Easter brunch. (photo overload)

 

 

We had our families over for a potluck brunch to celebrate Easter and spring all together.  It was so fun to be together and give thanks.  The kids hunted for eggs, we celebrated our dear cousin Teal's 12th birthday and the girls were loved on all day long.  We all crashed at the end of the day and are just now, a week later recouping.  But it was so fun and we love having space to host in our new home.  We are nearing one year at the start of June.  It's really hard to believe it's been a year.  And at the same time it really feels like home.  We hope you all had a Happy Easter and shared the day with those you love.

At home.

I wish I was getting better at this.  At making time for myself.  At choosing to skip laundry and sit down and actually write and document little family moments that we are sharing.  So, I'm just gonna skip the guilt and write when I can.  Because the laundry is done, both babies are asleep and I'm gonna take a quick breather and a glass of wine and write...even for a minute.

I recently read this quote and can't stop pondering it's loveliness.

One day
I heard god's voice.
It sounded like
the kindest,
most generously loving
version
of myself. 
-Annie Flavin

Life here at home is so good.  Each day filled with new milestones lately, Remy began sitting last month and with each new day she is crawling more and trying to pull up to standing on nearly everything in sight.  I have a feeling walking is right around the corner.  I'm so not ready.  So I ordered a baby gate for the stairs and rearranged a little furniture just until she gets a little more coordinated.  In the meantime the spills are keeping me on my toes.  Oh how to give them freedom and protection at the same time...every mama's challenge.

Chloe is enjoying Preschool and is learning so many new things.  Our first parent/teacher conference is tomorrow and as cheesy as it sounds, I'm so excited.  I'm so curious to hear how our little one is in class time away from her parents and baby sister.  It's a set into a whole new world for me as a mama.  Her little school has been such a blessing to our family and a great place for our vibrant little to be herself and grow.  She loves the independence.

Kevin is busy at work, learning the trade and all that is involved in the family business.  He is excited about the new venture and making connections with clients.  It's a refreshing new start.  He is a great daddy and thoughtful husband.  I'm so happy we have each other.

I'm still trying to get my feet on the ground after welcoming our littlest into the world.  We've had so many big changes this year and I'm trying to learn to take it more slowly.  We keep very little plans during the week so we can just keep everyone fed and rested.  We aren't sleeping much throughout the night, so I'm functioning on low these days.  It's so worth it, but WOW I forgot how tired one can be.  I day dream about naptime for most of the morning.  Ha!  Thank heavens for darling baby faces and sweet snuggles, they are the best reminders of what is really important.

It's the simple life around here lately.  But, I kind of love it.  Let's just say busy is overrated.

Morgan turns 30!

My dear cousin Morgan came to Phoenix with a slew of girlfriends to celebrate her 30th birthday.   It was the perfect opportunity for them to escape the still cold weather in Idaho and soak up some sun here in the desert.  I was thrilled this was there destination so I could join in the fun and celebrate this dear friend who happens to also be family.  We are lucky that way.  I snuck away for a night to celebrate with the girls, spend time by the pool and join in all the shopping, dining fun.  It was sucha  great refresher and then Morgan joined us for a few days at our home.  Chloe was so excited and we even got to go to Disney on Ice together.  Such a treat to have her here.  Chloe is still asking when Cousin Morgan will come back to visit.  We hope soon!

A girl and a horse.

This goat was sweet, but kinda creepy in this photo.

Chloe asks daily to ride a horse.  We don't have a horse, but boy does this girl want one.  She is an animal loving girl and horses are at the top of her list.  Back in April we decided to brave the 95 degree weather and go to MacDonald's Ranch for a few hours, simply to indulge her with a pony ride and visit to the petting zoo.  She was so serious about riding, she cried when he ride on "Stormy" was over.  I have a feeling we will be saving up for riding lessons in the future.  Oh and this goat was not a bit shy.  I made sure Kevin was close by, just in case.

And a special thanks to our sweet friend, Isley for handing down the darling pink boots!

Easter 2013.

We made a quick trip to Temecula, CA to spend the weekend with our families for Easter.  Like usual we kept busy and saw as many people as the time would allow.  I'm looking forward to having lots of time to spend with family in the months to come.  It's tricky to see everyone and inevitably it means our sleep routine gets really all out of whack.  It's so worth it though.

The weekend was filled with Easter eggs, sugar-overloads and feasting with loved ones.  Chloe was so excited about the egg hunts (yes we had two).  It was so fun to see her really enjoy the holiday and I look forward to seeing her zealous grow as she is more aware of all the magic and fun that holidays hold.  I'm a huge lover of tradition and family time.  So I can't wait to be settled into our home and create our own traditions as our family grows.

Chloe was completely spoiled with love and affection and lots of special treats.  Here are a few highlights from the weekend.

Chloe called this her "Princess Easter Dress".

And that was all before 11am.  Then we took a brief nap before party numero dos at Kevin's parents house.

Chloe and cousin Teal hunting for eggs.

She's declared that her favorite color is pink.  Can you tell?

While the little ones hunted for eggs the rest of the family enjoyed the gorgeous spring weather.  Can we say high 70's with a beautiful breeze.  I love California weather.  I wish I got more photos of the decor.  My mother-in-law did a beautiful job with the decorations and food, every room was springy and festive.  What a great day with family!