Easter Fun

What a joyous Easter we had! Sophie and I started a new tradition: making the really tacky, but much loved, bunny cake. So easy and a crowd pleaser. After Mass, which was an experience in itself, we went to Grandma and Grandpa Maier's for brunch. Yummy sausage and egg casserole and Dad's famous pancakes as well. Oh and I think my mother has turned the corner on Southern...she made grits with heavy cream and cheddar cheese...to die for. I thought of Kat's mom's recipes...melt a stick of butta...they were that good! The Easter Bunny was even kind enough to deliver the kid's baskets there, made getting out the door to church so much easier. We had our first egg hunt of the day in their huge backyard. Quite fun.

That afternoon the Gould's came to our house for dinner. And another egg hunt. We also had a surprise visit from Noah, which was a bonus. He even got to spend the night, a rariety on a school night. Kathleen had to take Samuel to the ER (he is ok) and Jeff was out of town on business. We were happy to oblige, and having him there kept my three from the usual bickering that can occur when grandparents visit. No need for Sophie to compete when she has her very own friend to pal around with.

Sophie using lots of jelly beans on our bunny.

The rosy cheeks were all her idea, it really added a nice touch.

The loot.

Loving the blue peep.

Hunting eggs on the back 40.

Poser.

Just one more piece...please?

Checking out what they collected.

Egg hunt at our house after dinner.

Once all the eggs were found, Mike was over it, no candy for him, just the slide please.

True Confessions of a 7 year old

Today Noah and Samuel were over for a few hours while Kathleen looked at houses. At one point the older ones were at the kitchen table making books about super heroes. This was a very involved process, and they worked on it for about 2 hours. During this marathon of drawing, writing and stapling, Sophie out of nowhere says, "Noah, I have to tell you something." Noah looks up from his drawing and she goes on to say, "I still like the Wiggles, I watch them every night with Michael and Emily." There is a pause and then Noah says, "That's ok Sophie, I still like the Backyardagins."

I love that about their friendship, Noah brings out so much good in Sophie. I see such a different side of her when they play together, just pure and innocent fun. Who else would she be content to sit and draw and color with for hours? And work on a super hero book, no less. No girl drama either, such a nice change.

Today was the last day of Spring Break, and really, the weather has not been springlike at all; rainy and chilly mostly. (and don't get me started on the "break" part of that term) Yesterday was the best day of the week, sunny and about 70 for the high. Terry took the day off and we took the kids to Zoo Atlanta. So did every other parent in the metro area. Despite the crowds, we had a great time. Michael and Emily really got into it, and were excited to see the animals. We have a family membership, so we got to ride the carousel and the train as many times as we wanted. I set the limit on 2 for each, no need to get greedy...or stand in line any longer than necessary. Here are pics of the day.....

Enjoying a pretzel on the lion statue, Dad in the background.

Best seat in the house!

I didn't notice this little boy when I took this picture, but I love the way he is gazing at Sophie.

In the giant bird nest

Emily was fearless in the petting zoo.

Sophie posing on the carousel. Notice Mike's grip on me, he never let go.

Enjoying the playground

Climber

Sophie making new friends.

The April Fool

It only took me a month, but I now realize that I cannot access my blog to update it when I am using Foxfire. This is the browser I normally use, but for some reason, it does not get along with Blogger/Google. Tonight on a whim, I decided to see if I could get in using the old Internet Explorer and low and behold, I could. Yay me, as Sophie would say.

Since I am waaayyy behind, I will just say that March was an interesting month, lots of sick kids, lots of doctor visits. Nothing major, just normal viruses and such. Tomorrow starts Spring Break...we don't have much planned except a possible trip to the Zoo on Wednesday, since that is the only day the weather should be decent.
Some recent photos.....


Michael in his normal mode:perpetual motion

Emily meandering. Don't let this sweet smile fool you. In March alone she finger painted her brother, her closet wall and two throw pillows. She is an expert at moving any chair or stool to the counter to climb up and open cabinets. Just today she discovered Sophie's lip smackers and wrote all over a dining room chair with one of them. She keeps Clorox in business single-handedly.

Yes, that is my husband wielding a glue gun. I haven't even used it yet! He and Sophie were working hard on her Leprechaun trap for St. Patrick's Day. See below to hear them tell you all about it.