Wiped Out!

Grocery shopping is absolutely exhausting!

 

Mad Bird

A couple of weeks ago the weather finally seemed to be changing from winter to spring, so Coley pulled the barbeque grill out of the garage and set it up on the deck.  Shortly after, the rain started, so we just looked at the barbeque instead of actually using it.  Well... let's just say WE weren't using it.

A few days ago, I looked outside and noticed several sticks on the deck.  I wasn't sure if they were there from the wind (not unlikely) or from little visitors.  Coley went out to investigate.  Sure enough, a bird had decided that our barbeque was the perfect place to build a nest.  It was still in the beginning stages and there were no eggs, so Coley just left the lid of the barbeque open to send the message to the birds to go somewhere else.

The next morning as we were eating breakfast, the bird and her mate came to visit.  One sat on the railing of the deck while the other hopped around on the uncovered barbeque grill.  Do birds feel emotion?  If you could have watched this bird, you would agree that she was more than just a little upset.  With her beak opening and closing while she hopped around, looking at the exposed nest, we were sure she was screaming at her mate, "Just look at what they did!  Who do they think they are?  All this work for nothing!"  She then proceeded to pick up sticks one by one and throw them on the ground.  It was hilarious!

The birds came back several times during the day, but instead of taking the sticks to their new nest, the one continued to scream and throw them on the deck while the other watched.  Poor birds.  Thanks for the laugh!

 Unfortunately, we didn't have the camera close by to take a picture of the birds that day.  This morning, Coley caught one of the birds visiting again with his camera phone.  I guess they are still hoping we will just close the lid.

The failed attempt at nest building in our barbeque grill.

Observation Day in Abby's Dance Class

A couple of weeks ago, the parents were invited to observe dance class. The annual recital is coming up in just a few weeks, so it was fun to see what the girls were learning. This will be Abigail's first recital, so it will be interesting to see if she loves the stage or freaks out.... Only time will tell. Until then, here are a few pictures of her during dance class. What fun!

Happy Birthday, Tara!

Well... I'm officially a year older (and wiser, too)!  It was a pretty interesting one... The night before Mother's Day, Coley got very sick.  We were pretty sure he had food poisoning because the onset was so sudden and we had eaten out for lunch that day.  We started to doubt that was the case when he still wasn't completely recovered on my birthday (Tuesday).  My birthday was nice... We spent the day together and went out to dinner that night.  Red Robin is always a fun place to go.

My sweet visiting teacher even made me a yummy coconut cake.  

Abby and Michael helped me blow out the candles.  Michael really wanted to eat cake with us... Poor little guy... it won't be long!

Unfortunately, Coley decided to share his misery.... Three days later, I ended up with the same illness.  Yuck!  Happy birthday to me from some nasty stomach bug! :)  At least it didn't happen on my actual birthday.  It's been a week since I got sick, so I am hopeful that Abigail and Michael will be spared the same fate!

Our Adventures in NYC

During the last week of April, we spent some time in the Big Apple. Armed with the Sit 'n Stand stoller and a diaper bag, we were ready for some fun.  Here are a few pictures from our adventures in New York City...

Abby spotted the carousel at the little park in Manhattan. She had a great time riding the horse!

Michael hangs out in the stoller while touring Manhattan.

 A view of Manhattan from the Empire State Building

Coley saved us from waiting in line with two small children by purchasing express passes on the internet before we went.  Express passes were AMAZING! Yeah, Coley!



Can you see the Statue of Liberty?  This picture was also taken from the Empire State Building.

Abby and Michael make each other laugh.  It is really cute!

We had a great time.  Abby's favorite part was?....

Yes, you guessed it.... Swimming in the cold indoor pool at the hotel! :)

The Statue of Liberty

As many of you know, Coley was on vacation for the month of April.  We had planned on traveling the last two weeks of the month, but the weather was TERRIBLE!  So.... our plans changed.  We waited until the last week of April to visit NYC and Cooperstown.  We had a great time and the weather cooperated quite nicely.  Here are a few pictures of our day at the Statue of Liberty.

Michael and Abigail on the ferry to the island. 

A view of the Statue of Liberty from the ferry. 

Here we are... ready to climb the stairs to the top of the pedestal. 

We made it!  Here is a view of the Statue from the top of the pedestal.  We would have loved to climb to the crown, but you have to get tickets four months in advance....  A good thing to know for the next trip. 

The Statue of Liberty

Easter

The day before Easter, we had a little Easter egg hunt at the park with some friends from church.  The children all had a great time at the park, even though it was pretty wet.  (At least the rain and wind stopped long enough for us to hide and find the eggs!)  What a fun morning!

Coley and Tate Tischner push the snake-like "teeter-totter" for the kids.  From far away, all we heard were the squeals of delight! 

Coley and Abby hunt for eggs. 

They found one! 

Abigail and Michael are all ready for church (minus the shoes) on Easter morning.  It was a beautiful day!