Spring has sprung!

I love spring break! It may be my favorite week out of the entire year. The girls have school, I can work just part of the week and this is my chance to cross tons of to-dos off of my list! The last couple of weeks before break were filled with work. Matt had extra work due to renewing a big contract (yay) and I had extra work due to the opportunity to lead science teacher professional development in my district. It's so awesome to know we are good at our jobs and people are recognizing our contributions! At home we have been doing some gardening. We've put some plumerias in the ground, Matt got to use his fancy new chainsaw to cut out some bushes and we've planted watermelons and strawberries in a garden box. Matt and I have big plans for the front yard. A raised deck in the entire gated section in the front and a plan to rip out all of our front grass and go native in the front (we are doing out part for the California drought along with making a nice place to drink wine with the neighbors). This will take us some time, but I am looking forward to it.

Trip to Home Depot to buy outdoor cushions

Celebrating cushion buying

Pool at Grandma T's

Madi made a box train at Grandma T's to play in with Ella and Bella

 We met up with Auntie Nee for shopping and lunch. Matt took the girls to the zoo with Jason allowing me a chance to go to church alone (so peaceful!) before we headed to the Sullivan house for a pool and barbeque. The girls love a chance to play with their "home friends" (Madi's term) and Matt and I enjoy the chance to be with adults! The weather has been absolutely gorgeous recently, making us all feel relaxed and summer-y.

Madi and Daddy in the pool (Mama and Ella did not go in, as it was only 80 degrees in the water)

Uncle Greg with Julia

Ella enjoyed William's horse

 I have gotten to go out for breakfast or lunch three times this week with friends. Getting the chance to be an adult without kids is probably the best thing about spring break. I've gotten caught up on a bunch of work, cleaned out the girls' clothes, prepared for Madeline's birthday party this month, walked the dogs, read a book and planned a million more activities that I don't have time for, but maybe I can do in the summer. The best day this week was a trip to Legoland with Madeline! We had so much fun and rode every ride that Madi was interested in. Taking just Madeline was so much easier than lugging Ella around with us also. We didn't even bring a stroller!

Racing her lego car

Jungle Trek ride

Storybook ride

Madi loved pointing at the princesses!

Playing while mom waited in the longest short line ever!

Madi inherited my line waiting skills that include plopping down anywhere and snacking

Madi hit many walls since she never looked in front of her while driving. This child will never drive a real car.

Loving the pirate play area

Checking out the lego piggies

Big Slide! Madi would not even let me wait in line with her for this one.

Airplane ride

While we were at Legoland, Matt was home with a handyman having a kitchen cabinet cut out and a dishwasher installed. Woohoo! We love the extra time we've gained at night and my kitchen looks so clean since there are never dishes just hanging out in the sink waiting to be washed. While our house has been growing up, the girls have been growing more too. Eleanor is wearing Madeline's 2T clothes, she was 26 pounds when I weighed her last week at the gym. She is really trying hard to communicate. She will carry things to her dad or her room or the trash. She tells me what she wants for breakfast using pointing and head nods. Ella throws things that you give her she doesn't want (Matt says he is aggressive in her emotions), she says nana (banana), agua, doggie, adi (Madi), dada, points at me when you ask where mama is (finally), ball, bird, and tries to repeat any other word you tell her. Madeline is in 4T clothes, tells knock knock jokes that don't really make sense (banana that you like to eat), and is always asking if her clothes look beautiful. Madi is starting to allow Ella to choose her own clothes, but she is only loosening the noose a very small amount. Madeline is also writing her own name. She spells her Madi, Ella, mom, and dad with no problem at all. It's like she came home one day and just knew how to write! What the heck?!? Madi is also struggling to deal with her cranky side. The recent weeks have been a struggle in Madi testing boundaries. Some mornings I wish I could just walk around with earplugs in, but instead we listen to the whining and try to give back love.

Sister bath

Bedtime stories with Daddy

We actually had both kids in bed early enough to enjoy a fire and a beer!

Big Ella!