Easter Carnival at the Park

Our friends invited us to a fun little Easter carnival in Peoria, and as soon as Madelyn heard there would be fire trucks and bouncy houses, she was all in! 

It was an absolutely beautiful day for the carnival. The sky was a bit overcast and the high was about 80. As we were pulling up to the park, the fire truck pulled in right behind us. Madelyn was practically out of her car seat before I could even get her unbuckled. However, once we walked up to the firetruck, and the fireman greeted her, she wanted nothing to do with it. Seriously, child. Firemen. I wanted to ask her if she was really my child. ;) We decided not to push the issue, and would come back after she'd had some time to get acquainted with everyone.

She spent most of her time jumping in both the bouncy castle and the bouncy house. We all wondered if she'd ever get tired because we were exhausted just watching her!

She also got her very first "tattoo" which was quite exciting for her. "Look, Daddy! We match!" Oh boy...

She also got her face painted... one of her very favorite past times (ever since Legoland).

And of course, we did finally make it back to the fire truck, thanks to "New" Allison.

It was a great way to get ready for our other Easter celebrations. A big thanks to the McClellens for inviting us! :)
 

Coloring Easter Eggs

Today I went out on a limb, and made hard-boiled eggs for the first time. Ever. It's a little embarrassing to admit that, but Grammy has always taken care of it, and well, she's out of town. I was a bit nervous because no one wants to eat half-cooked eggs, so I emailed my boss, Valerie, who is the queen of perfect hard-boiled eggs. She gave me the low down, and what do you know? It worked. I made the most perfect hard-boiled eggs! Yippee!

Madelyn has been so excited to color eggs. We've been counting down "sleeps" until the Easter Bunny comes, and coloring eggs has been somewhat of a deterrent. :) Today, she eagerly asked to take a nap because she knew once she woke up we'd get to color the eggs. Perhaps we should plan to color eggs every day since it's such a motivator!

We all had a good time coloring the eggs. Chris and I both tried to think back to the last time we actually dyed eggs, and we both came to the conclusion that it has been a real long time. Nonetheless, it was like riding a bike...easy-peasy.

We made some the "old fashioned" way, and then we tried our hands at a new tie-dying method. It was pretty cool, but proved to be quite time consuming. I think Madelyn preferred the old fashioned way because soon after we started the more meticulous ritual of "tie-dying" the eggs, she grew quite bored. Fortunately, I only boiled 16 eggs, so Chris and I weren't left with too many to do on our own.

Madelyn is looking forward to the Easter Bunny hiding these colorful eggs Sunday morning. She can't wait for the egg hunt!
 

Spring Pictures with the Cousins

Grammy, Papa, & their favorite kids!

We try to take any opportunity to get pictures of all the grandkids, and of course Grammy & Papa, too. This Spring Break was no exception. I received a great coupon and we couldn't resist.

My how we've grown!

Best Grandkids Ever!

Mac & Ethan

Olivia & Owen

Miss Madelyn

Sometimes I can be sweet...

Growing up waaay too fast!

 

Gorgeous Gift from Auntie Kim

When Auntie Kim, Mac and Ethan arrived in Phoenix for Spring Break, one of the first things they did was bring down a present for Madelyn to open.

Auntie Kim found this pair of adorable silver sandals, and couldn't resist them for Madelyn.

Once she had the shoes, she decided they needed the perfect dress to go along with them, so she whipped up this adorable dress! Madelyn was so excited to add another "twirly whirly" dress to her collection. I was especially excited because I had recently started my hunt for an Easter dress. This one is perfect!

When we had Madelyn try it on she said, "It looks like I'm getting married or something." We thought that was funny. And then, after acknowledging the fact that some people who get married do indeed wear white dresses, I also reminded her that she was much too young. :)

 

Renaissance Festival

For Chris's birthday, we decided to jet away to Las Vegas for a long weekend, and Chris's parents were kind enough to offer to watch Madelyn while we were away.

We had been preparing Madelyn for quite some time about her Grandma ad Grandpa having a "sleepover." Se was especially excited for the big event for their weekend... the Renaissance Festival! Chris's parents love this event, so it made for a good time for them to go. I was extra thankful because it's not one of my favorite things to do (although once I'm there, it's always a good time). It was nice to be able to skip it this year and still give Madelyn the opportunity. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! Madelyn had a wonderful time!

Here are some cute pictures from their day: