Random updates

We have had such a nice spring.  I can tell already that it's going to be a completely different summer than last year....  Now that Henry is older, he is only doing one nap a day, but we were limited by his 2 nap a day schedule last summer.  So, with more freedom in our schedule this year, we're already staying up later after work to play outside and getting more done on the weekends.  And we're weeks ahead on spring landscaping maintenance compared to where we were last year - so we're productive and having more fun!

Here are pictures of the kids enjoying some of the loot I got going to garage sales a few weeks ago. (Yes, I'm officially addicted to garage sales!)

Hilton Head

At the end of April, our family went to Hilton Head, South Carolina, along with my mom and sisters and their families.  Although it's always great to get together, it was especially fun to celebrate Katie's pregnancy (due mid-June) and Frank's return from duty in Iraq.  We honestly didn't do much - mainly swimming at the pool, digging in the sand, and playing our Wii games after the kids went to bed - but it was great to be together and to catch up.  

Good stuff

One of the my favorite recipes from my mom is a yummy fruit dip, and I am able to pass on my love of it to the next generation.  This is what you call "licking the bowl clean."  (I'm so proud.)

Happy Easter

We celebrated Easter like I'm sure many others do...  decorating the eggs, Easter egg hunts, lots of candy and Peeps (which Maddie loved),  Sunday mass/service, and yummy Easter brunch with family.  We were fortunate to celebrate Easter with Nathan's parents and Uncle Erik and Aunt Chelsea.  We also were grateful for the beautiful spring weather.  It was a great weekend!

Oh, and if you are wondering...  here is what a crabby 3.5 year old looks like when you are trying to take her picture in her cute Easter dress and she doesn't want you to...

Patience and sharing

Patience.  It's not something that comes easily to me, but I'm working on it.  And Madeline and Henry are sure helping me hone in on my patience skills.  Sharing.  It's a constant battle at our house these days.  This whole "sibling rivalry" thing happens early and often!!!  Madeline has been doing such a great job sharing with Henry, but there is only so much we can expect her to do.  Henry wants only 2 things:  either 1) whatever Madeline has and/or 2) a ball.  There is no middle ground.  And he wants it NOW.  We've had lots of tears these last few weeks. 

Documented proof:

This $2.59 ball from Target has been a huge lesson for me... JUST BUY 2 BALLS NEXT TIME!

Decorating the Easter eggs

With a 1- and 3-year old, it's fair to say that we don't go overboard on decorating the Easter eggs.  Who wants to deal with keeping your house safe from egg DYE?  But, in the spirit of good old fashioned tradition, we decided to dye 9 eggs.  Well, actually, it ended up being 8 because I had to give an egg to Henry to keep him happy and away from the DYE.  This is what he did with it.  

So, after Henry gave me back the destroyed egg, he now wanted in on the food dye action.  So, I hesitatingly gave him a cup of the dye.  As you can see, he was laughing hysterically.  I love those cute little belly laughs.  But, every good thing must come to an end.  And he did NOT like having it taken away.  Poor Henry.  He's such a 1-year old...

Getting ready for vacation

We're heading to Hilton Head, South Carolina next week for a little R&R and swimming with my mom, sisters, and their families.  We're anxious to see everyone, but we're especially excited to see Uncle Frank, who is finally back from a 15 month tour of duty in Iraq (THANKFULLY!), and also Aunt Katie and her cute pregnant belly.

Aunt Katie sent Madeline a little beach care package, with some new Crocs, Tinkerbell swim suit, and goggles - all of which she was *very* excited about.  And Henry LOVES his new sunglasses.

Hilton Head - here we come!