Fun with Gpa and Gma

While we were at Sunday School, Grandpa and Grandma managed to get Audrey and Sami dressed, a picture taken, and still make it to church on time.

We had lots of help on our walk home from the playground.

Family photo outside the zoo.

1,2,3,4,5,6. . .whee! Yes, we count to 6 (or higher) instead of 3 - this kids enjoy counting and it gives our arms a break.

It's daffodil time at Shaw.

Racing Grandpa to meet the indians.

Looking for birds from the "treehouse."

Peek a boo!

The hike back to the van.

A child is never too young to learn about skulls.

4 happy girls . . hanging out with Grandma.

Fenced In

My parents came for a visit for 12 days. Dad and Karl took on the fence project. After 2 months of planning (multiple trips to Lowes and conversations with fence-building friends), my Dad was itching to start. It took the entire time, but they did it! This picture is out of order. . .Since we could use some of the previous fence, we made the back fence 4 feet instead of 6. All of the pickets had to be cut. Annika supervised.

Day 1: post hole digging. 22 in all. No auger rental here. . .nothing but brute strength.

Day 2: setting the posts. Day 3: putting up the "stringers."

The trip to Lowes to pick up supplies was a major undertaking. Here are the 300+ cedar pickets in our laundry room. Our entire house smelled like cedar.

Days 5 - 12: putting in gates, putting up pickets, and finishing touches.

Nice work, men! We have had so many compliments on our new fence. . .even a job offer for my Dad from a contractor. We are looking forward to being able to send the kiddos out into the backyard!

1st trip (of many) to playground

Karl had a day off so we took the kids to Forest Park playground. It was the first time at a playground for Audrey and Sami. I'm realizing it's going to be a challenge to keep track of 2 toddlers on playground equipment. . .we may be spending a lot of time at the swings. Annika hung on for dear life, but made it to the top by herself.

Lauren scampered right up with shouts of "don't help me!".

What's with the mach force against my face on these things called swings?

LOVE the hair.

I think she liked it.

Believe it or not they all made it safely to the bottom.

Quick - take the photo before Audrey falls off!

Little sisters

Big sisters

Party!

Last Saturday we celebrated Audrey and Samantha's birthday by having Ashley, Deana, Allison, Rachel, and Babette over for a party. Birthday swing!

A "new" car to ride around and new matching outfits.

We were pretty excited to see what A and S would do with the frosted chocolate cupcakes. They both tried a little bit and started fussing (whose children are these?). Audrey threw hers onto the floor and then. . .

reached for Sami's to throw hers on the floor. At least they both liked the ice cream!

Off to the bath tub!

The Pollack 6. . . still smiling one year later.

We are very thankful for these friends. They were a tremendous blessing through the challenges of the first year. During dessert Annika looked up at Daddy and started giggling, then exclaimed. . ."Daddy, you are the only boy!"

One Year Ago. . .

God blessed us with Samantha and Audrey. . . Look at them today!

On their actual birthday I took them to the Garden. First time on the sheep!

Checkin' out the orchids (don't they look impressed?).

wrestlin'

Sittin' pretty.

yes, I had folded all those clothes. . .good thing she's so cute!

This standin' thing is easy. . .what's next?

This is one of Sami's favorite moves. Future circus performer?

Pals.

Gettin' Out

We ventured out to the Nature Center for a family hike.

Annika and Lauren in the "bird's nest."

We saw 2 deer on our walk. As a result, Annika did not leave Daddy's side.

Good Times

We were blessed with a visit from the McBrides. Here the kids are "in school" courtesy of Mandy's workbooks. An unanticipated perk of home schooling for Annika was being able to wear her princess costume to class.

Shared quiet time. . .and, yes, they were actually quiet!

Our first warm day in February. . .Audrey loved being behind the wheel.

Sportin' new t-shirts. "Where's Lauren?" you ask. . .she is wearing her matching pink San Diego t-shirt, sitting in the corner and saying, "I don't want to be in the picture."

Pile on!

Aren't they cute?

Spring is a comin'. . . Bring on the outdoor fun!