The Easter Tree

When I was little, my mom would let us decorate the bushes outside our house with Easter eggs. It always made the season a little more special, and I love continuing the tradition with my girls. So we packed up the car and headed out to gather our eggs. While at the store, Vera spotted these Spiderman eggs and asked if she could get them for Reecie. That seemed like a wonderful idea, and it makes me smile every time I walk past the tree. This year, Easter just seems to mean a little bit more. Don't get me wrong it has always been my favorite holiday, but with Reece in Heaven it just seems more important and special then ever. 

"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." Matthew 28:5-7

Making sure Reecie's egg was just right

It was the first egg Vera put on the tree

Lucgoose helped too. She would hand the eggs to Vera

"This orange one looks perfect," decided Lucgoose.

Almost half way finished. What a great reminder of Jesus' promise to us.
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

"Let's surprise Daddy," pleaded Vera.

Vera adores Matthew and asked to help make his dinner since he was working late. When asked what we should make him she quickly spat out "a giant sandwich". Okay then. We got to work and she handled everything. After insisting that she wash her hands twice, we got down to business. She lovingly placed every piece of meat on the bread, spread the mustard just right, and helped to cut the sweet peppers. She even added some olives, lettuce, and cheese for that store bought feel. She then hide under the table so she could yell SURPRISE when he arrived. Since Lucy was out for the night, I was forced to hide too. She was so proud of her sandwich and kept asking Matthew "you like it?"

Making sure it was just right

I'm still waiting for my surprise dinner. 

This About Sums it Up

There are some days when the best laid plans don't work out. Our pictures after church this day were just that. We gave it a good effort though, and the faces of my family are priceless. Tomfoolery at it's best.

Vera giving the sweet, it will only last for a few minutes, smile. 

Right after she uttered "Ahhh, you're killing me." True story. She says that to me all the time now. 

When I told Veve to smile she busted out with a funny face. Great. So now we've entered that phase. 

Clearly you can see that Matthew was thrilled with Vera's shenanigans. Good times. 

This just makes me smile

I can't decide if she looks sweet and innocent here or ornery as all get out. 

Matthew and his littlest gal 

Sisters with their "magic" feathers

Best buddies

Say what mom?

"That was hilarious," giggled Lucy.
"I know," snickered Veve.

I just love these three to pieces!

Waiting is the Hardest Part

Every day around 6 o'clock the girls can sense that it is almost time for Daddy to get home. That next hour is filled with many false alarm trips to the backdoor and impatiently gazing out of the windows. By 6:45 they are ready and excited for him to come up the back stairs. It's pretty awesome to watch Vera run to him everyday and little Lucy bounces in place and quickly crawls to him. They sure do love their Daddy. 

Smiling as I told her "Daddy's home"

Seriously, what a way/view to come home to 

Lucy's 3/4 of a year!

It's hard to believe that Lucgoose turned nine months old not to long ago. She is growing up fast and amazing us everyday. She weighs in at 20 pounds 9 ounces and is cruising everywhere. She's taken her first four steps, but will quickly realizes she is walking and drop to the floor. She loves eating with her fingers, so peas and puffs have become her new favorite foods. She's still breastfeed, no one is more shocked by that then me, and loves to snuggle. Her favorite toy is her Minnie Mouse and/or anything that Vera is playing with. She'll walk all day with her lion walker and just giggles and smiles at everyone. She makes us so happy; we are truly blessed. 

Our monthly outing to Target was tough this time. Lucy did not want to participate and screamed bloody murder when I put her tights on. Sigh. We'll start with the old timey photo. Even in black and white I love it!

Check me out, I can stand up and walk around this crate

Lucy does not like the photographers and was showing her disdain for their attention grabbing techniques by stick out her tongue. 

She did give Vera a smirk though

Where did 9 months go?

Hilarious. I think this is one of my favorites. 

Lucy for President 2016

"crawling" for the camera. She can crawl but prefers to walk/cruise everywhere

Giving you the blue steel face

"Every good and perfect gift is from above" James 1:17 

Thank you God for our Lucgoose; may she continue to grow in You. 

The Daily Grind

It was a beautiful, overcast day and the girls and I headed outside for some adventures. 

Our first stop was the fountain for some penny tossin' and some leaf floatin'. Lucgoose was so happy and proud of herself. Vera told her that the leaves we magic like in the movie Dumbo. 

Teaching Lucy the art of making hand prints on the cement

Kitty jeans and red toenails!

Then we walked down to the giant fountain and for the first time Vera wanted to run and play in it. She got drenched and had a fabulous time. This is the best I could do considering she was moving around like a jackrabbit. 

Lucy giggled and watched her the entire time. I have a feeling this summer she'll be right out there with her. 

She was mad at me for putting her in the house and away from the swinging door AND mad at Vera for not sharing her trolley toy.

Let's get a closer look at that pout face. Heartbreaking, but she might as well learn early that sisters don't always share.

And she was happy again as soon as I put her by the door and all the action. 

How ornery does Lucy look here? Heaven help us if she turns out like me. It was a great day just hanging out with my girls. 

Super Ve! (the pink cape gives her super hero powers. True story)

Faster than a speeding bullet. Stronger than a locomotive. Why, it's Super Ve! Attempting feats of strength and general craziness since 2010. 

Single-handedly lifting a car above her head. Simply incredible. 

And an elephant! Will wonders never cease?  She is certainly incredible! 

Two Kittens in a Basket

College girlfriends are the best! They've seen you at your worst/drunkest and they love you anyways. And they did all the crazy things with you that you pray that your children will never do. Seriously. We have stories that should never be discussed in front of civilized company.  Monica was one of those people for me. She came down from the NYC to visit with family and we jumped at the chance to spend time with her and meet sweet baby Cora. Sadly, we don't have any evidence of our amazing husbands, but I assure you they were there too. 

College roomies and general shenanigan buddies with the next generation of fabulous. 

Lucy and Cora slowly became friends. Cora squealed and tried to get Lucy to talk, but apparently Lucgoose may be a shy one. She would have none of it and just cried. This is officially Vera's first photo bomb. 

"Please hold my hand," plead Cora. Que Lucy screaming/crying. 

Just sittin' by the dock of the bay after a fun day of babies and sunshine

We had to contain Lucy and Cora somehow. Two little kittens in a basket! We were enjoying a yummy lunch, loving prepared by Josh, as the girls cuddled up in the basket. I won't even get started on the smorgasbord that we had for dinner.  I so wished we lived closer to them so we could have more family craziness together. We love you Hindens and can't wait till you come back to Florida.