Build and Grow

Both of the kids went to a Build and Grow workshop at Lowe's the other weekend.

It was Maggie's first time, and Colin's 3rd.  They both just loved it.

This week's project was a see thru planter box.

It is really cute and simple to put together, which was nice.

Maggie did pretty well - She is a pro at hammering all around the nail!

Colin did his project with minimal assistance from Brian.  He did a great job following the instructions and picking out the right-sized nails to use.  He's going to be a handy-man!

Maggie's finished project - she was so proud!

Brian took the kids out a few days later to plant some seeds.  

The finished project!

Please don't mind the chalk graffiti on the walls - we've got some hoodlum's living nearby :)

Oh, and one other random picture I found the other day...

See the red Power Ranger hanging from the ceiling just above Colin's head?

He was super excited that when we went to dinner for Brian's birthday, there was a power ranger hanging up nearby!  It's the little things...

Tree climbing

Colin and Maggie have really been into climbing our front tree lately.

Colin is super brave and goes really high, Maggie will make it to the first branch and decide that's far enough :)

But, I got some cute pics of them I wanted to share:

Maggie really wanted a picture by herself, but her silly Bubby snuck on in.

I love this picture!

Oh nevermind, he can be in the picture, too!

Can you see Colin way up there?

Time for afternoons and evenings playing outside - it's my favorite!

outdoor fun

Our little family just loves being outside.

And lucky for us, so do our neighbors, so there is always a little mini-block party going on outdoors.

Maggie has been into her dolls lately, and let me tell you, she is a really great little mom.

Except for when she accidentally drops her baby...

Then she picks it up and gives it a big squeeze.

Colin has been getting into soccer more lately, so Daddy and Colin have been getting after it in our back yard!

Maybe we should try to sign Colin up for soccer this summer.  Last time we tried, he wasn't interested at all.  Maybe he just wasn't ready yet, but he's definitely having fun playing with Brian!

Ordinary days - March edition

Since it's almost a couple weeks into April, I figured I'd better put up these pictures from March.

These were all just on my phone, so I hope you enjoy them!

Maggie has been insisting on wearing her tap shoes everywhere she goes.  She wanted to show off her tapping skills to me one day and requested a few pictures.

Looks like we have the right foot-toe point down really well!

We also got her a couple new swim suits after visiting Great Wolf Lodge a couple months ago.

She FINALLY grew out of her suit from almost 2 years ago.

Green polka dot 2 piece worn while fixing dinner one night

Multi-colored striped one piece worn while chasing Moose around the playroom!

We have been enrolling Colin in the Lowe's build-and-grow programs on Saturday mornings.  They are free and the last 2 have been for building a monster truck.  Brian has gone with him both times and said he has a blast there.

We are trying to get the kids ready for T-ball (Maggie) and machine pitch baseball (Colin) that will start in May.  Maggie is actually pretty darn good for her first time.

Pretty sure you're supposed to play T-ball in a skirt, right? :)

Colin took a few swings off the tee, he did great.

Moose wanted to play, too.  He was in the outfield, chewing up our bases.

Thanks for your help, Moose!

Easter weekend 2015

We had a fabulous Easter weekend spending time with both sides of the family.

We went to Belton on Saturday to see the Dudley side (Meemaw, Tiff, Chad and Gordon).  It's so fun to spend time with them and not have a real schedule to have to attend to.  Originally we were only going to stay part of the day, but then decided to stay for dinner, too.  It was a ton of fun, especially now that Gordon is able to interact and play a lot more.

Tiff was making homemade playdoh when we arrived.  They had so much fun playing with it, and it has been a favorite at our house ever since then.  I guess I had better look up the recipe!

 Gordon didn't seem to get too far from Colin all afternoon.  He thought Colin was pretty cool (and obviously we agree!)

I was joking with Tiff that these two look more like siblings than my two do!

 Gordon watching Colin very intently - you can almost see the wheels turning! :)

 "and this, is how you make a very cool playdoh ball"

 "and this, is how you stick toothpicks into your playdoh ball"

 Gordon wanting to give it a try for himself

 We brought Moose along with us - they have such a huge backyard, and plus their dog Scooter and Moose like to play - 

Moose was wanting some of Colin's bacon :)

 I love Gordon's toothy smile right now

 We did an Easter egg hunt outside - it was just a beautiful day!

 Even Gordon did a little egg hunt of his own

 He was so proud of himself whenever he found one

After dinner, we made it back to our house and got ready for Easter morning.

The kids had a blast looking for eggs again and enjoyed a little bit of breakfast candy

 They each got a 'money egg' which had $5 in it.

 That's quite the loot - they immediately put it in their lock boxes.  Such good savers!

After 10:00 mass, we went to Grammie and Grandad's house for brunch and yet another Easter egg hunt.  It's so much fun to search for eggs!

 Youngest to oldest - listening to Grammie's directions and waiting for Daniel so the egg hunt could begin!

 Maggie squealed and ran as fast as she could whenever she found an egg.  It was so cute to watch!

Our traditional family Easter picture (thanks Caitlin!)

Definitely counting our blessings this year - the Lord is good!