Easter 2016

Wasn't Easter just yesterday? I swear it was, but apparently it was almost two months ago. That is a mark as to how fast time is flying this year. The year is just one month away from being half gone! We had some special visitors for Easter this year. My brother, Jeremy, and his family came for spring break/Easter. It is always great when they come to visit. It makes for an enjoyable time. We were hoping that we'd have all the little cousins together for a big Easter egg hunt, but Jake's kids were sick and had to miss out. It was our first time having a big hunt with Jeremy's kids, Zach and Lexi. We also had Audrina, Jeremy's sister-in-law's little one.

The kids had a great time spending the days with their cousins. It was nie to have someone for them to play with for a few days of spring break. We even had some grown-up bonding times by playing some games while the kids watched movies. I even talked Josh into seeing Batman vs. Superman (which he was adamant to never waste a dime on) and we left the kiddos with mom (poor mom) to enjoy an evening out.

We went to the town Easter Egg Dash and Evie came away with over $7.00 in change from all of the eggs she got. It marks a year if finality for us. This was Alex's last year to participate in the dash, as he will be too old next year. It kind of makes me sad, but I suppose it was bound to happen sooner or later. I'm not sure what that will mean for him next year. He will be the only one sitting out and I hope it doesn't make him too sad. Even Wesley will still be able to go. I think I'll make up something for him to feel included, like helping Evie get eggs. I bet he'd enjoy that.

On Easter morning, we had an impromptu Easter dinner with Jeremy and his family. We didn't plan it and it ended up being quite delicious. I even made my traditional bunny cake. The kids got some tasty treats from the Easter bunny and everyone had a great time.

Dorky kids, Spring, & Roller Blades

When the camera comes out, the dorky kids come with it. They see the camera and instantly make the goofiest faces they can. I don't remember if I was like this as a kid, but digital cameras weren't around back in the stone age. So when we got a picture taken, it was take what you get.
Spring has officially sprung and with it has come outdoor play. I am so excited to get out of the house regularly. I can feel the difference that the sun is making in my demeanor. I'm a hot weather gal all the way. I'd take 104 degrees over 40 degrees any day of the year. I prefer sweat to shivers. So the trampoline is getting lots of use these day and so are the new fun toys that Mandy was so kind to get the two older kids for Christmas - roller blades. At first, Alex and Abby were pretty much uninterested in trying them. They were used to roller skates instead of inline blades and had no interest in falling down a lot. Of course, Alex had his other reasons. After suffering from his concussion and other injuries, he was terrified that he'd fall and hit his head again. I can't blame him. It's scary getting a head injury like he did. But one day, they both put them on and gave it a go in the carport. One day later, they were little pros. It's amazing how fast kids pick things up. Fascinating!

Also, with spring has come the weather that is warm enough for tutus. Evie has followed suit with Abby's past obsession and wants to wear tutus all day, every day. Even when it's cold, she asks. I think children have the ability to shrug off the cold easier than me.

Happy spring everyone!

Finally!

Abby has been very slow when it comes to losing her teeth. By the time Alex finished second grade, he'd lost all of his eight front baby teeth. We are down to the last week of school, and Abby is no where near this progress. She lost her bottom front two quite awhile back, but the other teeth were showing no signs of leaving anytime soon. When her front top two teeth started to get slightly loose, I was kind of excited to see her lose a couple more. This was several months ago. I still attribute this to her thumb sucking habit. Over the weekend, she had snaggle-tooth syndrome. One tooth was hanging on by a thread and she wouldn't let me pull it for love nor money. And believe me, I bribed her several times. The other tooth, though loose, was just about a third as loose as the snaggletooth.

While eating their lunch, Abby had apparently bit down on her chicken quesadilla and hurt the NOT snaggletooth. I hear Alex run in to my room yelling, "Mom! Abby lost her tooth!" I automatically assumed the snaggletooth was the casualty. Boy, was I wrong! Apparently when she bit on her food, the unloose tooth started bleeding and Abby showed Alex by tapping on it. One good tap and out it popped! This, of course, leaving the snaggletooth to continue hanging on desperately. When the bleeding stopped from tooth number one, I told Abby I could "magic trick" the other tooth out without any pain. Magic trick = pulling with a frozen wash rag. One small tug later and out popped tooth casualty number two. Abby is now toothless and loving it. She actually decided that it was time to stop sucking her thumb because it feels awkward. I sure hope it sticks!