Happy Easter

The Easter Bunny certainly was good to the kids today. They loved playing with their baskets and exploring all of the treasures that were in them. Plastic eggs are quite a hit at our house. We celebrated the day by going to church this morning and then to brunch at our favorite breakfast spot. We played hard at home and even squeezed in an Easter walk this afternoon. We packed a lot into this holiday weekend and loved every minute. 

Checking out the Easter garden at church. 

The handsome Stichnoth men at Cafe Europa.

The Easter Bunny was good to us!

Love these treasures!

Cute Easter Chicks

I loved the swing today on our walk. 

Mom, I think I can make that step.

Swimming yesterday...the shower was the best part.

Spring Break 2013

Last week was spring break for us. The week was full, fun and exciting for all of us. The beginning of the break entailed a family outing to the Kenney's house. They have a little boy who is almost three and a little girl who is the same age as Hope and Jack. (Ironically, Heather and I had the same due date. Her little gal held out longer than the twins.) Mid-week John and I headed to Florida to meet the newest addition to the Luth family...niece Lauren. She's adorably cute. The best part of the Florida trip was that it actually felt like a vacation....sleeping in, playing cards, drinking fine wine, napping by the pool, running by the river, going to an art fest and getting a pedicure. HEAVEN!

Yes, we left the kids home and indeed they had their own little vacation as well. Grandma Lulu and Grandfather Sir came down to play with them and to teach them many new "tricks" while we were away. You'll see by the pictures, there wasn't a dull moment with Lulu and Sir. I'm pretty sure they had as much fun as the kids did.

I think you're pretty cute Taylor.

Family fun at the Kenney's. They have some pretty cool toys.

Snack time with Lulu.

Lulu & Sir even took us to a fancy lunch on the Plaza. Yum!

Mom never lets me do this!

New Trick #1 - Horsey rides with Grandpa. 

New Trick #2 - Double horsey rides with Granpa.

After a day of playing hard, it's time for books and bed.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

To start our week back to normal, Trevor, Jessy's husband, stopped by to pay us a visit.  
Check out his cool vehicle. He brought the fire truck! 

Photo Shoot

Last weekend we had yet another new adventure. This time it was at home with photographer, Allison French. Allison was amazing and the kids loved her! They played, giggled and performed for about an hour. She captured their personalities and smiles perfectly. We are so grateful for the time we shared with her last Saturday. Here are just a few of the many wonderful shots of the kids. 

Snow Days

 Gone are the snow days I used to have when I slept in, drank coffee all morning, napped in the afternoons and watched hours of Lifetime movies. This winter I'm experiencing an whole new version of a "snow day." Kansas City has been hit with lots of snow the past several days. I've had four days off during the last week. I've had a ton of fun but have to admit I need to go back to work to get a little breather. We've had gourmet kids lunches (grilled cheese, pizza and pb&j), we've been coloring, watching the snow fall and even getting into a little mischief from time to time. Next year, snow days will include sledding and building snowmen. I think we're just a wee bit little for that right now.

Right before the first snow storm, my cousin Joyce and her husband Doug came over for a short visit. They are from Ohio and were in town visiting Doug's niece. Lucky for us they made some time to see us. It was wonderful to see them and to introduce them to the kids. I have fun memories of spending time in Ohio with my grandmother and seeing my cousins and their children. I hope someday we can take the kids back there so they can experience tractors (big green ones of course!), sweet corn and my Aunt Eileen's pies.

Cousin Joyce and her husband Doug

It's looking a lot like winter at our house. 

I think we should go play in the cold white fluffy stuff.

Our first attempt at drawing. Jack thought he better take a bite first. 

Mom was so nice. She even let us watch a little TV. 

Walking through the deep snow in the backyard is a lot of work for an old  man.

Dad, I think I could be a really big help if you'd just let me blow snow with you. 

We thought we'd surprise mom and finish up the dishes for her.

The Cone of Shame
Stop scratching your face Frisco and I'll take that thing off of you!

The Big Birthday Bash

It was certainly a weekend celebration at our house. Grandfather Sir, Grandma Lulu, Mimi and Aunt Jane all arrived via train on Friday night. Saturday was all about party preparation, playing and visiting. Sunday afternoon was party day. We had a fantastic time eating cupcakes, visiting with friends and playing with kids.

It's hard to believe a year has passed already. The kids have come so far and have grown so much. Hope was only 3lbs 4oz when she was born. On Monday she weighed in at 20lbs 8oz. Jack was a tiny 4lbs 2 oz when he was born and now seems like a heavyweight at 23lbs 8oz. What difference a year makes. Both are healthy and thriving like normal 12 month olds. They are starting to explore the concept of standing and gaining their balance. It won't be long before they're tearing around the house on two feet.

Hope and Jack got a special birthday present on Monday. Their cousin Lauren was born! Congratulations to Brother John and Lindsay. We are excited to share a birthday with Lauren and look forward to birthday celebrations in the mountains. February is a busy month..birthdays and skiing. What fun!

Baby A- Hope one year ago

Baby B- Jack one year ago

We are so comfy in our new birthday chairs.

Our very own little people table. We're practicing table manners.

Birthday dinner at BRGR

Polka Dot Party Table

Yum! Cupcakes

Birthday time with Mimi

Celebrating with Grandfather Sir and Grandma Lulu

We love Mom & Dad

It's party time

We had so much fun playing with our friends.

Jessy always makes me giggle.

I'm ready for that cupcake.

Yep it's good!!!

This party thing is so much fun.

I think this candle needs to come off. 

I like the cake part best.