they make my whole body line up perfectly.  So, I now own these hideous, but super awesome things... only in yellow instead of pink.   

Ryan also bought me the most comfortable pillow I have ever laid my big head upon.  I have heard of this pillow, but couldn't understand what all the hype was about.  Even as I opened it out of its packaging, I couldn't see any significant different.  After sleeping on it a few nights while heavily pregnant, I now see the light.  Wow!