Semiannual Arboretum Trip

Once again, many thanks to Dale for all of these great pics...plus many more!

Clare's (2nd) 4th Birthday Party

We had a small, "friend party" this week to celebrate Clare's turning four! We did a flower party, and Clare was very excited about the whole thing. The first thing she asked everyone who arrived is, "Did you bring me a present?" Guess we need to work on our party etiquette!

Didn't Deedee do a great job on these awesome flower balloons and door sign?

Thankfully, the weather was beautiful. It was so nice for everyone to be outside!
Clare and her friends painted flower pots,
played "pin the petals and on the flower,"

opened presents,
ate cupcakes,

played outside,

played in the sandbox,

and planted flowers.

My girls all had a great time, and it was fun to watch them enjoy the festivities.
Now we can officially put Clare's 4th in the books!

Baby Steps

Clare: There was a dog at the birthday party this weekend.
LoLo: Did you pet it?
Clare: No.
LoLo: What did you do?
Clare: I didn't freak out.

I have previously documented Clare's fear of dogs and other animals. This weekend at a birthday party, she made big strides by "not freaking out" at the dog, touching animals in the petting zoo, and actually riding the pony!

Giddy-up Cowgirl!

There's Hope For This One

Anyone who has spent any time with my family knows that Sydney has tested my limits more than once.

She's independent, full of energy, fearless, and fiery.

But lately, she has redeemed herself. To start, she is potty trained! Wearing big girl undies all of her awake time. What a big girl!

And lately, she has shown me her softer side. Last week Jane wasn't feeling well. Sydney was so worried about her. I was sitting in the rocking chair with Jane, and Sydney wouldn't leave the room. She just stood right there saying, "I sing you a song," or "I pat yours back." She was genuinely concerned about her sidekick!

Having these three very different girls, who are very close in age, under one roof really allows me to take notice of and appreciate their differences. It also allows me to recognize that each girl goes through a stage of being "easier." And this past week, the "easier" award goes to Syd the kid!

Settling In

We are settling into our new house.

Casey and I are settling into our eighth year of marriage after celebrating our seventh anniversary on Monday (where we bought each other the same card.)

Jane and Syd are settling nicely into potty training. They are making considerable progress this go round, and I am very proud of them!


We are settling in, indeed.

Easter 2010

Our Easter celebration began at Deedee and Papaw's house on Saturday afternoon!

The girls had a great time, and were very excited to fill their baskets....

...and they thoroughly enjoyed the loot!

This morning we went to church and then had an egg hunt and lunch at LoLo and Pop's.

Can everyone say "HAPPY EASTER!!!"

The girls looked adorable (in my opinion) and had a great time.

I think Easter 2010 wore them out!

It was a great weekend, and we again want to thank all of our family for making the holidays so fun!

Clare's (1st) 4th Birthday Party

Since Clare's birthday fell on the week after we moved, we decided to have a small family party. In a few weeks we will a "friend party." So on Monday night, the family gathered at our new place amidst boxes and bubble wrap to celebrate Clare's 4th!


This has been such a fun birthday for her. She has been excited for weeks! All day long, she kept asking me questions about the party. "Are we having pizza for dinner because it's my party?" and "Do I need to get my clothes on to get ready for the party?"


Clare had lots of help opening presents and blowing out candles. Jane, Sydney, and Brody were right in the midst of all of the activities. Clare enjoyed the limelight and is now looking forward to her "friend party."


I can't believe I have a four year old!