Lovin' the outdoors

This is why we need nice weather to play outside in daily. Otherwise, Audrey finds things to play with in the house that are not toddler friendly. Yes, that's toilet paper she's dragging over her shoulder. I'm glad Audrey likes to swing. It's the safest way to have her outside as she's confined and can't take off or get into things she shouldn't. :) Although, if she's in the swing, she must be swinging high or she's not happy. She loves it best when her sister pushes her...the rougher the better. She's a tough cookie! I love this picture of Anna. Anna was so excited to get sand in the sand table a few weeks ago. I think she would play in the sand all day if I let her. The slide has become Audrey's favorite. Before we even sit her down at the top she starts scootching her bottom to make herself go. She's not afraid of anything right now - scary!

Planting Posies

I always loved to plant and care for flowers with my mom growing up and now I get to do it with my girls and it's so much fun. If Michael would let me, I'd have pots of flowers everywhere. Before the girls came along, I had many indoor house plants that I enjoyed caring for but now we're down to just one small one that's up high, safely out of reach from little hands. Moving so many times has also helped eliminate house plants as movers won't move them and they're not easy to move ourselves so...I have to fulfill my plant/flower itch with outside flowers. I'm so glad the girls are into it as well. Anna was so excited to pick out her own flowers to care for. She loves to check on them and of course watering them is the best! Audrey was all about wearing Anna's gardening gloves.

Princess Tea Party

This morning we took our 2 pretty princesses to the Princess Tea Party that one of our local parks was hosting. We weren't sure what to expect but knew that Anna would have fun just dressing up in her princess attire and it was a nice day so why not? It was a great time, better than expected. There were so many cute little girls dressed in princess gowns just having so much fun getting their picture taken with the Disney princesses. Anna loved it and Audrey tolerated it. :) They had a castle bounce house, dessert, crafts, and vendors offering free stuff. Glad we took the time to go and best of all - it was FREE! Tinker Bell...never knew Tinker Bell had braces. :) Fairy Godmother Snow White Cinderella was the most popular princess. She even had her own prince and a carriage. We had to wait in line to see her but Anna says that she is her favorite. Our independent little girl would not accept any help from the prince getting in or out of the carriage. He offered his hand many times and she completely ignored him. I must tell her, "Please keep doing that until you're 35 even if it is rude." :) Audrey was quite thrilled being in the carriage. Anna wasn't getting down until Audrey joined her next to Cinderella. Jasmine Pocahontas Making a crown with the Frog and Daddy's help/engineering skills. :) Frog Prince Sleeping Beauty - picture didn't turn out so well with them sitting in front of the window. I tried one with the flash and without and it didn't seem to make a difference. Belle Little Mermaid Anna was adamant that she get a picture with the horse who pulls Cinderella's carriage. :0)

One year ago...

Hard to believe I took these pictures just one year ago. Oh how I'd love to cuddle these two litte ones in my arms again but I sure don't want to go through all we've been through in the past year again. Praise the Lord, He's gotten us through! Oh, the days when Audrey wasn't mobile. :0) One of my absolute favorites!

Fun in the Oven

Miss Audrey's found a new place to play - the oven! She loves to climb in and out and shut the door. Anna thinks it's fun to shut her in there...that's what big sisters are for, right? Audrey's little personality continues to come out each day. She's quite ornery and determined, imagine that! There's never a dull moment with this little one; she loves to climb, stand in the rocking chair, eat rocks outside, pull her sister's hair, pinch your arms, pull her daddy's chest hair, unroll the toilet paper, throw herself on the floor or go limp if you remove her from something, throw food across the table, launch her sippy cup across the room, bang her head into things and laugh, empty every drawer or cabinet without a lock, shake her head "no", scream her head off in the night for no apparent reason, the list could go on and on! She's talking more each week, when she wants to. It's a good thing she's got a stubborn mommy who won't give her what she wants until she either signs for it or says the word. :0) The only problem is, her daddy is a softy and just gives in!

Sesame Street Live

Last week Anna and I went on a "date" to see When Elmo Grows Up. It was so much fun. The music and dancing were great! It was all we could do to keep our booties in our seats. It was nice to get away just her and I. We don't have much time just the two of us anymore and she's been struggling a lot lately with talking back, whining, and arguing. I know, the typical 3 year old stuff, but we won't tolerate it. Consistency definitely pays off as she's doing better and of course the power of prayer has helped immensely. Not only have we been praying with her and for her about these issues but she's been praying about them herself as well. She's got a lot of "will" in her that could be greatly used for the Lord later on down the road - that's our prayer! She was ecstatic when Elmo came out. Anna was on the edge of her seat or my lap during the entire show. She was a sad girl when it was over. :( Mommy couldn't resist this adorable Elmo hat. Shhh...it's a birthday present for Kenley. :0)

Happy Easter!

We hope everyone had a blessed Easter celebrating Jesus and His sacrifice for us! We were thankful to be able to share the holiday with Grandpa and Grandma Smith and Aunt Aimee. The weather was beautiful and we had a nice, relaxing day. The girls had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard yesterday and did great. They both enjoyed finding eggs and filling their baskets. Anna's wanted nothing but candy to eat for the past 24 hours. :0)

A Beautiful Morning

Before church yesterday I took the girls outside to enjoy the warm sunshine. The flowering trees are so pretty right now and they're everywhere. It's getting harder and harder to get Audrey to be still for a quick picture. Thankfully Anna does well and can sometimes distract Audrey enough for me to get a few quick clicks.