Happy Easter

For the last two years Nicole has worn the cutest dress given to us by cousin Katie. She wanted to wear it again this year because she that's her "Easter dress." Even when I explained it was getting too small she wanted to wear it. Even when I couldn't find the apron that goes over it (I will find it!) she still wanted to wear it. So, I gave in. She still looks pretty cute. But she's definitely not wearing it next year!

Here she is in the same dress last year.

And in 2009. Look how much longer it was on her!

 Okay, back to the present. Here's what the Easter Bunny brought this year.

The Easter Bunny had to hide eggs inside since it was raining. Nicole was up before anyone this morning, excited for the festivities to start. We had to wake up Allyson who had a serious case of Easter bedhead.

After hunting for eggs we went to church. A friend who works with the kids took this picture. Later today Nicole told me this was the best day of worship she's ever had in church. Love hearing her say that! We've been told before by her teachers that Nicole loves to worship God.

Well, one more trip down memory lane. Inside our church this year we were surprised to see they had taken a picture of Allyson at last year's church Easter Express. They framed a huge print and had it on the wall. Look how little she was then! I love this picture.

Unfortunately Daddy had to leave for work right after church. But he did get to be at the church's annual Easter Express yesterday.

Allyson loves the elevator. She especially likes pushing the buttons and has pushed the alarm on more than one occasion.

This is the elementary kids area.

Allyson was very excited about the baby chicks!

Uh, touching's okay but no picking up the chicks, Allyson!

She loved the bunnies and kept wanting to cuddle them. 



This is the girls with our good friend, Beth. (Our former life group used to meet at Beth's house.)

 

This is the best I could do for pictures together. It was grueling to get this one!

If Allyson looks a little guilty it's because she is. She kept sitting down and opening the eggs... 

...then eating the candy inside. 

Nicole loved getting her face painted. 

And Allyson, too! 

What? I have a broken arm? Oh well... let's jump anyway!

They had sheriff, fire and ambulance vehicles outside, too. 

We napped in the afternoon and then went to a friend's house for dinner. This year we made an Easter Bunny cake! Nicole helped me decorate it. 

Our friends (who are from southern California) gave the girls an Easter bucket. They were excited! We had a wonderful dinner of lamb, potatoes, asparagus, salad, rolls and strawberry creme puffs and cake!

The day  before Easter Nicole was so excited she drew a bunch of pictures and slipped them under everyone's doors while we were sleeping. Here are a couple. 

We obviously had a very nice Easter.

Dierks Bentley

Britt took me to see Dierks Bentley tonight!

Josh Thompson opened. He was great. 

Here's some video from the concert.

He also gave us a preview of his new song, Diamonds Make Babies. This is dedicated to Daniel and Angela... ha ha.

The "Before" Trampoline

This was the girls (including Nicole's friend, America) on the trampoline "before" the net was up and "before" the broken arm.

Notice two of our neighbors have trampolines. I've never heard of any of their kids getting hurt. Sigh.

I knew instantly allowing them (Allyson) to jump without the net was a bad idea. Here's why:

Broken Arm

I was so excited. Friends offered to give us a trampoline. I've always wanted a trampoline!! I have such great memories of jumping on a friend's trampoline growing up. But Britt always said it was too dangerous. He was more afraid I'D wind up in a wheelchair, lol. But when the price was free, he finally agreed.

Our friend's net was in bad shape so I found a brand new one for a great price on Craigslist. Mommy and the kids were a little anxious and, before it was up, let them jump on it. Allyson almost immediately bounced off the side and landed on her head.

So we set up the rule that the net had to be in place and only one "little monkey" jumping at a time. Nicole's friend, America, was over and, after she jumped, laid on her tummy. Allyson then decided to jump over America. Unfortunately, she didn't jump high enough and tripped over America. She simply landed on her arm badly. She didn't even fall off this time!

The worst part is we truly did not believe it was broken. She had what looked like a little burn just above her wrist. We moved it and squeezed it and she didn't complain. So, we went ahead with our plans and left the kids with a sitter that evening. The sitter called that night and said she was crying a lot. We had her give Allyson some Tylenol and she went right to sleep. The next day she still seemed to be a little bothered by it but we ended up waiting one more day before definitely deciding she needed to be seen. TWO days she walked around with a broken arm! Poor baby. I had a MOPS meeting that morning so, truly thinking it was not broken, Britt took Allyson to the doctor. He texted me "Arm broken. Pink cast okay?" I just cried. Fortunately the doctor said it's the least serious "break" and, in fact, is more of a "wrinkle" type of fracture. I don't totally understand it. But, the cast needs to be on for three weeks. Oh, and it can't get wet.

It Got Wet.

Two days after putting on the cast and we had yet to give the child a bath. Finally we realized it had to be done. Britt put Nicole in the tub and kept Allyson with him in another room while he looked for something to hold the plastic bag. In a moment he turned around and Allyson took off and, before we knew it, was smack in the middle of the tub...and the water. Britt and I were yelling, "NO...OH NO..." Allyson realized she did something wrong and, heartbroken said, "I'm sorry, Daddy." To her she just got in the tub...like always.

The next day the cast was still soaked so we trekked back to the doctor. Allyson wanted a blue cast this time.

She loves her nurses! She voluntarily ran to give them hugs. 



Potty Fun...for Allyson

Breakfast by Nicole

Nicole brought me breakfast in bed the other day. My favorite...toast with honey. My sweet girl.