Florida, Easter weekend!

FLORIDA

We arrived in Orlando after an all night drive. Maddox did great but little Piper threw up about 10 miles south of Atlanta and we spent a little bit of time searching for a 24 hour Walmart to get some things to clean her up with and a fresh set of clothes... since I had packed everything in suction bags and forgot to leave out an extra outfit. We had decided to drive during the night so that the kids would sleep, but they didn't... at all. No more over night road trips for us! 

Anyway, we got to my parents house and were relaxing by the pool before noon on the friday before Easter. After a baby shower for Jenni (my sister in-law, due in July) we spent the afternoon at the lake. And it was beautiful out!!! The kids were thrilled with the attention from their uncles, aunties and of course my parents. 

Maddox and Vovo

Maddox, "hey sis, what's in this cooler?!?". Piper, "mmmmm, food!".

Piper, "Auntie Jenni, let me show you exactly how to do that peace sign... Why aren't we floating on the water?"

Me and my Lovely sister in-law, Jenni.

Pretty Piper and Uncle Odi

Me and my sweet Angel Bunny!

Maddox absolutely hates the sand... he loves the water though! 

 Piper and Uncle Chrisy

Piper, Uncle Chrisy, Maddox and Uncle Stephan playing by the beach! 

Beautiful ladies, Lowie and Aunt Pam on a boat ride! 

Our kids were sound asleep 5 minutes into the boat ride on the Butler Chain. It felt so great to be out on the boat again. Especially with my family!

Daddy and Uncle Augie on the boat.

Great ending to a great day!

These are a few more pics from the lake....

Uncle Odi taking the kids to the boat! 

This is one of my favorites...

 Maddox ran down the dock, sat down and put his feet right into the water so he could look for alligators. 

We also kept an eye for Lizards

Uncle Nater, Taking Piper for a stroll.

Spring forward!

Wow! What a beautiful weekend we've had. Pleasant weather and plenty do to...

Starting with swim lessons yesterday morning... Kids did great, they are like fish!
Ok, not quite. But they sure are cute. 

 After a quick swim, Robert showed off his athletic ability as he hung from the rim in the gym. 

What a stud!

 Josh, Jackson, Robert and Madball did a double attempt...

 but the kids were more interested in playing on the bleachers.

 We wrapped up Saturday night with church and then a trip to the mall to purchase these fabulous shoes for little Pipers growing feet.

And then we woke up to a lovely Sunday morning, nothing would do but putting in our helmets and going for the first bike ride of the year!

Even the dogs got to come with us in the burley.

Its a dog gone good life...

Daddy and Madball

Mommy and P pie

Afterward we played outdoors. Piper is learning how to ride the balance bike.  She has a bit of growing to do but we don't doubt she'll be flying down the road next to her bro very soon!

Within 10 minutes of laying down, both of my babies were sound asleep!

Yes, it is possible to sleep in this position!

An afternoon of art!

Today the sun was shining bright and we decided that it was time to freshen up our morning room with some new art... Including Piper's first finger painting.
Maddox is an old pro. Piper, of course wasn't to sure about it when we started, but I think by the time we finished she was getting the hang of it. Neither of my children are really keen on getting their hands dirty. So this is a stretch!

                           Piper, we do not eat finger paint... no matter how wonderful it tastes!

Or doesn't taste!

Works of Art

On a different note, Robert wrapped up his last finance monthly close meeting for financial reporting in this fabulous outfit. He lost a bet a few months go and his team cashed out today when Robert had to wear the hot pink, short shorts to the meeting. Of course he looked fabulous and totally pulled it off. He now starts his new position at A&F in financial planning and analysis. We are very proud of him!

Snow snow snow!

We woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland this past Wednesday morning. Everything was covered. Even though we are ready for warm weather, we certainly love to watch the snow fall. It's so peaceful and quiet on our street. Piper watched her daddy shovel the drive before he left for work. Such a good guy! Hopefully a beautiful ending to a beautiful winter.

Good life

Tonight I watched Maddox chase Piper, while she chased Robert in circles. It was so sweet to hear them laughing and giggling! They were so happy and thrilled to be running from bedroom to bedroom! Piper is growing again, her 12 month clothes definitely don't fit her well anymore. Her little belly hangs out of her swimsuit at swim class. Maddox and Piper both seem to love the water. It's so fun to watch Piper wiggle in the water, she flops around like a little fish. They have classes every week until April. Their buddy, Jackson is also in the class.
I took them to see the train at Easton on Friday. Maddox is still very impressed with it and just enjoys watching them go round and round. He runs from side and side and gets so excited. It melts my heart. Piper just follows him around, telling each passing person hello in her own gibberish... Lately her favorite word has been zig-O-by.. She intently has a conversation solely using that word. Amazing!

Papa's Birthday Weekend

This past weekend Papa, Mimi and Abo drove down and spent the weekend with us.
We enjoyed having them, it was cold and snowy but we stayed warm and cozy, playing mostly in the basement. Maddox absolutely LOVES running around and chasing his cousins.
On Sunday afternoon we celebrated Papa's birthday. Kate brought her camera and took some great pictures. These are just a few.

Olivia, Piper, Kelcie, Mikaylee and Maddox

Nice little weekend...

We had a pretty chill weekend. Both kids have been under weather with colds. The doctor said the best thing to help clear their air passages is cold air and hot baths. So we did both, and as usual we spent as much time as possible outdoors.

Had a our good friends, the Forrest's, over Friday night. The kids ended up relaxing pants free. Good times!

Saturday morning we left the house anticipating a short walk around the block, but Madball had other ideas and we ended up going about 3.5 miles around town. Maddox rode his bike the whole way.

                                    Checking out the creek... always gotta stop and do that!

Robert had a bunch of work to get done this weekend. And being the awesome dad that he is, he set his laptop up in the middle of Madball's train and worked and played at the same time.

                        Maddox wrapped up the weekend by hanging with the bobby in the sled.