Spring Break

Sadly enough, tonight is the last night of our spring break.  The kids and I had a great time slipping away from a strict routine for the week.  We are catching sight of summer break!  I definitely see that some structure and routine is going to be needed for summer though.  Jack is so full of energy!  It is amazing how sweet the kids can be together.  We'll find them sitting together on Jack's bed reading books and just talking to each other.  The next moment, complete chaos erupts as one takes something from the other, etc, etc.

Anyways, here are the highlights in pictures.

We finally got to check out the new penguin exhibit at the aquarium.  Caroline loved it.

Fun running around Newport on the Levee.  It rained Monday and Tuesday of break, so we were glad to have this weather on Wednesday.

Being cheesy for me

Caroline is so independent now.  This little backpack/leash is great.  I can let her explore even when things get crowded.

One night after dinner we went to feed the ducks.

Tommy had to chase this goose off several times.  It was MEAN and hissed!

Such sweet moments

This is the smile I get now when I ask Jack to say "cheese"

Jack is so protective of "his Caroline" now.  He was afraid she was too close to the water.

Throwing crackers

Caroline really liked to yell at the ducks too.  Here she is letting them have it.

Love that she's getting some hair now!

My sweet family

My turn to actually get a picture!

Friday we hit the zoo.  Love zoo bloom time!

Here Caroline is yelling at the alligators.  Something about animals makes her yell!

Making sure she sees it all!

What a fun day!

I've got a few more pictures to load and a few more things to update about.  Can't wait for our summer break!

Cousins

My sister, Elaine, and her daughter, Sarah Beth, came to visit us this weekend.  What fun we had.  It was so neat to watch the kids play together.  Sarah Beth is 9 months old.  She was in for some excitement with Jack and Caroline.  I think Elaine was worried about what she might learn from them.  It was so sweet to watch them interact.  I think there's going to be some trouble in the air as the girls get older and play together more.  Also exciting, Elaine and I got to do some sewing.  We knew we were getting older when we were excited to go to a consignment sale one night of the weekend and start a sewing project the next.  She helped me sew the black dress and then I was able to make the other one today.  Can't wait for some warmer weather!

fixing our dress straps

love this fabric

a sewing project is never complete without a trip to Hobby Lobby

She was so proud to wear it!

Elaine, Caroline and Sarah Beth

She loved Caroline's sunglasses

sweet cousins

Showing them the Levee.  Who would have thought there would be a two hour wait for the aquarium...even with a season pass!

A photo shoot with these 3 was more challenging than we thought!

Jack really liked SB

She's getting so big.  

Our fun company for the weekend!

Love Jack's half smile...like "come on mom!"

Here comes the real Jack

I guess this is why his teacher mentioned "good sense of humor" on his last report card.   I can only image the show he puts on for his friends!

Caroline not sure about SB checking out her buttons.

We had a great time and made some wonderful memories.  Thanks for the great trip girls.  We can't wait to see you again.  Jack's already asking where you went!

Happy Birthday Caroline!

I'm a little late in getting an update on Caroline's birthday.  What a fun weekend we had.  It was so nice to be able to spend time with friends and family that came to visit.  We know it makes for a lot of driving, but we really do appreciate the effort for the kids!  Here are some fun photos of her birthday weekend.  On Saturday, we had her a party here at the house.  Her actual birthday was Sunday the 20th, so we let her open the presents from us that day.  Jack's gift to Caroline was taking her to Build a Bear to make her own monkey.  As you will be able to see, she had some mixed feelings about the process.  She was so excited to leave with her monkey though!

Check out her cute shirt.  My friend Melissa (a college roommate and sorority sister) made it for her!

Fun with Grammy

Daddy, Nana, Popa and Aunt Beverlee

Getting a good smile out of Grandpa

So happy our neighbor Ashley could stop by.

Caroline swiped a corner of the cake before we were ready to sing.  Here she is with the evidence all over her hands.  She does not like dirty hands!

Still holding still b/c of the icing.  See the closest left corner?

Digging in with both hands.

Taking a break to pose with Mommy.

Ready to stuff her monkey.

Not so sure about the stuffing process....

Glad to have her monkey back in her arms.  We won't even mention the fluffing process!

Opening her gifts from us.  Really liking the opening!

A potty baby!  Maybe this will help in the potty training process starting in June.

"open Daddy!"

Birthday Season

As I sit here the day after my birthday, preparing for Caroline's party this weekend, I am trying to figure out how we got from this...



This was taken a day or two before Caroline was born

to this....

just days before turning 2

I know I've said it a million times, but where does the time go with kids?  How are we looking directly at 2 with Caroline while this sweet guy,

at the cirucs last nast night with his snow cone!

is 4.5 years old.  I keep trying to remember to slow down and just enjoy these moments with him.  Everytime Jack says "I like you mom" or "thanks for taking me there/doing that with me," I just thank God for the blessing that they are in our lives.

Here's a few more fun pictures from this month:

breakfast for dinner and all Caroline wanted was the jelly on top of it!

Jack being silly

Enjoying these moments when they WANT to hold hands.  Having a brother and a sister, I know this time is limited!

Trying to jump together.  Caroline hasn't quite figured out how to get both feet off the ground at the same time.

My birthday date to the circus.