Mama's birthday

On April 20th, I turned 34! When did that happen?? When did I get to be in my "mid-thirties"? My friend, Lily, and Gabe threw me a wonderful evening potluck. My parents and Perrin were there, along with some of our good Madison friends.

We had lots of great food. Our friends are such good cooks.

Liam in his "party skirt" - very Madison.

Liam and his friend Evelyn looking at the moon.

Blowing out my candles.

More time with our visitors

Of course, we must take a trip to our zoo.

Noni and Liam look at the lions.

Our favorite tortoise.

All tuckered out with my favorite ice cream scoop.

You want me to do what??!?

A little spacey after a long day of fun.

Gardening

Liam is really into gardening right now. He is very industrious and enjoys getting out tools and moving dirt around. He definitely takes after his daddy, his Noni and Mutti and both his great-grandfathers (Eric and William). He is happy as a clam with his little trowel.

Movin' dirt.

Digging.

Examining his tools.

Noni, Grandpa, and Auntie Perrin arrive!

On April 17th, three very important visitors arrived: Noni, Grandpa and Auntie "P". The first morning, two of our friends stopped by (Arlo and Felix) and we all went to the park and played.

The boys take over the playground. Watch out!

Noni and Grandpa read a book with Liam.

Enjoying some quiet reading.

Oops...how do I rotate this one? Noni and Liam do some art together.

Making a mess with yogurt....mmmmmm......

Ella in the house!

While Ella visited, Liam shared his bathtime with the "baby". He did pretty well, except for sharing a few of his favorite toys....he just couldn't quite do it.

Here Liam is giving Ella a hug. Luckily, she was already "reclined" when he leaned in to share some love.

Mama Sooz reading to the kids.

Liam and Baby Ella hit the town

Over the weekend that Susan visited, we took an afternoon and walked around downtown Madison. We visited the capital, we walked around campus and looked at the lake, and we had lunch at State Street Brats (as in Bratwurst, but could mean the other kind of "brat" depending on the mood of our toddler :) ). I got to carry Ella for a while; what a thrill to meet this sweet baby and to have my dear friend Susan for the weekend. It was very special.

Lunching out.

Bein' silly.

Carrying Ella.

Dear friends.

Susan and Ella's visit

So, I am very behind in my postings, but I decided to catch up on some of the adventures from the end of April. One of the highlights was a visit from Susan and Baby Ella who came for a long weekend. Of course, we had to go to the zoo and see the animals.

Liam was eager to show Susan his favorites.....

Walking around to see the seals and the bears....

The big tortoise

Looking for birds in the aviary.

And a big thrill - riding the carousel around and around.

April 12th... really

It snowed all day yesterday and this is what it looked like this morning!

The back yard

Throne-like transportation:

Liam finds (the only) puddle!

Our kids

Everyone wants to be close to baby Spencer.

More Easter.....

Some more pictures from the Easter brunch

Sharing with Arlo

The gang
(from Left: Baby Spencer, Meg, little Lily, me, Liam, Molly, Arlo, Felix, Lily

Eating a snack

Mama Lily holding baby Spencer....everyone is interested

Easter

This morning, we woke to Easter baskets. We got dressed and walked over to our friend Felix's house for a Easter brunch. Liam got to wear his new outfit and carried his basket all the way to the party.

All dressed up.....

At the party

Liam's basket

Checking out the goods.....

Our little bunnies

Flopsy

Mopsy

and.....Cottontail

Easter Eggs

Thursday, we dyed eggs with Felix and Lily. Really....the moms did most of the dying, although the kids all played well and enjoyed watching them turn colors.