April Happenings

Annika and Lauren took swimming lessons at the Y. Annika literally had a smile on her face the entire time. Lauren, however, was a little leery (see sideways glance and jittery hands).

We took our San Diego kites out for a flight at the park. They worked much better on the seaside in San Diego. Glad the kite salesman wasn't around this time to laugh at us.

Hand-holdin' on our walk.

The Spricks dropped off Smokey for a few days. Despite the way she looks in the photo, Annika LOVED having a dog around. I had to do a double-take when we were out for a walk and a passerby exclaimed, "Isn't she cute! How old is she?" I was just about to say one year old twins, when I realized they were referring to Smokey.

We did our Easter egg dipping post Easter this year.

Bedroom with a view. . .the arch at sunrise.

The Spricks came to visit and this was the only photo I got. We had a great time hanging out over lunch.

We took a field trip to Westminster to join our friends for lunch.

What is it with toddlers and the dishwasher?

Ashley and Lauren hangin' at the Garden.

A trip to the Garden isn't complete without a stop at World's Fair Donuts.

Won't be long and they will be telling me how to work the computer.

The perfect Easter photo

So we came home from church and decided to try for the perfect Easter photo. . . The first thing Sami did was lean her head back and bonk heads with Lauren. Immediately, they both start crying.

Audrey sees her sister upset and decides she needs to be as well.

Forget having the little girls on the older girls laps. . .now if only they had their eyes open!

Now that she's not on Annika's lap, Audrey decided she wanted to crawl away. We put her back in position and stuffed a cheerio in her mouth (see enlarged photo). As you can see, it didn't work.

Audrey has now realized she has a cheerio in her mouth, but for some reason Lauren is touching her nose and looking at Annika.

Ahhh. . .the "perfect" photo.

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!"