Easter 2011

Coloring eggs the night before Easter.

Waiting...waiting....waiting...

It took Alex about 2.5 seconds to figure this out.

Easter morning came and we had to wake the boys up.

They were happy to report they heard noises all over the house during the night. Like hopping noises! Sure enough, the Easter Bunny came for a visit and was happy to find the carrots and jelly beans we left for him.

He left all sorts of surprises for the boys in their own special Easter Bag-sket.

Max and Alex coloring in their new coloring books....by the light of their new lantern. (And THAT is Alex's new smile. Lovely, eh?)

 

After a busy morning of bag-skets, church, lunch-ish/brunch-ish, coloring, playing and a little resting time it was finally time to start the Easter Egg hunt.

Inside one of the eggs was a clue to the SPECIAL TREAT for both boys. Max was not thrilled with the idea of putting down candy and coins to read something. But, he quickly got into it. 

CLUE #1: Find the truck that says "BURBABA BURBABA...."

That led them to a book of truck sounds. On the garbage truck page, there was another clue.

CLUE #2: Maybe Obi will know where to find the next clue!

 After asking the dog where the next clue was...uh...she suggested we read the pink clue on her crate.

CLUE #3: Where do you watch the Megasaurus videos?

They ran over to the computer where they can spend a loooong time watching Monster Truck videos on you tube. The favorite one this week is of Megasaurus.

CLUE #4: For your next clue, go to where big boys go potty.

 "Oh...giggle...da twoi-let!" (We had a feeling this one would get a little laughter).

CLUE #5: Go to where you sleep tight and have sweet dreams!

That led them to their bedroom and their final clue.

CLUE #6: Last Clue! Almost there! When daddy packs his lunch for work he puts it in this big green box.

 They ran (like full speed ahead!!) to the kitchen to find Erik's lunch box. Inside was the new Chuck & Friends movie...the one we've been searching for...and just couldn't find...anywhere! That Easter bunny. So smart!

Having a great Easter!

Happy Easter to you too!

"Jumping"

A few days ago we went hiking with Carla (my sister-in-law), Payten, Riley and baby Blake. We didn't make it nearly as far as we'd hoped, but it was still fun. When we reached the top of one hill there was a little picnic table, another hill, more trails for Riley and Alex to wander and a big rock. Alex and Riley decided to jump off the rock. Watch how Alex "jumps".

Now watch it again to see Max and Payten playing in the background.
Unfortunately, the funniest of all jumps weren't recorded. But, if you turn up your volume you can hear Alex giggling while he watches Riley's feet and when he falls. Alex's "jumping" was mostly him falling on purpose and laughing when he hit the grass. He's crazy. And he giggels the same way when he watches this video.

Had a great time, come on over...we'll take you there too!

Soccer

We entered a new phase of parenting. Sports.

We signed Max up for a 3-4 year old soccer class. I think I might be the only one that understands this is going to be just a few kids running around like crazies after a ball. Somewhat chaotic, lots of wandering, lots of repetitive instruction and mostly basic kicking and running skills. And, that is pretty much what it is. For 30 minutes a week.

Max, on the other hand, believes he is in a professional game and he is winning with every kick.

And Erik. Oh, let's just say he is very excited we have entered this phase. Max was able to get new cleats, shin guards and a new ball. I had to convince Erik we did not need the metal goal in our backyard. ha! It's very sweet. And it's fun to see both boys so excited!

 Max is in the grey tee-shirt and grey pants. In the picture below he is raising his arms and yelling "I win!". He announced that after every time he kicked the ball. Every time.

I'm predicting this is just the beginning of many, many...many years of sporting events for our family.

Way to go, Max!

Erik's Birthday

Erik is another year older. Whihoo!

His work schedule recently changed (again!) so we had about three hours to celebrate with him.  (He's working 12 hour pm's/nights right now. When he works back-to-back shifts it leaves him with just a few hours of sleep/family time). We went out to breakfast, came home for gifts and a bit of cake to celebrate. Then sent him off to work with a very full belly (and two pieces of cake for he and his partner to eat later).

Erik prefers fruity over chocolate (gasp!). So he picks out a cake every year and, somehow, I manage to put it all together. This year we went a little easier (bought the cake part) and made THIS (Strawberry-Lime Shortcakes with Coconut Cream). It was absolutely FANTASTIC!

 My boys. I honestly couldn't be more in love with my family. And  I think you can see the actual glow around Erik in this photo. He loves being a Daddy so much. These are two lucky little guys.

Max picked out a few gifts for Erik. One being green army guys. See how far they got with their cake before they started playing?

Alex enjoyed that moment too. (Don't worry, Grandma's, no stabbing was involved).

Happy Birthday to Erik!

We love you so much it hurts!

Have a wonderful 34th year.

Make it a good one!


P.S. The day before Erik's actual birthday, Erik's Mom came over and we made THIS (Ham and Egg cups) for breakfast. Another delicious recipe from a great blog. We had fruit salad and chicken apple sausage along with it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. YUM!