On the River

Biker Chicks

Spring just isn't spring without bikes.

Got brick?

Ryen was talking to one of her friends, Elise, about their homes. Ry happily said that her house was made out of brick and asked Elise what kind of house she lived in. When Elise answered that her house was made of wood, Ryen's jaw dropped. She dramatically exclaimed, "That's not SAFE, Elise... The Big Bad Wolf!!!"

Good Egg Hunting

We took the girls to an Easter egg hunt yesterday at a friend's house. I was in charge of the games, and though neither of my own kids would participate in them, everyone else had lots of fun! Ryen and Maddie loved finding all those eggs though! They were hilarious! Earlier that morning, Madelyn got a new pair of sunglasses from the Easter bunny and refused to take them off for even a moment. She looked like quite the diva! Watching Ryen run around out there made me realize just how old she is getting. I'm so blessed to be the mother of these two sweet princesses.

Happy Preaster!

Our family celebrates a little holiday I like to call Preaster (or pre-Easter). We have an arrangement worked out with Mr. Bunny so he knows to visit our house the Saturday before Easter. That way, the kids can enjoy their baskets of goodies and go on their egg hunts while leaving Sunday clear to celebrate our Savior.

Enchanted Evening

On those nights when Sonny can't be home with us because he is out doing "superhero" things, I try to do special activities with the girls. Last night we watched "Enchanted" (for the five millionth time) from inside our castle tent and dressed up like princesses. I will never get those songs out of my head!

Our Darling Daisy

If my calendar is right, today is officially the first day of spring. It is also the day of the Easter party at Ryen's preschool. I thought she was going to burst right out of her skin this morning! I love how exuberant and joyful she always is. Ry is so easy to excite. I love that sparkle in her eyes and the way it lights up the whole world around her. She IS spring. I love our happy girl!

Pretty Much 100

Ryen asked me how old I turned yesterday and when I told her, she said I was "pretty much 100." This pregnancy makes me feel that way! Still, it was a really nice birthday. Sonny and the girls woke me up with flowers and breakfast in bed. Later, I found a note in the frig that said my little hubby has a "crush" on me. (How cute is that!?!) When Sonny got home from work, I managed to sneak a tiny nap and then we went out to dinner. Ryen made SURE our waitress knew it was my birthday so they could come out singing to me. When we got home, Sonny gave me a foot massage while we watched "Enchanted" and hit the sack. I know it doesn't sound very exciting, but it was exactly what I wanted. We'll save the fireworks for next year when I hit the big 3-0.

The Name Game

Sonny and I had a pretty sweet list of baby names... for a boy. However, for some reason, girl names are just not coming to us. Miss Ryen Olivia and Madelyn Soleil were easy peasy. So far the only name in the running for girlie #3 is Allyson- my middle name. (We're pretty sure we'll use Idalia for her middle name after Sonny's grandmother, Ida.) If ANYONE has ANY ideas we would love to hear them! And just to make things a little more interesting... if we choose the name you suggested, we'll send you a $20 gift certificate. :) Let the game begin!

Breaking the News

Despite all of their prayers for a little brother and all of their requests for a "prince" to play with, the girls took the news really well. They are seriously SO excited about their little sister!

The verdict is in...

It's a girl, folks.

The Pappy Party

Though I am ashamed to admit it, Madelyn has been using a pacifier at bedtime. Sonny and I both know that she is too old for one, but it has been so hard for us to take her "pappy" away. I recently decided to throw Maddie a pappy party to celebrate what a big girl she is and to make a happy occasion of this change in her life. We decorated the house with pink balloons and streamers- Madelyn's favorite color. I gave her a box to decorate and then the girls and I went on a pappy hunt through the house to collect all of her pacifiers. Madelyn kissed each and every one of them good-bye and placed them in the box along with a note to the Pappy Fairy. Maddie solemnly placed the box on our front porch where it was magically replaced with a stuffed animal that lights up and sings lullabies. We sang "Happy Pappy Day" to her and she got to make a special big girl wish. My little sweetheart is growing up.

It's good to be free.

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Dreaming of Daddy

It really is beautiful how much my children idolize and adore their father. They wait all day for him to come home from work and light up when he walks through the door. I took this picture of Madelyn a few nights ago. She was crying for her daddy and eventually fell asleep at the top of the stairs listening to him below.

Little Skipper

We had a huge storm blow in last night. Sonny was out of town and I felt certain he would come home to nothing but a pile of rubble where our house once stood. It was so windy and warm and before the power went out, the TV was littered with tornado watches and warnings. I'm happy to report that we got lots of rain, but no flying cows. Unfortunately though, because the power went out last night, the girls and I slept in and Ryen missed school. We decided to make the most of it. :)

Confession: I was watching American Idol when our electricity went out. It was just as this guy was taking the stage... proof that even in the midst of life's storms, God is merciful.

Grandma Church

Sonny's grandmother passed away today. She was possibly the most amazing person I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Her kindness, her optimism, her faith, and her Christ-like love will forever remain with me as my own personal goal. I am inspired by her tremendous legacy and honored to be a part of it. I'm so grateful that we were able to see her during our recent trip to Arizona. I am also grateful for the knowledge I have that we will see her again one day. We love you Grandma.

The Incredible Edible Eggs

We dyed eggs with the girls for Family Home Evening tonight. They were SO excited about each and every egg. After their baths, they insisted on taking just one more peak at their creations before going up to bed. It was so cute! These activities with a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old are always a bit of a disaster, but their excitement makes it infinitely worth the effort.

PS. I couldn't help thinking about my adorable nephew Benson and his love of eggs when I was watching the girls with theirs. Love you buddy! :)

Backyardigans

I love our backyard. I love all of the space and the trees and even our little creek. It's so fun to watch the girls run around out there.

My Kind of Blackberry

Sonny's Blackberry has GPS and email updates. Mine is a juicy treat from heaven that has literally sustained me during this pregnancy. To each his own.