Easter

Easter was a huge success this year. The sun was shining, the kids slept in, and we got to spend the day with friends and family. Nolan declared it the best day ever! I agree!

The morning pictures are fuzzy because I accidentally left my camera in the car overnight and it fogged up from the temp change. Oops! I'm posting them anyway because the kids were so cute! Nolan got a new pair of shoes, a much needed item since we have yet to find the shoe Ruby hide in the yard, 2 weeks ago. He was super excited about them, comically so. I believe her said, "NEW SHOES!?!?! I LOVE THEM SOOOO MUCH!" IT doesn't take much to impress that guy.
NOTE FOR NEXT YEAR: VIDEO TAPE THEM OPENING PRESENTS!

Another big hit was the paper plane kit. Pat and Nolan got right to work building their fleet.

Miles, not a morning person (like his mama) was happy staring at Nolan instead of opening his basket. 

Easter Bunny Nolan

Oh wait, there's food in there?! Now I'm into it!

Here's Miles with his snacks still in hand. He wouldn't put them down even to find some eggs. he just moseyed  behind Nolan. We did eventually get him to pick up one egg and plop it down in his basket.
He looked at us like, are you happy now?

Later that day, once my camera had thoroughly thawed out and a quick outfit change. Miles was all smiles.

Nolan covering his eyes while the big kids hide more Easter eggs.

Miles helping Bella find eggs.

Bella's Basket

Noli's Basket

Natasha's Basket

Miles and Pavel played while the littles finished up. 

"I got 2 cars!!" He ended up with 6 by the end of the day. 

Later, on the trampoline...

And another outfit change and snack rounded out our day. We are wiped out but had so much fun.

Play Ball!

Nolan's T-Ball team, The Marlins played their first game on Saturday...in the rain.

Nolan, #2, did great during warm ups.

He waved to his adoring fans.

And got into position. 

Then the rain really started to come down.

Miles didn't seem to mind but the umpire ended up calling it a rain out 1 inning in. I guess it was good practice. Fingers crossed next Saturday they get a little more time. 

Memory Hike

A few weeks ago one of Pat's long time friends passed away. In honor of him, we did something he loved to do, go hiking. So on a supposed to be crumby day we loaded up the kids (and Ruby who will be known as one of the kids from now on) and hit the trails. We went to Tiger Mountain, a place none of us have ever been before.

I guess this post could also be called, Nolan stands by/on trees. 

Miles was happily enjoyed his free ride in his backpack.

We made it almost all the way around the trail loop and Nolan declared his legs were simply too tired. He rallied when we told him there were snacks in the car.

As you can see from the pictures, the day turned out beautiful, not a rain drop in sight. Thanks Rick for providing us with such a beautiful day, you will be greatly missed!

Spring Fair

Spring Fair collided with our Spring Break this year and so the family drove down to Puyallup for a little fun in the sun. First up, Pig races.

Nolan remembered the races from last year and was pumped to see them again. This year he had front row seats.

Nolan's next favorite, the sound bar where he can drum on all kinds of stuff. He takes it very seriously.

Teaching Miles how to drum. He was more interested in chewing on the stick so it was off to the next thing.

Proving that Nolan can make friends with anyone, Nolan made friends with this Bull. They were really quite smitten with each other, mooing back and forth for a few minutes.

Nolan and a few of the locals.

Miles is like me and likes to eat his way through the fair. French fries, ice cream, corn dogs...it's Miles' paradise.

Another local.

Nolan in 5 year old bliss on the carousel. We somehow missed all the rest of the rides and all he wanted to do was ride this one. He's pretty easy to please these days.

I surprised him with a ride on the monster truck. We waited in line forever but there was constant entertainment. Watching the truck was #1.

And starting a boy club with all the kids in line was #2, he had recruited about 7 kids by the time we got all the way through.

Finally it was our turn, you can see me right above the cab. So much fun! I took video of Nolan and will upload it soon. He was so happy! You just can't beat the fair on a sunny Friday.

New Lens!

My new lens came and it is so nice! Although I haven't picked up my camera every single day like I had hoped the images I do get are a huge improvement and I'm feeling inspired!

What I'm most excited about is that I've finally captured Miles' true eye color. They are a darker blue but they always turned gray in pictures. Here he is right after nap time. 

He was not impressed that Mama wanted to take pictures instead of get him up.

Not the prettiest picture but the boys were licking up the rain puddles off the trampoline. Totally a Nolan move, but he has taught brother well. I also love Miles' fat dimples on his elbow here. 

Miles LOVES to give kisses through the trampoline net.