birthday prep

It's still 8 days until Riley's birthday.  I know this because we have a countdown chain going (that she asks to rip every morning AND after naps AND whenever she feels like asking.  Sorry, kiddo, even if you rip an extra link, it's still the same number of days).  However, since next week is spring break, she got to bring birthday snacks to preschool today.  Oh, and she got to wear a special birthday crown.  And most importantly, she got to rock this 80's-inspired birthday look. 

I'm not going to be wearing them, but I'm kind of digging that splashes of neon that are coming back... but only on small children, I think.  And legwarmers... love them for the girls! :)  You'll be seeing more of them.

Must be Spring

 I went out and bought this year's supply of sidewalk chalk.  I guess it really is spring!

 And I guess I have  little artist.  I think she wants to be like Uncle B. :)

Can you tell what her favorite color is?

Happy Birthday, Papa!

These were from these past weekend, but I'm clearly in a catch-up mode, so here you go!  We celebrated Papa's birthday (side note: both girls love spelling Papa; they scream it out proudly: P-A-P-A!). 

Sisters and a Brother

How could I NOT post these pictures?  Love these kids so much!

 

Seriously, look how big Little Man is getting!!

Ben, our new buddy

Brooks made a new friend yesterday.  His name is Ben.  He's the adorable property of my friend, Linda. :) 

The boys got along spendidly.  This first pic is my favorite.  Ben decided to assert his independence by waiting till his bib was off to spit up.  Brooks couldn't be prouder.

And Brooksy-boy is excited to have someone smaller that he can look after.

I think they're going to be good buddies. :)

It's Spring!!

Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous!!!  So, naturally, we had to be outside as much as humanly possible.  Actually, the girls and I were of the same mindset, thinking, Oh my goodness, we need to take advantage of this because it's been so cold for so long and what if this is just a fluke and what if it's never warm again after this QUICK! Do all the warmweatherstuffnow!!!  

But I woke up this morning and it was still warm so-- phew!-- crisis averted.  Anyway, we had a super fun playdate with Clayton, Aubrey and Celeste yesterday... outside, of course.

I thought Noelle was looking so cute, sitting all alone here.

And Brooks is always cute, even when he's way overdressed in his hat.

Look what we found!!  Flowers!!!

I'm not sure what's happening here, but I would guess it has something to do with Riley, who had no inclination to join Noelle and Clayton on the bench for a picture.

Look at that cheesy grin on the Aubster!  Good to know that Noelle isn't the only one who rocks the cheese-ball face.

Two gorgeous girls.

Okay... I also have a hilarious series of pictures with the four oldest kids, but my iPhoto is being weird... and I wrote this two days ago, so it's time to post it.  I'll get those other pics up soon!

Kona Goes to School

Once upon a time, there was a mom who may have been a little off her rocker.  She did things like take all three children to Ikea, letting the older ones run around and jump on the beds.  One day, she brought her oldest child into preschool and saw that there was a sign-up to bring in pets.  The mom stood and stared at the list for a while, contemplating whether it was a good idea to bring in her 80-lb lab.  She decided that it was not.  Then she signed Kona up.

And that is how, this past Tuesday, Kona came in to preschool!  Riley was so thrilled that she was getting to bring her dog.  I was thrilled that Mike was able to come.  Because, let's be honest, Kona is a super-friendly and excitable lab. 

Right before this picture was taken, Kona had apparently surprised one of the pastors when he entered the restroom.  Ha!

Both Mrs. Hauser and Mrs. Ellison are dog people, so they were great with Kona.  Kona, for her part, whimpered with excitement the whole time.

Riley was a little shy when talking about Kona, but it was clear that she was bursting with pride at getting to bring in such a cool object for show-and-tell. :)

The sign-up list cracks me up. Kona's company is two fish and a bird. :)

A hug from Daddy, while Riley struts around, holding the least. :)

Overall, it was a great time.  No preschools were injured; Riley was thrilled.  Woohoo!