Bonus (and final) Post #4 - The Tulip Festival 2010

It has become a tradition to hit the Tulip Festival each spring with my Great Aunt Margaret. Last year was rainy, and the year before was windy. Hopefully this year will be warm and sunny! They added a petting zoo and pony rides as well as being able to buy cut tulips - so I'd say it is a perfect event now!

The kids both said they wanted to ride the pony - yea right! But they surprised me and did it! Grace went by herself and I walked along with Cooper. Good thing I did because as soon as we started the pony gave a good shake to get the dampness off of himself! Cooper just hung of for dear life but didn't freak out! That was all he could talk about when we go home. ("I rode the pony and he shaked!!") So proud of them!

These chickens AMAZE me!

Trying to find the match.

Found it!

Good times.

Aunt Mandi went with us too last year, and maybe she'll come along again this year! (Hint, hint!)

Bonus Post #3 - Writings and Drawings and Fun With Chalk

Birthday Card for Grandpa by Grace....

"Daddy" by Grace

Thank you pics for Cooper's 2nd Birthday

the4drakes

Bonus Post #2 - Spring 2010

We had several windy days last spring so I headed out with the kids to fly their kites. I remember now that one adult taking two kids out to fly kites for the first time was NOT a good idea. I spent a lot of time untangling their strings and tails as they would walk right though them! A year later, the pictures make me think it was a good time, though!

I love, love, LOVE seeing arms and legs for the first time each spring! Can't wait to see them this year, too!!!

I love when these little flowers pop up all over my parent's yard in the spring. They don't last long but are soooo pretty! Hoping to catch them again this year and maybe get the kids to lay down in them for a picture. :)

These pics make me want spring EVEN MORE! Ice, Ice, go away. Spring time should be on it's way!!!!

Bonus Post #1 - Spring Break 2010

I've found this great place that will print my blog into a book - Love it! So this has become my form of scrap booking. It's not fancy, but has the pictures and memories I want to remember. With this in mind, last spring I skipped several posts (because I was behind - shocking!) that I want to preserve. So here goes...

If I recall correctly, last year's spring break was wonderfully warm! Like in the 70's I think! So we headed for the park where we attempted several death-defying feats of "Anything you can do I can do better!" If Cooper did it (because Dad would let him and Mom kept her mouth shut because Dad was RIGHT THERE.) then Grace wanted to try it.

We also broke out the bikes, set up camp to watch the thunder storms, and hit the Children's Museum. Naps of course are a highlight of Daddy time!

Not quite time for sunscreen, so fun in the sun with our umbrellas!

I can't believe what a difference a year makes! How little my babies look here!

The end of 2010.

While I'm finally wrapping up 2010 on here, I have a whole new page of things we've been up to already in 2011! I'm a bit addicted to blog hopping, and find numerous bloggers who fall behind and call themselves bad bloggers, slackers, or whatever. I'm one of those too, but blame it on the new camera (which I won't be using any more) and life. But, I've learned to like it that way. :)

We're busy but blessed. Maybe that will be our motto in 2011.

For yet another year I've been able to stay home with my wonderful children, watching them learn new things every day. And, I have a wonderful husband who loves his job, takes great care of us, and loves me "anyways." (Even though I wear him out! From the children's book Olivia) I have great family and friends who are also blessings to me and am looking forward to another great year with all of you! I can't wait to see what God has in store for us this year!!

Toys, Toys, Toys!

We've had lots of fun playing with all the cool toys we got at Christmas! Just to name a few... The Marble Mania (In the background of Cooper doing a cannon ball off the table) and train set are certainly pushing my engineering skills to the limits! Also, Grace is learning her states with her Tag Map game and playing lots with Audry Ann. We're doing lots of crafts, puzzles, and cooking/baking stuff among other things! Thanks to all who love us so much!

*Christmas blogging was missed this year. Please see here for a (Late) update on our Christmas activites. **That would be in December or 2011.