Easter Fun

Easter is one of my most favorite holidays. Not because I'm religious (because I'm definitely not), but because of everything it means to ME. To me it symbolizes new beginnings, a much needed climate change (warm weather please!), and all the happiness that spring brings. The sunshine finally appeared today and over and over I heard Brett's sweet voice ask, "It's spring now, right Mommy? The snow is gone and won't come back until Christmas!". Oh do I hope he's right!  One of the best things about this holiday (or any holiday really) is the activities that go along with it that make the season come alive.  Our first adventure, at the beginning of the month, was to go with our friends to visit the Easter Bunny at the mall. Last year, Brett nervously insisted I sit with him for the picture - and this year - he was one year older and took one look at the creepy "Easter Bunny" and said "no way!". Okay, he didn't really say those exact words, but his expression said it all. I can't blame him either. The fake Easter Bunny is scary. He still kinda freaks ME out!! But hey, atleast I tried. Our next Easter activity was at the library here in Chelsea. They brought out real rabbits to show all the kids - and they even let one hop around! Brett's face lit up as soon as he laid eyes on those sweet bunnies, and although he was shy at first, he quickly warmed up and sat with all the kids as the rabbit hopped around. He gave him nose kisses, pet his soft fur, and was one of the last kids sitting there before the Easter story time began. He reminded me so much of myself - his love of animals is so apparent and my heart melts when I see how happy they make him :-) Kyle is lucky we have two cats and a small house - because otherwise we would already have a home filled with all sorts of pets like when I was a kid! 

Our next activity was to make Easter cupcakes! Brett helped measure and pour the ingredients, waited semi patiently while they baked, and then the best part came....decorating them with SPRINKLES!  Here are some pictures :-)

Later that day we went outside to enjoy the sunshine and make "Bunny Dust. This has become an annual tradition of ours, and Brett loves it! He mixes all the ingredients together and then the night before Easter sprinkles it along our walkway and sidewalk to help the Easter bunny find out house. That's important, ya know :-)

Unfortunately, Brett came down with the flu today (Saturday) and felt miserable. The poor kid always seems to get sick on holidays! Since he felt so yucky he asked if I could sprinkle the bunny dust outside for him tonight, so that is what I did :-) We had plans to do an Easter egg hunt today and dye eggs, but I guess that will have to wait until he is better - which will hopefully be tomorrow!! 

Fun at Home

During the week when Kyle is at work, Brett and I have many things to do to keep us busy....preschool, errands, play dates, the library, outdoor play, gymnastics, etc.. But some times it's fun to just stay home and play! Here are some of Brett's favorite things to do at home.

Build with Lincoln Logs,

Puzzles,

Play in his "fort" that Kyle made for him,

Practice learning letters and their sounds with these words puzzles,

And, of course, art projects and crafts!

He also spends lots of time building with legos, playing with his cars and trucks, and setting up his space station :-). Recently Brett has really taken an interest in letters and the sounds they make --- and he has even started writing! I will definitely have to take some pictures of that to post later :-) Board games are another favorite in our house, and family game night is always a big hit!

More Snow Fun!!

The snow has continued to bless us this winter, and we have been enjoying it to the fullest! Last Sunday my friend Heather who lives out in the country here in Chelsea, invited us over to go sledding down their huge hill. My best friend Rachel, her husband, Kevin, and their sweet little Molly joined us as well. Rachel and I have been friends since the 7th grade, and except for a little reprieve during college, have been friends ever since. The crazy thing is that her daughter Molly was born exactly 3 years after Brett -- that's right, they have the same birthday! Just another bond we will have forever :-) Heather and Rachel have known each other since they were toddlers, so they have grown up with each other as well. It's so fun to get together as adults now and share the next chapter in our lives -parenthood. :-)

Somehow we were able to get the kids to sit still for a few pictures. They may not all be looking at the camera or smiling at the same time, but priceless nonetheless :-)

Here Brett is holding Molly's little hand. SO sweet!

Katie joined in for this picture...but woops, Molly lost a glove!

Another close up of Brett holding Molly's hand! Hopefully we will have many more pictures like this in the years to come!

Love this one!

Luke finally decided to join, but sitting still for a picture was not what he had in mind :-)

Then it was time for some FUN! On your mark..

 Get set...

GO!

Lucky boy got a ride up the hill!

But he did his share of pulling the sled up too :-)

After going up and down the hill many times, Kyle was ready for break! 

Okay, maybe one more time!

And here they go!

After sledding for a little while, the kids were cold and hungry, so went inside to play and order pizza. Molly found the perfect spot to chill and watch all the big kids run around :-) Love that little girl! 

We had such a fun time and are so thankful for wonderful friends!!