Buds

Feeding Time

Levi took great strides in growing up this week by eating his first solid foods! He loved it, but was a little disappointed that Mommy did not feed him quickly enough. He enjoyed his sweet potatoes and oatmeal.

Waiting to eat with his animal friends.

His face after a couple bites of sweet potatoes.

Oatmeal coming out.

Oh wait, I liked that!

The girls also still enjoy eating.

What We Have Been Doing

Holding Levi. The girls have always liked holding him, but now that his head is not so wobbly, they love having him on their laps!

Putting Monkey in our clothes.

Smiling. We are working on smiling rather than looking like she's in pain.

Rolling over. Levi has been rolling from his back to his tummy for about 3 weeks and getting pretty good at it! He could roll to get places now, if he wanted to, but hasn't figured that out yet. However, I do have to keep a closer eye on him as he no longer stays in the same place that I put him on the floor.

Sitting up. Not very well and not for long. But, I think it's hilarious when babies just fall down without trying to stop themselves at all!

Playing with toys and each other. The girls love making Levi laugh....it is super cute!

Final Birthday Celebration

On Saturday, Erika invited her friends to an indoor play structure for her birthday party! We had a really fun time, and best of all, the kids got to run off some energy. It was a fun way to celebrate Erika's 4th birthday.

Most of the party guests. That's Laurel running out of the picture and one of Erika's friends decided he would rather lay on the ground than take a picture.

Yummy sandwiches and Cheetos for dinner at the party.

Since there were so many people coming to the party, I decided to do ice cream cookie sandwiches instead of cake. It worked well because a) they were yummy, b) it took a lot less time to pass out the individually wrapped cookies than pieces of cake, c) it was less messy than slicing cake. Brilliant!

Erika ready to open her presents.

As any little sister would do, Laurel liked helping Erika open presents!

Birthday Party #1

Erika celebrated her birthday yesterday with her sister and brother, Mom and Dad and Aunt Sarah. Tomorrow, she gets to celebrate her birthday with some of her friends.....pictures of that party to come!

Pink and purple unicorn complete with sprinkles for the hair and tail on her birthday cake.

Blowing out 4 candles is tough!

Cute little party guest. He was pretty excited.

Erika received a Barbie DVD and dress from Aunt Sarah; a really neat unicorn birthday card and money to be spent on a toy of her choice from Auntie Beth, Uncle Josh, and Judah; and a princess nightgown and princess book from Mom and Dad.

Happy Birthday Erika!

To the most beautiful, fun, kind, intelligent 4 year old!

Four years ago today, Erika was born! She has been so much fun and such a bright light to our lives every day since that wonderful day four years ago. We love her so much and are blessed to be her parents. She is the best big sister, always helping Laurel and Levi. She is kind to her friends and makes sure everyone is involved and feels included when she plays. She is super smart and is always asking questions about her world. She loves her Mommy and Daddy and tries very hard to obey and make us proud (which we always are!). Happy birthday to my sweet, sweet little girl!

Reading Buddies

Laurel now has someone she can teach things to! She is enjoying her turn as the big sister lately. Evidenced here by teaching Levi to read. Unfortunately, he has to suffer through Barbie School Days and Fancy Nancy books. Perhaps next time I'll get her to read some Sports Illustrated to him.

Getting situated for the reading party.

"These are books, Levi."

So cute that he actually listens to her!

"Hi Mommy! Reading time is over."

Early Birthday

Just like her Mommy, Erika is stretching her birthday out as long as she possibly can. Her first birthday celebration was last Sunday when Grandma Parnell was here for Easter. The second celebration was yesterday when Grandpa and Grandma Hammar came with birthday gifts. Her actual birthday is on Thursday with a party on Saturday. This girl knows how to properly celebrate her birthday!

Waiting to open her first round of presents.

Can't contain her excitement.

Laurel was almost as excited as her big sister!

I *love* her face when she receives something she really wants.

Showing off her new Tangled movie and Rapunzel doll from Grandma Parnell.

Now waiting to open round two of gifts from Grandma and Grandpa.

Again, her face of appreciation and excitement is awesome!

Laurel, again, is helping......

......And then runs away with the new toy.

Her new Belle ballerina doll with clothes and Belle castle.

All set to play with her new toys!