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!

twist of the tales recital.

Quinn had her 4th dance recital last month - crazy!  I still think of my little 2 year old walking into class for the very first time (and me needing to sit in the corner of the room so she wouldn't cry).  Dance has been so good for Quinn and she loves it, especially the recitals.

This recital was a story of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent.
Quinn danced with Sleeping Beauty - her favorite princess!
Another adorable outfit for this girl.  Cutest little yellow bird ever.

This girl was a real trooper that night.
The night before Quinn had a preschool concert.  We had a house full of overnight guests, and Quinn slept on our floor.  Halfway through the night, stomach flu city....all over.  Poor girl.  There was a virus that spread through her school, and I would say 80% of all the school was out that next day.  So the poor girl missed her Holiday party at school. :(  Our big goal was to try to get better in time for the recital that night - for most of the day we didn't think it would happen.  She was running on no food, but a good nap saved the day and she got a little pep back in her step.  Thankfully!  She didn't want to miss the recital - and I don't blame her.  It's one of her favorite things and they practice the dance for months!  So, she made it!  And when Miss Lisa did her pre-show peptalk speech she did a shout-out to Quinn that she was so excited she had made it. :)

She wanted to stay till the finale bow too, and she did.  Recital nights are late nights!  So proud of our girl.

The video - Quinn is all the way to the right.
Quinny was a lucky little girl to have lots of family there for her!

Big Thanks to our babysitters for Andie for both Dress Rehearsal and Recital days. :) (Erin, Diana and Aunt Jill)

Quinn moved up to the next class again.  She is really moving along in her dance training now. :)  We are so proud of her.  She is usually the youngest in her classes, so we are even more proud of her for stepping up and being such a good student and listener in class.

andie - 18 months.

All about Andie today. :)

Just before Christmas, this little angel turned 18 months.  A year and a half already.

Andie Ainsley, you are the most peaceful child.  Your calmness transfers to others around you.  You are a little ball of light.  Quinn would call you JOY from Inside Out. You are just the sweetest thing, and boy do we LOVE you to the moon and back a billion times over.
You give the best little snuggles.  Just before bed is one of my favorite times of the day because your snuggles are extra snuggly.  Lately, I have given that up for your sister though, who insists on rocking you to sleep before bed...and it makes our hearts melt.  You snuggle with Quinn and she rocks you.
Oh, how you love your big sister, and how she loves you.  And now the two of you play together.
It's fun to see you get a little upset sometimes, because it is a rarity.
We love every single little part of you.

Andie at 18 months.
34 inches tall 90%
27 pounds 90%
Walking and Running. (started walking/taking off at 16 months)
Lady of few words (about 4 words right now - Mickey, mama, up, ball)
Sleeps 7pm - 7:30am
Naps about 2 hours
Eats just about everything, such a good eater.
Favorites - any fruit or veggie pouch, scrambled eggs, hot dogs, chicken, cheese, rice, mac&cheese,       pancakes  - begs for m&m's
She is very good about brushing her teeth.
LOVES to DANCE!!!
Still loves to suck on her shirt - but it's not really sucking she is barely touching her shirt really.  She just pulls it close and makes a sucking sound with her mouth, tongue close to her teeth.  She has always done this.  Reminds me of kitties pulled from their mommies milk too soon - I nursed the girl exclusively for 13 months, don't think that's the case!  Andie did cut me off cold turkey at 13 months.  Glad she was the one that made the decision and not me.
Very attached to her animals especially Greyson Bear and Rocky the Raccoon, and blankey that she must always sleep with(all of them).  Foxy the fox just joined the crew too.
The cutest thing ever - when she gives the neckline of her shirt to her animals.  Such a compassionate little soul.
Andie is extremely patient and gentle.  She is very careful when playing with her toys.  She could sort, and sort, and sort all day long.  She loves to set up her little people so they are standing - and facing her!  She is so careful not to knock any over.

Now, an overload of Andie. :)

the serious furrowed brow look.

her besties.

Our sweet lovely little lady. XOXO.