spring.

Somehow we are nearing the end of April already, and it has been a really nice Spring so far.  The presence of pretty flowers on our front porch, our gorgeous red and white tulips in full bloom and warm weather constantly calling us outside...it's been a really nice spring.  

End of school year activities are in full swing.  Quinn had her spring sing last night and it was adorable.  She did such a great job and was full of personality and fun expressions. 

We had fun getting ready for this event!

I think we will definitely claim these two beauties - so smiley they are:).

(Rocky the Raccoon makes it into a lot of pictures these days.)

Sister Tickles and Giggles.

I'd like a long tulle skirt with jean jacket and gladiator sandals please. :)

We went back and forth on Q's hairstyle for the evening, with all of her hair there are lots of possibilities.  She asked for something with braids, so a braided updo knot did the trick.

Off to head outside for more playtime!

party of five.

The girls are preparing themselves...

for a new baby in the family!

Early October we will become a family of five (plus a cat).  We are pretty excited around here!
Quinn is stoked, Andie...well one year olds don't quite understand being a big sister yet. :)

So a new little peanut will join our family this fall.  I'm 13 weeks along, feeling better this week and just ready to keep moving through! We've known since the start of February, I'm grateful for a first trimester during a time of year that is not quite so crazy.  My first trimester with Andie (Halloween - New Year's) was rough.  So onward into trimester two now! yay!
Yes, we will find out what we are having and share that news eventually.  No, we will not be sharing the name before baby arrives...you know this by now. ;)

Yes, I already have a bump. it is #3 after all.
Not quite as horribly sick with this one (I think I'm finding ways to control it better, I still have my moments), but definitely more tired - oh wait maybe that's because I already have two at home. :)  Oh the memories of being pregnant with Quinn and laying down when I wanted to lay down.  I go to bed when they go to bed.  This time when I have sick moments - Andie is usually leaning against me and Quinn keeps asking me questions as though nothing is happening.  Thankfully, this week my energy level is improving and my levels of nausea are pretty consistent to only the hours of the evening.

To our sweet little peanut...you have two big sisters ready to squish your cheeks like crazy!
We are so ready for you to make our family complete.  XOXO.

easter.

We don't typically have a traditional Easter gathering each year.  Sometimes we are fortunate enough to catch at least one part of our family.  Usually I find myself a little down before Easter as we catch up with others on what their Easter plans will look like, and they run off to massive family gatherings, big feasts and kids running everywhere in egg hunts.  It can be difficult sometimes when things don't align with what you always envisioned for your children.  But we try to create unique memories for them to look back on.

However, this year I found myself very much welcoming a quiet holiday at home.  March is a very busy month for Todd, and Easter Sunday would be his first day in a very long time with nothing on the calendar.  We were anxious for just some little family time, regardless of the day it happened to fall on.

Just the four of us, a cozy day at home.

The morning was filled with an egg hunt at home.  Quinn was on a mission, Andie wasn't overly interested in finding eggs.

Quinn dyed some exceptionally beautiful eggs this year. :)

The girls loved digging into their Easter baskets.

(let's not talk about the fact that my one year old looks almost as big as my five year old in this picture)

 

 When the Easter bunny brings you swim goggles, you must put them on immediately.

 A homemade bunny breakfast.

This chickee is ready for summer. I'm in love with this vintage suit on her.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Happy Spring!

dear quinn - letter five.

Dear Quinn,

 On Friday, February 19th 2016 at 12:58pm you turned a really big FIVE.  As in, I can't believe you are a huge five years old that will soon be readying to head to elementary school.  {biggest sigh ever}
Oh my sweet girl, the adventures ahead of you...we can't wait watch you as you continue to grow.

The day after your birthday you had an "Elsa" party.  With about 12 kids including yourself in attendance.  We put all the budget into the big surprise, so everything else was very simple - streamers, cotton balls (snow), banners we made, mittens for favors, and a few simple activities.  Your special requests were - party hats, pin the nose on Olaf, freeze dance, and a cake with a castle on it, all of which we fulfilled easily - thankfully since you started planning this party the day after you turned four.  And then there was the big surprise that you didn't know was coming...

ELSA!

Boy did the room get quiet, and from that moment on every single little face was in awe and in full attention.  Best party ever!

She read books, told stories, sang songs, gave hugs...

Snack was pieces to build a snowman.

Also an opportunity to build an ice castle with sugar cubes.

As soon, as the kid party ended we moved right into family party mode with dinner and cake.
Soup, sandwiches and a few other goodies.  Just us, your grandparents and the Stickney's.
It was a very good day.

Our sweet little princess, you beautiful girl, we are so proud of the little five year old you are.  You are sweet, compassionate and care so much for others.  You have good friends and they love you dearly.  You are building so many interests and hobbies.  Among your favorites: dancing, crafts, playing legos and board games.
You are a smart little girl you is doing very well in school.  You are so intuitive and curious, you pick things up quite easily.  We know that you are ready to tackle Kindergarten and you will have so much fun!
We love all of our moments with you, and can't imagine our lives without our sweet Quinn.
We LOVE you!

a big 5.

This amazing little girl turned a big 5 in February.  It was a month filled with festivities and fun.  We started doing birthday dates.  During the month of their birthday they get a surprise date with dad and one with mom.  Todd and Quinn spent an evening together at an indoor waterpark, and Quinn and I spent another evening in February at Disney on Ice!  So fun.
I'll try to get one more big birthday post up soon - haven't been good about pictures and posting!
But for now, here are a few pictures of the sweetest little 5 year old!

Quinn, you are the sweetest most compassionate and thoughtful little girl.  You have always been sensitive and thoughtful of others since you were teeny tiny.  We anticipate you having an occupation of a nurse or similar, however at the age of 5 you are quite determined you will be a Baker! or "cooker" you say.
You LOVE school, and I am quite sure you will be very ready for Kindergarten in the Fall despite how not ready I may be for it.  You do very well in school, and this comes as no surprise to daddy and I.  You pick things up so easily and have such a natural curiosity for learning.  You love to play teacher at home.  I can't keep up with all the arts and crafts projects you would like to do!
You love kittens, but really don't care for dogs at all.  You ask about a million questions a day, we have to remind ourselves that you are just learning and want to understand everything.  You plan things out a lot, and you even have your birthday parties planned through the age of 19.  I can't wait to throw a Paw Patrol party for you while you are at college! :)
You love games, music, dancing.  You are preparing for your 5th dance recital already, time flies!  Your favorite song right now is "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.  You have great taste in music!  But watching and hearing you sing this song gets to me every single time.

Quinn, we love you so very much.  You are five, and this next year is going bring so many amazing new things for you.  Kisses sweet girl.

our valentines.

Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine's Day!