Ella's Birthday at the Park!

This looks like he is strolling along carefree!

We had a birthday lunch at a local pizzeria!

She loves the driving game!

Not interested in posing for pictures when there is coloring to be done!

So I realize that her birthday was 2 weeks ago now, but better late than never! Here are the photos from our day with friends.

Good Monday Morning

Tickling her brother wasn't enough,
so it was time to step up to blowing raspberries on the tummy!

so it was time to step up to blowing raspberries on the tummy!

Always a good time.

It was a fun weekend with friends celebrating a milestone in Ella's life that ended on a bittersweet note with the passing of a few loved ones. Hope these photos bring a smile and a good way to start a week.

We will post photos of the big event later this week.

Love you all, and many thanks to those that made this weekend so special!

A Clean Car!

It was an Easter miracle. Notice the new foglights, the euro headlights, and the clear bumper markers. I'm sure you noticed all those things without prompting, right?


Don't you agree it'd look better lowered about 1.5"?

RMG Egg Hunt

The Renton Moms Group that we belong to had an Easter Egg Eggstravaganza April 4th! We had a great time, and the weather was fantastic.

There were crafts, games, good food and friends!
Here are some of the shots from the actual egg hunt.

Mike and I had to split up to conquer both kids.
Fin didn't quite get the egg hunting this year, but he has plenty of time.
With over 100 families in the group, there were a lot of excited kids there!

Fin fighting Daddy's help.

Ella anxiously waiting...

GO, GO, GO!!!

Run, Ella, run!

Go, Fin, GO!!!

Look at her go!

I am not even sure he knows what he is looking for.

I love Mike's amused expression as Fin army crawls away from the eggs!

Lazy Summer (?) Sundays...

Last Sunday, April 5th, was a warm and WONDERFUL change from the prolonged winter here in the Northwest. We took full advantage of the day with some outside exploration and playing. We also got a chance to clean our winter dirty cars. It was really neat to see Ella helping Daddy washing cars and fixing my car. Fin tried out Ella's tricycle without success, but it was pretty amusing...

After another week of rain, these photos are a wonderful reminder that summer is on its way!!!

Fin finds a flower.

Ella watching the road for Daddy to return.

Baby Fin's cute tootsies!

Here he is confused by his sister dancing, or maybe just that the sun is out!

So he doesn't quite know how to get on a trike yet, but we will work with him!
He won't be riding this way in the Tour De France!

Ella intently watching daddy fix the headlights.

Washing the car...

Is mom still taking photos of me?

Don't worry, Fin will fix the tassels!

I CAN DO IT!!!

Seriously, I think he wanted to drive...
Only 15 more years Fin, 15 more years!

Dinner with friends!

We had a wonderful Saturday last weekend (Apr. 4). It was full of friends, eggs, food, and frantic excitement! The Renton Moms Group that we belong to hosted an egg hunt, and we had fantastic weather to compliment the hard work that went into organizing. I thank friends for connections to higher powers and lots of prayers!

Afterwards we had dinner with some good friends. It was so tasty, I am still salivating at the thought a week later! I need to get the recipe for the soup and the au jus. So GOOD!!

The evening was just the icing on the cake of a wonderful weekend. Being around families who are as loving and warm as the Nelsons makes me grateful for all that I am blessed with daily.

Fin on the floor at our friends' house.

Ella in the car on the ride home from dinner. She hung in there with no nap through the easter egg hunt, playtime with friends and dinner, but she was no match for the car ride home.

My Little Monkey!

Griffin is my little monkey. He loves hanging on us, climbing, and playing at MyGym. He is a sweet baby, and still needs a little more supervision than Ella at the open play at the gym.

So FUN!!!

Back to Basics...

Ella running for mommy!

A successful slide attempt.

His plate...he loves its translucent qualities.

Cup and bowl, best toys ever!

Daddy and Griffin reading together.

This expression makes me think of Finch, from American Pie.

OOO!

Ella loves the camera when it is pointed at Griffin.

Happy crab walk!

Griffin all twisted up in a blanket!

Then Ella has to do it too.

But it never lasts very long
before...

Griffin wants to play with Ella too!

2nd Annual Superbowl Party Extravaganza!!!!

Well here it is, 2am, the night before the big hurrah! I am still prepping for the game day festivities, and watching my favorite movie. This year should be great fun, even without our resident balloon animal maker...wish you were here Gabi. We have wonderful friends coming, and some exciting crafts for the kids, and as always more food than a team could eat!!!!!

Despite knowing that this game only includes the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, I am hoping for another come from behind victory for the Giants. Let's see a team that wasn't even playing walk away with the honor! Ah, all in good fun! This is a house divided today, as we have a special place in our hearts for both teams. I will be cheering on the Steelers, while Mike will be supporting our former hometown team, the Cardinals!

Best wishes for a safe and happy day!