Mar 17-31 Detroit Visit and Easter

Mar 17-31, 2016

Elena and I took a weekend trip to Detroit to visit the Paraks' and wish cousin Cecilia a happy 4th birthday.

Elena rocked the drive! We did not have to stop at all. Sure, she was covered in puffs and various other things, but its all good. She was thrilled to get out of her car seat and play with her cousins.

Matching coat cousins, Lila and Elena getting some fresh air! It was fun to spend a few hours at Megan and Travis's. Megan made a yummy fish taco dinner.

Olivia came over for a visit at my mom and dad's the next morning. 

We are over at the Lanfears' for Ceci's birthday party. Rosalie and Elena love playing together.

The birthday girl!

Grandma and Rosalie.

Elena wants to do everything Rosalie is doing. She is not so interested in sharing Grandma :)

Time to open presents.

The next day, we all met at Mom and Dad's for a turkey dinner lunch. Afterward the kids celebrated Easter early with a backyard egg hunt.

Our crew.

Swinging.

What a lovely visit. Thanks everyone for the hospitality!

Elena back home pushing two toys at once. We got a few new things at a Mom to Mom sale last weekend with Grandma.

Swinging with Daddy at one of our local parks.

My Friday night dinner date at Villa Nova.

Elena is learning to spoon feed herself. This morning she ended up "painting" with yogurt...

More signs of spring. Bleeding heart.

Another trip to Highbanks MetroPark, this time with cousin Jake. He is giving Elena a skipping stones lesson.

Blood root spring bloom along the trail.

What a beautiful day for a hike!

We found this in one of our neighbor's front yards waiting for a new owner. Since Elena had so much fun playing with it, we decided to take it home.

There she goes with a couple bins. The bradford pear trees are in full bloom right now.

Easter in Columbus. We did another mini egg hunt in our backyard.

It was a nice warm day!

Hugs from Elena :) Thank you Angela for the new hoodie!

Peeling open her chocolate easter bunnies from one of her favorite neighbors, Dee and BJ Porter. Her day isn't complete without a visit to see the Porters :)

All dressed up today. Thank you Olivia and Aunt Cindy for the beautiful spring outfits.

Here, have some.

Mar 1-17 March Fun and St. Patty's Day

Mar 1-17, 2016

We are back in the Midwest. Its cold here, but we are happy to be home sweet home!

Elena loves shoveling-snow or not.

Sailing across the kitchen floor.

While working on our enormous laundry pile, I wonder if Elena does miss vacation? She put on her sun hat and found her water shoes.

Oh girl, standing on the kitchen counter?!?

Double fisting tonight. Hehe :)

The girl is getting cooking lessons early. I also stressed to her what is HOT.

It is starting to look like spring around here. Lenten Roses.

Crocuses.

We are juicing lemons today.

I watched Elliott, our neighbor, this afternoon/evening. Elena is giving him a little love!

While making muffins, Elena got into the Hershey Kisses. Probably not the best idea right before bedtime ;)

Look mom, chocolate face! 

Elena and I went downtown to the Franklin Park Conservatory to see the Blooms and Butterflies exhibit.

Look mom, butterflies!

Taking a break from our stroll around the conservatory.

Ha. Fiji again!?!

Hmmm. I didn't see these in Fiji.

Beautiful butterflies.

My and my girl (stuffing her mouth with Kix).

April showers? This room was so warm and lovely with lots of spring blooms.

Silliness.

Part of our bath/bedtime routine. Elena snoops in all the bathroom drawers and cupboards.

A low spot on our sidewalk looks like fun!

Trying on her new rain jacket and rain boots.

New boots in action.

Playing at Polaris Mall one morning.

Elena likes to push her pink car now.

Our St. Patty's Day is a little different these years...

More spring blooms. Daffodils.

No drinkfest for this crew. Happy St. Patrick's Day from Columbus!