My Big Girl

Okay, I admit it, Heidi is not a baby anymore.

 She poops in the potty!  And when she does, she gets a peanut M&M.

 She sleeps in a big girl bed!  We took the crib down for the last time a week or so ago.  Heidi wasn't sure she liked the idea at first. . .

But was then rewarded with her big girl bed, which she loves.

Here she is being the "big girl" with her cousin, Miriam.  Aren't they cute?

 She loves to get her hair cut and spruced up, but then she looks so much bigger afterwards!

  She is quite a fashionista and has major oppinions about what she wants to wear, usually involving a helmet, cape, goggles, and a tutu.

She sure is a pretty, big girl.

And I sure love her!

Spring Break

It's spring break in Oregon!  We have spent much of the week indoors due to major rainfall, but were lucky to hit the park the first day, as seen below:

Ethan had a "Minute to Win It!" party with some friends, and we had a fabulous time being silly and eating delicious things.

 Risk has been played:

 A visit to Chuck E. Cheeses rounded out our week.  Heidi LOVED it!

 And wore herself out. . .  She was so tired she "couldn't sleep" and after an hour of fussing in bed fell asleep in my arms.  I didn't complain.

Lying down on the job

Poor Gordon.  He has a herniated disc in his back and is probably going to need surgery (though we are doing all things possible to avoid it).  Over the past three months, we have watched him go from a strong athlete to:

Poor guy can't sit, stand, or really do anything without some significant pain.  This past week he hasn't even been able to work and has been working primarily from home, in the office as seen in the above picture, on his back. It has not been easy on him.  We are hoping for some relief soon, without surgery.  :( 

Birthday Season Continues!

Since my last report there have been THREE birthdays!  First, let's start with mine!  My birthday was fairly low key this year.  Gordon was out of town so on the day of my birthday, we had this lovely meal delivered by the lovely Phoebe:

Hurray for Phoebe!  Best gift I could have thought of!  The day of my birthday the girls and I went to speech, and then had lunch at my favorite spot, PF Changs.

And there were flowers abounding!  So pretty.

Gordon's birthday came on the 21st.  Emilee gives the best gifts, and presented Dad with a snowflake.  She always takes such care to remember everyone's birthday and make something special.

 Ethan made dad's Birthday dessert this year!  Strawberry Rhubarb, of course!

 And here is Gordon enjoying his gift from me.  A functional fireplace.  We have enjoyed many a fire ever since.

 And last but not least, Aidan's birthday!  Aidan invited over his cousins who came out to celebrate.  We had hamburgers and opened gifts, keeping things as low key as we could, because that's how Aidan likes it.  I think we almost succeeded.  :)

 And, this cutie came to visit for the birthday.  Look at that hair!