A little sibling love

For the most part the kids get along. I have fairly low expectations from my 2 & 4 year old, simply because, well, they're 2 & 4. We gently encourage sharing, apologizing, taking turns. Sometimes it works, other times there's screaming, hitting and crying. But, somedays, there's just love. Hugs, kisses, giggles & laughter. Music to my ears. My sweeties- a blessing- everyday!

Easter Egg Hunt

It's Good Friday- we went to Andrew's Park in Champlin for an Easter Egg Hunt. There were TONS of people/kids! And we scored 6 eggs total! WHOA!!! It was completely insane, but the
kids loved it and enjoyed their 3 pieces of candy on the grass at the park. My two sweet chicks- Happy Easter!

Happy 2nd Birthday Naomi & Happy Bday Grandpapa!!

Last night we had Naomi/Grandpapa's Birthday party! SOOOO much fun- and it was 80 degrees outside (April 1st)... wow! We all went out to El Toro for some yummy Mexican food, then back to our house for presents and 2 (yes, 2) amazing cakes from Truffles & Tortes. I have to admit, I feel a twinge of guilt for not making a homemade cake, but these cakes are so divine- I just decided that cake-making is not my 'thing.'
Naomi got a Bitty Baby, shopping cart, wood blocks, new summer tank tops, a misty sprinkler, books and more! So many lovely gifts- she was delighted! I think it was almost too much to take in for her! But, she's playing with everything this morning and having a blast. We're so blessed to have such a sweet baby girl! We love you Naomi Jean!

No snow in March?!

Well, I'm not complaining one bit. It's a record and I'm happy about it-- no snow in March!
The kids have been thrilled to spend morning, afternoon, and night outside in the yard. Baseball, basketball, soccer, tag (E's personal fave), sliding, playing w/chalk, and on and on... so many fun
things to do! And I was starting to get a little stir-crazy inside, so I am thankful for the warm weather! Hello Spring- we're so happy you're here!!

Fun in the Sun!

I am just LOVING this weather!
It's perfect... high 30's, sunny, melting snow, large puddles. What else could a kid (or parent) ask for? Ethan was more than happy to join me and Naomi on a walk today. We put on boots (Naomi has inherited Ethan's old rainboots!) and set out. Puddles, snow-packed hills for Ethan to climb. Bridges to cross, snow to eat... it was exactly what we needed. A little 'fun in the sun!' Seriously... I've been feeling the Spring-fever, so I was thankful for an hour outside. We came home with soggy, dripping wet boots (oh well!), soaked mittens (already washed and dried by the way!), wet knees & bums, and rosey cheeks. But, we were happy! We'd laughed, run, slipped, and enjoyed being together. These are the moments that I cherish with my loves. Thank you God for sunny days and snow!

Our New Obsession!

The new obsession in the Smith household is homemade yogurt pops! We have those old-school Tupperware popsicle molds but they updated them with cool, Mickey Mouse ear 'sticks.' So I used them last summer then put them away. But, snack time has been a little boring around here, so I broke out the molds and we started mixing. Yogurt, juice, milk, creme fraiche, whipping cream, frozen berries, chocolate, cocoa powder, honey, bananas to name just a few of our yummy organic ingredients!! Blend in the magic bullet and it's pure yumminess on a stick! Seriously- the kids are CRAZY for these- a batch makes 6 popsicles and they each want 3/day! Naomi stands in front of the freezer jumping up & down begging for another! I've created monsters!! But, they are a healthy snack, so I can't complain too much!! Here are my happy campers showing off their blueberry mouths!

No-Nap Naomi

Like any other day, Naomi went down for her nap and was chatting away. She tends to do this so I didn't really think anything of it. But, after an HOUR of chatting, I decided I better check on her. Dirty diaper? No. Ok, so I gave her back all of her nap essentials (lovey, pacifier, blankie) that she had chucked out of the crib and said, "Time for naptime. Go to sleep" and left to exercise. Well, she never fell asleep, so I gave in and went to get her.
WOW. I opened the door to a pant-less and diaper-less babe! Smiling from ear to ear and yelling, "I pee!" I instantly checked the crib sheet. Dry. Hmm... I guess she was just telling me she was wet. Ok. But, she's never done that before- she managed to remove her cloth diaper, wool longies. and toss the crib items back out. She was happy as a lark tho, so I had to video tape it for future reference! My little Nomi...