Easter Best...or worst?!

This is our best shot of the family before church Easter morning. In a batch of about 20 pictures this was the best or worst? Any who, we had a fun Easter and hope you did to.

Last month Elle turned two. For me, my children's birthdays are as much a time of mourning as of celebration. On the night before their birthday I have to hold them especially tight and shed a tear knowing this the last time I will hold them at that age. Often I find myself retracting from other areas of my life because I am trying to grasp all I can of their childhood. This is especially true of Elle because she is determined. And that includes determined to grow up. She does not want to follow Max's foot steps but keep stride with him. They are a wonderful pair.

Elle I love you so. During the past year I loved watching you dance. As soon as you were walking you were dancing all over the house. You are a natural and the way your little body moves is so entirely Elle. I prefer your singing from the back seat to any radio station. We will never forget the fearless way you ran straight into the ocean waves the first time you were at the beach. This coupled with your genuine fear of Sandy (the gentle horse ride at the grocery store) is a great irony and mystery that recalls your soft side too. Having Elle in our home is like living with a story book creature. Your voice and sounds are too cute to be real and turn our lives into a make believe world. Your lack of interest in the potty training bring us right back to reality. For the past year (and beyond) I have tried to tame your hair. Your lustrous locks, like the rest of you, are not to be tamed. Elle is confident and will choose for herself. You also have a wild way about you. It is subtle but not to be over looked. This led to your first set of stitches this year. I am confident they will not be your last. You are a great mix of sweet and sassy, soft yet adventurous. Sad as I am to see this year end I am anxious to see what the next one reveals. Happy, unhappy birthday little love.

Baby Holden

Welcome baby Holden. He was a wonderful early Christmas gift, born December 18th. Our biggest baby so far at 8lbs 9oz. So far he is doing great but wants to be held all of the time. Max and Elle are loving their new brother and he looks like one of us. Hooray for Holden!

Birthday Girl

Our little girl on her big day. We love you as much as you loved

your birthday cake!

Nine Months Old

It is hard to believe that she has been outside just as long as she was inside. I feel a bit guilty not posting the last six months and hoarding them all to myself but I have been enjoying these two little people immensely.

Overheard

Corey: "Max was that an accident or did you do it on purpose."

Max: silence

Corey: "Do you know what is means to do something on purpose?"

Max: "Yes."

Corey: "What?"

Max: "It means time out."

Two Month Birthday

Happy happy two months little Elle Belle. Our sweet little Elle is showing a somewhat spunky side. I love watching her change daily and grow into her own. Her little nose is still pug, eyes are intense (like her personality) and bright blue framed by long, curly eyelashes- perfect for butterfly kisses. She has dainty little hands that are finding their way to that sweetheart mouth more and more frequently and kissable, round cheeks. Perhaps her most striking feature is her dark hair that forms a mohawk of curls on her crown and contrasts her snow white complexion.

Elle smiles and coos in the morning and her spunky side comes out as evening wears on. She brightens up when she hears her adoring brother who gives her dozens of kisses each day. Although she is only two months old our love for her has more than doubled.