May photo favorites

More and more sunshine! We have loved soaking it up when we can!

^ Ellie's school had a field trip to the zoo and us girls had a great time. Ellie definitely didn't last long with each animal though; she wanted to move on quickly.

^ Our big girl had her dance recital! She goes on stage so bravely and it's such a joy watching her light up while doing that. After it was all done she told me she wants to do it again! 

^ Hikes can be a little bit challenging with antsy kids (and no dads to help out), but we do it anyways and I'm grateful for friends who love getting out with us! 

The next bit of photos is from our Oregon trip. My stepdad helped plan a surprise 60th birthday for my mom and one of the surprises was us girls coming to celebrate as well. 

The girls were such troopers and did great sleeping in unfamiliar places. 

I love snapping a picture of them asleep. 

^ We surprised my mom good - she had NO IDEA! 

^ Paige can take a while to warm up to people, but she was giving cuddles so nicely to the family! 

Also, I loved getting to hang out with my cousin Brandon and his family (his son is pictured below). Brandon has been like a brother to me my whole life and I cherish the time we can spend together. 

^ Four generations of ladies - with my Grandma Harriet and mom Marlene.

^ About to say goodbye at the airport. It was a short but sweet trip. 

^ Steven helping Ellie make a raft to go down the river.

^ Women's brunch at church and it was encouraged to wear a hat!

^ Steven and his fort-making skills on display once again! I enjoy seeing how creative he can get!

^ Ellie had her Preschool Promotion Program! 

I want to note that Ellie's naps have been a little rough lately. We've been trying to figure out how many days in a row she should have one and how long they should be, because for three days in a row she wouldn't nap, but would desperately need one on the fourth day. And some days her moods would be all over the place and emotional about things that wouldn't normally bother her because she wasn't getting the sleep she actually needed. So, all that to say, after Ellie got on stage for her program and saw me she started crying and wanted to be with me. Her teacher brought her down to me and I sat and talked with her. She calmed down pretty fast after just needing a moment off the stage with me. She couldn't really hear all the kids and their singing and wanted to go back up there, and so she did and she did great! 

^ Oh you know, just some random posing with the mannequins Ellie initiated.  

^ Ellie has been wanting cuddles more often and I LOVE it. Paige, on the other hand, doesn't always appreciate Ellie's cuddles (photo below).

^ Girls night! Dinner and movie Aladdin, which didn't disappoint at all!

^ Captured the girls being sweet - holding hands! 

But, note Paige's foot on Ellie's car seat there...that is almost ALWAYS bothering Ellie and Paige puts her stubbornness in action and it takes much effort for her to remove it. We are constantly hearing Ellie ask (also whine to) Paige to take her foot off, please! 

These girls wanted a little photo session with dad one morning. 

April photo favorites

This girl LOVES trying sunglasses on!

^ Paige wanted me to put this baby in her crib and put her blanket on it. Something not captured, her patting it and shushing it. 

^ Paige could sit in front of the window and watch/wait for squirrels and our neighborhood cats that roam our yard all day long. And she has been wanting to be held and cuddles more often lately. (Just some moments/facts I want to remember.)

^ Steven snapped this photo one night after Ellie fell asleep. 

And don't worry, he did help her back "into" bed after.

^ Feeding a baby some yummy food, according to her ; )

^ I could not not capture these moments of Ellie dolling herself up with her play vanity set after she got all dressed up in this Elsa costume. 

^ Just doing some exercises. No big deal.

^ I was able to get away for our churches first Women's Retreat in a nearby city. 

It was a wonderful weekend.

^ Paige has been obsessed with this Mouse Cookies and More compilation book. She will want us to either read them over and over or just sit with her as she flips through the pages. 

We all went to one of the trampoline parks in town and the girls (and Steven) really enjoyed it.

^ Aftermath of a blue sucker. 

^ Hiking season is here! 

Steven, Paige and I enjoy it...Ellie, on the other hand, could pretty much take it or leave it. 

^ Ellie was "reading" to Paige. They aren't always sweet with each other, but it is so special when they have moments like this. 

Ellie wanted to match with Paige in all the ways they could this day.

And look at that sweet face Paige is giving Ellie in the photo below.

Easter morning photos below...

^ Paige wanted in on the snacks right away and Ellie wanted to try her suit on right away.

Happy girls! 

^ We went to a friends house later Easter day and it was a very special time. There was yummy food, a great egg hunt for the kids (and gift card hunt for the adults!!) and fun activities. We miss family, especially on days like this, but are so thankful for the ways we are shown love here. 

^ Giving dad an airplane ride! HAHA

^ I still can't get over how often Paige crosses her ankles. I think it's so cute!

^ And then she has the most dramatic reactions. This was after I told her she couldn't drink anymore out of my sparkling water can. 

^ Selfie by Ellie. 

Ellie wanted to have a tea party outside. Done!

^ Ellie has been using her Strider bike fairly often (we'll be getting her a bike with training wheels this summer!) and Paige has been very intrigued by it. So we let her use it and she was doing pretty good and was very happy.