Fire Pit Progress

The fire pit is coming along....

 

We debated over a second set of stairs, which we decided against, then changed our minds.

David is now working on getting those in, and we may be completely done with it very soon.

The good thing is, we're still able to use it while we work on completing it.  It will be nice to finally have it done, though.  

Shadow Art

A butterfly...

Toothless Swimmer

The girls started the next session of swim lessons today.  Kendall loved being challenged more, and looked so darn cute in these yellow goggles and her toothless smile!

Easter Sunday

It was a cold and windy Easter Day.  I volunteered at church, and realized I should have paid more attention to the forecast a little too late.  Such a turn from our beautiful sunny and 65 degree day yesterday.  Had I paid attention I would have grabbed my parka!  Brrr....

We had a lovely morning at church, which was packed, and the kids had fun with the annual church egg hunt. 

We arrived back home to find our yard ready for another egg hunt!  Thanks Grandpa Bill!

Karen and Melanie joined us as well, and we enjoyed a pretty laid back day together. 

The kids decided to go out for the egg hunt right as it started raining/hailing - good timing.  I opted inside, which means I didn't get many pictures.

The crew looked pretty spiffy in their Easter best, then got super silly!

Grandma Karen made this awesome carrot cake!  So fun!

Bill brought up this AMAZING tanner crab.  David threw it on the grill was his delicious garlic butter and we had and awesome feast.  Yum! 

Little League 2016: White Sox vs. Giants

First game of the season!  We were spoiled rotten with loads of sunshine and a not so early start time.

Ryan's team is the White Sox, he wears #11, has the best coaches, and he's so happy to be playing ball again.

There was a little whining from the girls about heading to watch the game, but they quickly found things to do - like pick dandelions and put them in their hair!

Ryan had a good game with a few hits, I think, and fielded the ball well.  They won the game 10-3 (or something like that).  I'm not yet back into baseball mode myself.  I'll get there soon, I'm sure.

School Year Progress

The kids 2nd trimester report cards came out today.  Both Kendall and Ryan are doing great in school, and most importantly they LOVE to go to school.  

They both had great marks on their report cards, which makes this mama so proud.

Kendall's teacher wrote the following comments about Kendall:

Kendall is just a delight! She is a very conscientious, focused, hard working student & a kind friend. Kendall is a gentle leader in class, motivating others to do their best!  I am so proud of Kendall! She continues to be a positive force in our classroom. Her kindness & patience make her a strong reading/math partner. She is able to bring out the best in others.

Oh my goodness.  These words brought me to tears, and probably will every time I read them.  We've always known Kendall is one special kid, but it makes me so happy she is shining her light in the world.  I love that her teacher shared these wonderful words with us.

Mountainside Easter Hat Parade

Natalie's school had their Easter hat parade today. 

It's such a fun event for the kids.  The staff does such a great job pulling it off.

Natalie was so shy again this year.  It's like she turns into a different kid in front of all those parents.  Poor thing.