Jake and Abe

Grandma Pattie and Grandpa Boyd surprised us by bringing over the boys to play. Bella was so excited to see them, she sat at the window watching for them to arrive. Then the poor guys were smothered with kisses. She loves these boys, how could you not, they are the cutest things! We ended up at a little park. We tried to get more pictures, but getting all three 3-year-olds to look at a camera is impossible. Thanks for coming over guys and come again!

Baby Rebecca

Tonight was a baby shower for cute Baby Rebecca Galzier. We are so excited to have another girl cousin. Bella is pretty fascinated with her and excited to help. I hope this means she is ready to be a big sister! Bella was very excited to bring her baby to intorduce to Rebecca, especially in matching outfits. Of course, as soon as girls around her age arrived, all was forgetten except play, play, play. I think Bella was most excited to see Aunt Penny. She is a bit of a celebrity to her and gets a little star-struck when she talks to her. It is pretty funny. I had a great time visiting with my cousins, sisters and sister-in-law (I really think of Jen as a sister, but I don't want her to think I forgot her!). I could have laughed and talked with them all night long. We need to plan another get together very soon! And Jen made the best cupcakes every. They were just little so I felt justified in eating plenty of my fair share. I need your recipe! Aren't girl parties great?

Water Fight

A couple of weeks ago, when I was planning our weekly scout activity, I stumbled across the greatest group of requirements ever. The Handyman is basically helping out around my house, including washing a car. How great is that. So we had the scouts wash our car. I knew it would end up being a waterfight, but what I didn't count on was Isabelle to start it. She was in there hit the boys with her rag and turning the hose on them before they knew what hit them.

Nastiness

Just in case you are wondering, this is Bret. It appears he has the dreaded pink eye as well. How yucky are these pictures?

Wheeler Farm

We spent the morning at Wheeler Farm with Bella's preschool class. She seemed less than impressed with everything but the ride. (She refused to wear her yellow school shirt, only pink or princess right now!) She kept complaining about the smell.

She did like chasing after the geese, though she never got quite close enough to actually catch one. It would probably have taken her hand off if she did!

In the corner of the picture you can just see the arm of our farm guide, Maria. She told the kids to follow her, so BElla did. She put her hands in her pockets and walked about a foot behind her most of the time.

Just after Dad took this picture Bella said, "It is too stinky here, can we just go get a sandwich?" But my favorite comment of all was when we were looking at the store and I wouldn't get her anything. She looked at me and said "Mom, you are making me so frustrated!"

Sleepy Time Essentials

I realize this is not the greatest picture, but it was hard to get the right angle. I went to tuck Bella in and found her wearing this eye cover. It made laugh so hard. Somehow, it seems to fit her.

The Dreaded Pink Eye

Bella woke up today with pink eye. It was really sad to hear her crying and trying to figure out what was going on. Dad picked her up and she said "Dad, I'm awake, but my eye won't wake up." Poor little bug and of course we couldn't resist taking a picture of her with the pirate eye!

Pinewood Derby

Tonight was the Pinewood Derby for the scouts and of course Bella was an active participant. Dad helped her make a bright pink Hello Kitty Car, which she loved. It actually went pretty good too. She ended up with a pretty good time, especially considering the number of times she dropped the car.

Fun With Foam

Aunt Jen and Uncle Dan planned a great family party at a real gymnastics gym. Bella was so excited, she spent the days before practicing her gymnatics moves and was thrilled to be there with all her cousins. Jen's girls are so patient, and Bella loved up every minute. All the kids loved jumping into the foam pits!

Uncle Matt getting ready to swing.

Even Grandma Pattie got into the action! Bella kept running around like this, she was obviously doing some sort of amazing gymnastic trick in her head!Dad rescueing Bella in the foam pit, or is it the other way around? This is my favorite picture, notice Abe giving Jake just a little help! Here we all are in the pit. There are more pics on Bret's flickr! We had a great time, thanks again!

Boys Toys

We watched Jake and Abe open their birthday presents and I think Bret was pretty jealous. You tell by the look on his face that he needed some transformers too. Sorry hon, it is another round of princess and Barbie for you!

Tulips

I love tulips, they are my favorite flower. Every year I am thankful for my sister-in-law, Janine. Before Bret and I got married, she planted tulips in our yard because she just new that one day, Bret's wife would like them. Every year I add more, but my favorites are always these ones that Janine planted for me. Thanks Janine, you are a great sister!

Where's Dad?

We have ballet class on Tuesdays. Bret usually takes trax to meet us after I drop Bella off and then we pick her up. The last few weeks Bret has been going straight home to work on the basement, and Bella is pretty disappointed not to see her daddy first thing. Today she came out of class and said to me "Did you pick up my Dad or not?" No hell0, no hug for mom, just where is my dad. I guess we know who really rates around here!

Our Garden

We finally got our garden planted this year. It seems like everything kept getting in the way, but it is finally in the ground. We cut back this year, only 3 tomato plants, 2 zucchini, beans, broccoli and a pumpkin. This is my favorite picture, of Bret teaching Bella how to plant. She would bury the seeds and then pat the ground saying "Grow good little seeds." Then fill her water bucket and drown them. Who knows if anything will grow, but I do love having a garden each year.

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a great Mother's Day, lots of relaxing and visiting with family. It was fun to have Grandma Chris and Aunt Natalie come to church with us to see Bella sing. She of course weaseled her way to the front to blow a kiss or two. Then she was more interested in the other kids than actually singing. I got a repeat performance just for me later that day. After a nice relaxing dinner with the Baker's we stopped to see Grandma Pattie. I know she wanted a little space, but I just couldn't stand not seeing my mom on Mother's Day. We had a nice visit and once Sam showed up the fun really began. There is nothing like colored eggs! I am so thankful for the wonderful Mothers and Grandmothers I have in my life. They are great examples to me. I love you!

Sprinklers

Yes, it was freezing outside, but Bret was turning on the sprinklers and Bella wanted to jump in, so of course I let her. She lasted about 3 minutes before climbing into the warm tub I had waiting for her.

Bella's New Hat

Bella has a new outfit that matches Baby's outfit and includes a hat. Bella loves the hat. She wants to wear it all the time! Doesn't she look perfect for spring? Of course, after playing all afternoon at Grandma's I don't think the dress will ever be the same, but I really don't care. It was fun while it lasted!

Rose Fairy Princess

Bella and Melia played dress up and loved running around Grandma's beautiful backyard last night. Isabelle was a Rose Fairy Princess flying through the air and Melia was Mulan. It was even better when Uncle Paul came out and threw the girls in the air. Mom had to turn away, they were up so high, but the girls thought it was great. The best part, watching the girls play so nicely together!

Rock Stars

Who would have thought the Bakers are secretly a family of Rock Stars. Maybe it is time to throw everything and try our fortunes on the road. Even Bella and Melia got into the act!Lauren and Natalie rocking it. Clyde on vocals.

Paul takes on the hard stage.
Bret mellow on the bass.

Bella on the drums!

Melia rocked Twinkle Twinkle!

It was a fun night!