Grandma would be so proud

While all of our girls enjoyed playing with Tinkerbelle, it was Lily who really had a great time. since Shawn's mom and husband Tom have "Wiener dogs" we thought we'd get one too. Okay I'm totally kidding. This is not our dog. But the girls loved playing with her and she loved playing with them- especially Lily and her hair. And no, after taking these shots Shawn again let me know that we are never going to cut her hair.

We did, however get some new pets. They're small and cuddly now but they are going to get louder, larger, and smellier.......................................

Easter

We had the best Easter we've had in the 7 years we've lived in Minnesota this year. First, by some great miracle, we have had the mildest and nicest of springs. This meant that we were actually able to dye Easter eggs outside-at night in MARCH - no small feat here in Minnesota! In addition to the great weather, we also got to take part in some very fun events. We got to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Preschool and took part in 3 different Easter egg hunts. We also got to spend time with the fabulous friends who have truly become our family out here in Minnesota. We hope your Easter was as wonderful as ours.

Gratitude

What a great few weeks it has been. I am reminded over and over how blessed my family is.

We have great friends. Friends we laugh with and cry with, friends we stay up way to late with and get up way to early with. The kind of people who take their own hair out of a ponytail so they can braid Lily's, who insist on taking our kids (and dog!) so that Shawn and I can have a night to ourselves. Friends who drop off treats, send us cards, include us in their holidays , making us part of their families. These are the kinds of people that truly bless our lives.

We're also blessed to have healthy children. Children who are bright, articulate, and kind. As a mom, the thing that humbles me the most, is when these 3 children forgive my short comings and carry on as some of the kindest people I know. They easily forgive the unkind people in their lives and move on quickly. They love fiercely and make every day brighter for me and those around them.

We're blessed with the gift of music. Some of my family sing like angels. And, more importantly, they think the rest of us do as well. I can't imagine a day that isn't filled with music. Home (and at Grandpa Al's) we can belt it out no matter how we sound.

We're blessed with laughter. There are days when our home, car, friends' homes and cars just ring with laughter. Laughing til we cry and are afraid we might wet ourselves (well at least those of us who have given birth) make for some of my favorite days/memories.

Spring. We're blessed with a beautiful and mild spring. After more years than my whole family has lived combined, we had a March with not only no snow, but warm spring days. After months of cold, dark, days, we have crocuses and daffidils in bloom and irises on the way.

So, we are truly blessed and have so much to be grateful for. We hope you do as well.

Cinderella

This past week has been full of fun events. Charlie was in her school play, Cinderella and the Glass slipper. she did a really great job and we really enjoyed it. :)

Wild Things

With Shawn for a dad, I shouldn't be surprised by what great storytellers all of my kids are. Emily really showed us her skills tonight as she narrated her school play, Where the wild Things Are. We couldn't have enjoyed a play more. Not only did em totally rock it, but the play itself was a ton of fun. They used black lights, great music and added extra places (space and the ocean) for Max to visit. They also did a preplay talent show which em also got to MC.

So, great job Emily- and look for another update Thursday night after we see Charlie in her school play.

Em's birthday

Emily turned 10 - or as we like to say- became a zero-teen

the beginning of January. We celebrated by inviting our family over to celebrate. I of course forgot to take pictures until everyone was leaving, but I did get a few. We haven't done her friend party yet- which will be her very last one as we stop doing parties when they go to middle school (we can't believe that she's going to middle school either!), but she had a great time turning 10.

Snow Days

Well the snow keeps falling and we're starting to run out of room. Our yard is REALLY starting to pile up. In December, the girls stood next to the ornaments our friends, the Nesvolds, gave us for Christmas. Now, those ornaments are totally buried and the girls are right up in the branches. I'm not sure how much more snow our yard can hold. For now, we're just hoping for an early spring!