Its Getting Hot

The weather is really warming up and it is doing it quick. One day after school this week, Arabella and Max were getting restless and couldn't figure out what to do in the backyard, so I decided it was time to pull out the sprinkler. Max wasn't sure what to make of it at first, but when he saw Arabella run though it, he followed right behind her. It was funny because he froze as soon as the water hit him...I am sure he wasn't expecting it to be cold. They ran around and had fun for a good while. I still can't get used to it being so hot and them running through the sprinkler this early in the year!

Field Day

Earlier this week, Arabella had field day at school. She had so much fun and the weather was sunny, albeit a bit warm and humid...but we do live in the South, so I guess it is to be expected even if it is only April! They did the typical field day games, races and obstacle courses. But it isn't like the field days of my era where kids and classes won ribbons and placed in events. I asked Arabella about ribbons or even if the received stickers for winning and she had no idea what I was talking about. (I wonder the reasoning behind this - does it make it too competitive or are they trying to teach the kids that you just need to participate and try your best because everyone is a winner...I'm not sure totally how I feel about it. I think kids need to learn about winning and losing and not always coming in 1st, and how else do you teach that?)

All deep thoughts aside, she loved it. She loves to run and play and liked being with her friends outside for a change instead of being in the classroom. She was very excited to tell me about the afternoon session, which we missed, Max was napping. Her favorite part, tug-o-war! I can't say that I blame her, that was one of my favorites too!

Cadence's Bunny Birthday

On Saturday, we attended Cadence's 5th birthday party. Her theme was bunnies, but not like the Easter Bunny. The girls had fun playing before the bunnies arrived. And as soon as they did, we headed to the front yard and sat under the perfect tree to learn about all different types of bunnies. The farm brought at least 20 different rabbits...some as young as 2 weeks...and each girl got to hold and pet each rabbit. They were so gentle and loved it...and I think the rabbits did too. They just sat in their laps and took in all the attention. After about and hour, we said goodbye to the bunnies and went inside for cake and presents. We had such a nice afternoon and are happy we could share Cadence's birthday with her!

April Lowes Build-n-Grow

We missed the April Lowes Build-n-Grow because we were away at Arabella's cheer competition. Since we had already signed up for it, Jay and Max went to Lowes with the waiver and asked if they could get the kit (and her patch) to do at home. Sure enough, they were nice enough to give it to Jay and one beautiful day last week after school, we put it together on the patio. I think this could be my favorite project yet - it is the cutest little recycling truck to celebrate Earth Day. After figuring a way to keep Max busy - he really wanted to help, but we decided that wasn't the best idea - Arabella and I built the truck. She did a great job and is getting really good and hammering! Thanks for building with me Arabella!

Sunshiney Days

We love the sun! And we try to get out in it as much as possible - its good to soak up the Vitamin D! I am happy that Arabella and Max love to spend time outdoors. He usually follows her around, wanting to do whatever she is doing. It is the cutest thing. Sometimes she lets him, other times I am the referee! We spend most of our afternoons doing things outside once homework is done and before we head to cheer or tumbling.

One afternoon, Arabella and Max found a new backyard friend in the playhouse...

Last week they actually cleaned the playhouse...but not before creating a mud pit inside!

We lounge, we tumble and slide all before the sun goes down!

Happy Easter

We had a very nice, laid back and relaxing Easter. We didn't much of anything planned just hanging out at home and enjoying the beautiful, sunny and warm weather after a very rainy and cold Saturday. Arabella was excited to put out the Easter baskets for the Easter Bunny to fill before she went to bed...and viola! they were stuffed with fun things when she and Max woke up on Easter morning!

When she came down the stairs and saw some eggs that the Easter Bunny had hidden, she was almost as excited as Christmas morning.  As soon as Max saw how excited she was, he joined right in.  They began searching for eggs and had fun running around looking for them.  It was too wet out for the them to be hidden in the backyard, so maybe next year the Easter Bunny can hide them outside.

The Easter Bunny even left Jay and I a few of our favorite treats!

Arabella and I colored eggs while Max was napping. She had fun making some pretty light colors and then she let sit in the dye for a extra long time to make very dark colors. I think the eggs look so pretty when they are dyed.

Max and Arabella played in the sunshine most of the afternoon.  I can only imagine what they are talking about in this picture..so sweet.