Easter 2016

Talk about crazy Missouri weather. Today it started out with temperatures in the 30's and rain. Then the rain turned to snow and now the sun is shining. This put quite a damper on having an outside Easter egg hunt for Violet.

But this girl is ready for any hazard put in her way. I hid Easter eggs around the house and Violet found them all. Then she hid them again and, surprise, found them all. Who knew putting a few pieces of candy in plastic eggs could keep a 3 year old occupied for hours. 

Holidays are getting rather strange at my house. We didn't have the traditional Easter ham but settled for taco salads. Instead of elaborate Easter baskets, my kids got a couple of chocolate Easter eggs in a ziplock bag. I really should put more effort into the holidays!

Jamie's Helper

When Jamie is home and working in the garage, Violet isn't too far behind.

So Jamie built a workbench just for Violet. Apparently they've had to stress to her that the tools stay in the garage. Anyone need a good handyman???? She works for popsicles and candy!

Christmas Cactus or Spring Cactus?

With such a mild winter and now some occasional snow, my Christmas cactus is getting a bit confused.

I noticed it's blooming which usually only happens around Christmas. I hope this isn't a bad omen of another bout of winter approaching.

Violet's Birthday Party Continues

If one three year old isn't enough to contend with, try going to a party where there are 20 of them. 

I swear young mothers these days try to out do the other on birthday parties for toddlers. But Melissa was very creative with Violet's party.

She set up 3 stations where kids could decorate party hats, color a picture and decorate a cupcake with icing and sprinkles. You can imagine the amount of cleanup this required.

Jamie even rented a bounce house which fit nicely in the clubhouse.

For several weeks before the party Violet insisted she didn't want to have a party. Then she relented and said only Liam and Haley (the neighbor kids), Daddy, Aunt Pam and Ma could come. She's going through a stage where she's not very happy with Melissa. So Melissa had to stay home with Lincoln - according to Violet - because Lincoln was too little to go.

Let's not forget the t-shirt with Violet's age on it. I realize this was my idea but why change a tradition.

My family is growing and aging way too fast for me. Before you know it we'll be celebrating Lincoln's first birthday. Happy Birthday, Violet! Ma loves you.

Oh, I almost forgot, look what Violet got for her birthday. Jamie is going to have to put bumper pads around his house!

Margaritaville

One of the girls I went to high school with is affiliated with the Ararat Shrine temple. They often have events where they invite the public.

So Pam, Pauline and I set out to go to the Margaritaville party. This has to have been one of the most boring events I've ever attended. The band was great but it's pretty bad when you're my age and you're the youngest person there.  To top it off, it was snowing on the way home. I was in bed by 10:30. Nothing left to say.

Happy 3rd Birthday Violet!

I can't believe Violet is now 3 years old. But she's not too happy about anyone drawing attention to her birthday.

Even Jamie putting 2 party hats on his head couldn't cheer her up.

She did perk up a bit when the waitress brought a candle and she blew it out.

I could get her to smile a little but that's only because I brought the hats and horns.

But the best gift of all was from Karen. She got her a fingerprint set that you use in the bathtub. As soon as Violet opened it, she wanted to go home and take a bath.

Lincoln enjoyed Violet's birthday. He sang Happy Birthday all through dinner. I think he was trying to irritate her. Happy Birthday Violet. Hopefully you'll be in a better mood with all your friends when they celebrate your birthday on Sunday!

Gymnastics Update

Violet is doing much better at gymnastics.

She pays attention to the instructor and tries everything until she gets it just right. I noticed she was the only one who actually looked at the ground when the teacher told her to dismount from the hanging bar. Of course she's the best. She has that perfectionist gene like so many in my family do.