mud, bubbles, and puppies

Wow! It's been a while since I last posted...and it's not from lack of things to write about. We've been keeping busy. The kids are loving the wonderful, warm weather we've been having lately and have been spending a lot of time outside. They are finally old enough to play in the back yard without constant supervision. I leave the backdoor and windows open so I can hear their chatter and peek out at them every once in a while. The peeking out at them is a must...if I hadn't checked on them the other day, who knows how long Nick might have run around our back yard naked, covered in mud.

And a few more MUD photos from a couple weeks ago...

I bought the kids one of those huge bubble wands the other day and we've been experimenting with different bubble solutions and recipes. It's been fun...and has given me some great photo opportunities!

Perhaps our biggest news is the future arrival of two new family members...no, I'm NOT having twins again. We are getting two Beagle puppies. Henry, our big huge gigantic and very energetic yellow lab has a new home...with lots of acreage and a black lab buddy for companionship. We love having a dog, but needed something smaller. Henry was too large for the kids and had some nipping issues. After doing some research we started looking into Beagles...and found someone with a mommy and daddy beagle who were expecting pups! The puppies were born on Chad's birthday and we've been to see them twice. Gabby is naming her favorite one 'Bingo'...and Nick is calling the one he chose 'Harley'...for now anyway, Nick changes his mind on a daily basis. They each chose one. Gabby immediately zoned in on the one she wanted and is always able to pick him out of the little pile of puppies. The first one Nick chose was already taken...and from there he chose 4 or 5, always looking for the 'softest' one.

Here are the only photos we have so far...

April Fool's Day!

The kids and I conspired and pulled off a fun little April Fool's joke on Chad yesterday morning. We got up early and starting making pancakes for breakfast (that should have clued Chad in immediately...he's usually the breakfast maker on the weekends...and if I DO make breakfast, it's NEVER pancakes...that's his specialty!)
We mixed the batter for Chad's pancake with a bunch of lemon juice and filled his ice water half full of white vinegar. The kids were giddy with anticipation.
Once we sat down to eat, they just sat quietly, STARING at Chad's plate...luckily, he was oblivious and I was able to get the going on their own breakfast to avoid suspicion. Of course, Chad starting eating the regular, non-tampered-with, pancake...which delayed our little trick even longer. When he finally did take a bite of the lemon pancake, he didn't even seem to notice...but it wasn't long before he took a HUGE GULP of his vinegar water. I only wish I had the camera the table to capture his expression...but that would have REALLY tipped him off. It was quite hilarious and the kids were so proud of tricking him and exploded with laughter. He hadn't even remembered the date until we shouted "APRIL FOOL'S!" He never did get us back...maybe he's planning something for next year!
We hung out for a bit after breakfast and then headed to Chad's soccer game. He's still not playing because of his leg, but has taken over some of the coaching.
We thought it would be a nice day to watch soccer, but despite the sun, it was quite windy and chilly. The kids still had fun kicking the ball around before the game, and playing on the playground with cousins Mason and Jordyn during the game.

Gabby and I made breakfast the day before April Fool's also. Chad was busy at work...both in town and out of town all week, so when he requested my apple puff breakfast, I obliged. Gabby and I had fun making it together...and documenting our work with the camera.

Of course, after a long week of missing her daddy, Gabby was sure to get some one on one cuddling and snuggling and play time with Chad...first thing Saturday morning. She is SUCH a Daddy's Girl.

The highlight of Gabby's week was the new tulle 'canopy' she got for her bed. She's been wanting one and wanting one and the other day we found one at the thrift store. She was thrilled and went around telling anyone who would listen, "I have a canopy on my bed now!" She's in love with it...and loves feeling like a princess while she rests on her bed. Of course, I love how pretty it is in photos!

We took a few photos the first day she had the canopy...and then a few more the next day with her big pink lollipop.

The weather during last week was pretty nice for the most part. The kids spent a lot of time outside, playing in the dirt....collecting worms and beetles and roly polies..and just digging around and having fun.

We also saw Happy Feet last week. The kids had already seen it with the Farm Grandma and Grandpa, but I hadn't and it was at the cheap theater, so off we went.
The next day, Nick used the popcorn container as a fashion accessory.

We also spent part of an afternoon at a nearby park....rolling down the little hill and getting dizzy, leaf covered and grass stained!

Finally, we celebrated cousin Mason's 4th birthday on Friday evening. Happy Birthday Mason!
The next morning the Farm Grandma and Grandpa and Kip and Nancy headed to Mexico...hope they're having fun!