A Happy Easter

Easter morning the boys were up at 6:45 (ugh) so I fell out of bed to experience the wonder of the easter baskets and egg hunting with the boys while Chester snored in bed. It was worth it, the boys were thrilled and cute and amazed... although Rulon said, "I still don't believe the Easter bunny makes any sense. Santa has elves to help him, but rabbits can't even carry a basket so it just doesn't seem like it's real. But that's just what I think about it." Good call buddy. It's worth it to note that he insisted on writing and mailing a thank you letter to the Easter Bunny just in case.

The boys got a few books and art supplies and plush dogs, they want a real one so much but their mom does not.  So, the stuffed animals will have to do.

Mina posed for the photo then moved on to what she really wanted for easter, the boys candy wrappers.

The dogs were a definite hit (and rumor has it they didn't cost the Easter bunny a thing!)

 After the morning fun, we got prettied up and went to church. It was important to shift our focus to the real significance of the Easter holiday.

We are so blessed.

Mina is not zero any more!!

Happy Birthday Minnie!

Ok, so here is the birthday cake... I got a lot of "help" from the boys with the frosting.

"Mom can I see if the pink tastes like the green?"

"Mom, if you want I can be your frosting garbage can for when you are done with stuff."

"I'm just wondering if you will need all of the frosting because it tastes good on animal crackers and on a spoon or just on my tongue."

Luckily some frosting DID make it onto the cake.

This little number was chosen by Rulon for Mina's birthday outfit.  He is like his daddy, quite fashion savy.

 Birdie with her spoils.

"Oh my, is this all for me?"

Her brothers were sincerely proud of her for turning one.  They gave her more than a few happy birthday wishes and kisses.

(Check out Mads eye-ballin the candle, I'm-gonna-getit, I'm-gonna-get-it...)

Mina kept her cool when she got her piece of birthday cake, she was such a little lady!!

The vid wouldn't upload so check it out on youtube if you want to (and you do).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdlrrHMCQXw

I think she wants a bite.

 Mina was all smiles until

 she wasn't.

 "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to..."

In Mina's First Year she:

had 5 appointments with eye specialists

had 6 appointments with other doctors (1 under anesthesia)

had 3 ultrasounds

had 2 appointments with geneticists

passed all her eye tests with flying colors

grew 8 teeth

learned how to fake cry

mastered peek-a-boo

became a dancing queen (she's a hip wiggler)

and stole her daddy's heart

 We love our little Mina Bird, she is a sparkle of light in our house and the angel girl of our family.

Flippin Mads!!

I totally remember being flipped by my dad!! It is a childhood rite of passage showing trust on one's father, or just lack of judgement!!... either way, I remember I loved it, so does Mads.

Chicken Noodle Birdie

Well, Rulon and Mads refused to eat my homemade chicken noodle soup... thank goodness I have a third child with a refined palate.  If you fear the monotony of watching Birdie eating twice... go straight to the second clip.  Time to kill?  Watch both.

Down to the Bone

Mads learned how to clean a chicken leg down to the bone from the best... his daddo!

 Even Mina likes her some chook... ok, it's a potatoe wedge, she needs a few more chompers before she gets a drumstick!  But look at that grin!!