Oscar Stew

At last, my blessing day post is here! It was a great weekend filled with family, fun and sunshine. I know you’ve been waiting for the pictures to hit the presses, this oughta fill your much-needed fix…for today! 

Mommy finally got her sewing machine purring like Cheddar and opened the floodgates of her fabric creativity. First, she found a pattern from the 1950’s and got to work. Behold, the elegance!  

I got spiffed up and pampered in preparation for my big day. Check out my “professionally” manicured nails!

My pedicure looks pretty good too. There is history sewn into this dress: The lace on it is from my Great Grandma Leatrice’s fabric stockpile. Only thing is, Leatrice never had any girls. So even though she passed 20 years ago, it looks like the lace was saved for me!

And the reveal! Peek-A-Boo!

Has Mommy mentioned that I am a happy baby?

Look Mommy, look! There’s some groupie love headed down the stairs to tell me how cute I look! 

Have you had enough pics of me yet? I didn’t think so!

Aw shucks Mama, the photoshoot was easy. It’s the other kids’ loss if they don’t like their picture taken as much as I do. Let’s go meet my fans!

Brinley, are you looking at the camera? And smiling?! Does Mommy have to make you a new dress every time she needs you to pose?

That’s a sweet tie Drew. And you’re not looking too shabby yourself Rowan!

Drew tried to get Ro-dog to look at the camera but she would have none of it. The daffodils were far more interesting to look at.

Mommy actually succeeded at getting a nice pic of all four of us! I was exempt from looking at the camera, so instead I soaked up the sun and took a quick snooze.

Daddy!?! I can’t see my adoring fans! Where are you taking me? Oh, it’s time to go get official? Hurry up Daddy! Ciao everybody!

We loved that Easter landed on Conference Weekend. It was the perfect sunny Sunday with the family. The conference talks seemed to have greater significance, and the time we spent outside in the backyard between sessions was enough to keep the monkeys from going completely bananas during the Sunday afternoon stretch.

We found ourselves painting Easter eggs at 9pm on Easter Eve. Me, procrastinate? Never!!

How is the Easter Bunny supposed to hide a camouflaged egg Drew? And how are we supposed to find it?! 

Let the worldly festivities of trespassing-egg-crazed-rabbit-day begin! You folks got a permit to hunt eggs? Alrighty, looks good. We’ll be over at the bait station if ya need anything! 

Glossy-eyed Ro showing off her prized kill. We could probably get the polka-dot one stuffed & mounted.

There are some things that you don’t bother with when there are candy eggs to be found. One of those things is matching pajamas.

The camo pants must have helped Drew find his camo egg. The Easter Bunny needs to try harder next year at hiding the eggs; the hunt was over in less than five minutes. Nice haul!

Eleanor wasn’t into the thrill of the hunt this year. She is, however, finally wearing the first outfit I made her. She was supposed to wear it home from the hospital, and it’s just now starting to fit.

What would Easter weekend be without children slaving in the kitchen? Our expert potato scrubber tried her hand at cheese distribution. Nice job Rowan!

In non-Easter related news, Drew and Eleanor teamed up with Berta the Bosch and made some delicious whole wheat bread. I’ve been trying to get back into my groove, and my new wheat grinder has been taunting me for months. So take that Greta! Yes, I name my toys…I’m not nuts, just a little crazy!

Another birthday has come and gone for me. I am now enjoying the last year of my 20’s. The kids tried to help soften the blow by making sure the birthday fairy stopped by.

I had my cardio workout done after my children forced me to find all the letters to the puzzle scattered throughout the house to figure out the “mystery” message.

We got sick almost immediately after moving back to Colorado. Everyone got over it pretty quickly, except Eleanor.  Her snuffles developed into a full on sinus infection. So to make a long icky story short, E spent a few days on the sauce… 

And to add insult to injury, we thought we’d get her up to date on her immunizations while she was recuperating.

She is such a good baby, she didn’t complain at all. She is all smiles 90% of the time.

Last Friday night my parents and Kristy showed up for E’s blessing this last Sunday. They were pretty tired after their long drive; you could see it in their eyes…

Prom Queen Kristy was especially loopy.  

Hey wait a second! These are the googly eyes that Grandma F sent us! Scoobie, you’re looking kinda scary!

Sorry Binnie, but Eleanor’s eyes are still bigger than those peepers.

Drew was quite the ham and made sure the camera was always focused in his direction. He had us rolling on the floor in laughter. Must be a boy thing…

Between spring break and having family in town, we’ve become regulars down at the alley. That’s right, we are starting a league.

Which 11lb ball is the lucky one?

Sure Rowan, arch your back, stick out your butt, and show some skin. Are you trying to distract the boys?

Hooray, I scored! And my zipper is down! Aw dang…

2 pins! High score! Better watch out Drew, Binnie is taking the early lead!

This is a rarely used but effective release called the swan. Check out the tongue action!

What a comeback! Drew got 3 strikes in one game. Hey Rowan, you wouldn’t know why the wall here looks like a couple of the walls at home, would you? Busted!

Yo scorekeeper, are you even looking at the right lane?! I want a full investigation, this game is rigged!

This is Ryan’s feeble attempt at the swan. Can you say GUTTER BALL?

This. Ball. Is. So. Heavy! Oh it’s my turn? Nevermind!

Is the ball there yet? How about now? Now? now?

Brinley’s coach said that it was better to throw the ball down the ramp. And who cares about accuracy when you have bumpers? It worked for her!

Who won the game? Who cares?!

After bowling away all those calories it’s time for a scooby snack. Free meal! Hope you kids enjoyed all the luxuries we spent on you this Spring Break.

Bowling is hard work! My arm is so sore! And…zzzzzzz…