Forgotten beach pictures

I forgot to post these pictures from a couple of weekends ago. I love how relaxed and carefree my kids look when playing at the beach. Sand, water, and seashells are enough to keep them entertained. :)

She just can't keep that wild hair out of her face!

A winter visit from Steve, Ali, and Maisie

Steve, Alison, and Maisie came down for the long weekend, and my kiddos couldn't have been more excited. We started counting down only a few days before the visit, and each night at bedtime Harper said, "I want my Maisie." When I asked her what she wanted to do with Maisie, she said, "...hug her, kiss her, hold her, feed her a bottle." She (and Ryder!) got to do all of those things; Harper even "helped" change a diaper too. The fun-filled weekend began with fajitas and some belated Christmas presents at Pops and Grann's on Friday night. We had breakfast together Saturday morning and then headed to the beach to enjoy the beautiful weather. Steve and Andrew snuck away in the afternoon to go fishing, and I enjoyed some quiet time on the lanai while both kids napped. Loving on Maisie wore them out! :) Pops and Grann babysat for us Saturday night so we could go out to dinner with Steve and Alison like we did the last time they visited. After church on Sunday we headed to Boca Grande for the afternoon to visit some friends that Andrew's family has known for 30 years. Their three children and one granddaughter were also in town, so it was like a big family reunion. We couldn't have asked for a better weekend, and I was sure glad we had Monday off to rest before getting back into work and school mode.

Maisie definitely didn't go hungry!

Me & Harper, Alison & Maisie, Carrie & Madeline

Grann couldn't resist buying matching outfits for the three little girls. :)

kisses!

Ryder's 4 year stats

Ryder had his 4 year well-visit this afternoon, and everything went surprisingly well considering it was a late afternoon appointment; after all, both kids had put in a full day at school and were nap free. Harper actually had a case of the giggles at one point because she was a little punchy, but there were no meltdowns! Ryder kept asking me if he was going to get a shot, and I told him we would have to check with the doctor. He kept whispering to me, "Tell the doctor if I have to get a shot." I think he just wanted to know what to expect! He wasn't due for any vaccines, and lucky for him the doctor's office had run out of flu shots, so he had a shot-free appointment. (Unlucky for me, I'll probably have to take him to the health department to get a flu shot this year).
He passed the hearing and vision tests without a problem, and he seemed so grown up as he cooperated with the nurse and answered her questions. I don't have to speak for him all of the time anymore, and that's still a strange feeling! He got a little bashful when he had to take his shirt and pants off for the check-up, so I just talked to him and explained that the doctor has to be able to see his tummy, legs, etc. to make sure everything looks healthy and strong. He climbed right up onto the exam table and laid down on his back, as if to say, "Let's get this show on the road!" The exam was over quickly, and he hopped right back down. The doctor told him to go ahead and get dressed all by himself, and he was happy to oblige. While he was concentrating on getting his socks and shoes back on, this is when Harper was standing behind him tickling him and cracking herself up. It was pretty entertaining!

Height: 42 1/4 inches (90th percentile)
Weight: 44 pounds (95th percentile)
Clothing: no more baby/toddler department for this little guy! He wears a size 5 (in most brands) in the boys' department now. (sniff, sniff)
Shoe: size 10

Extremes

Our immediate family saw these pictures already, but I couldn't resist putting them on here too. The first weekend in January meant totally different chores for my dad and me!

washing my car in 80 degree weather on Saturday

Dad shoveling snow on Saturday

Ryder floating around the pool on Sunday

Dad using the snowblower on Sunday

It's times like these--when the temperature DIFFERENCE between our two houses is 70 or 80 degrees-- that I think we must be living on different planets!

Colors, colors, everywhere

Harper absolutely loves art of any kind. Whether it's a pen, marker, or paint, she will entertain herself by drawing circles and writing the letter "H" over and over again. She has definitely used the easel from Grandma and Grandpa the most so far. Today Andrew got the finger paints out, and she let her creative (and colorful!) juices flow.

showing Daddy her painted hands

"Just a minute, Mommy. I'm busy out here."

"Ta-da!"

After this shot she wanted to wash her hands and get a new sheet of paper. Then Ryder joined her for round 2!

Ryder's 4th birthday

Several of Ryder's friends at school turned 4 over the past couple of months, so he was really anticipating his birthday this year. He also understands now that his birthday comes right after Christmas, so as Christmas got closer and he would see a toy he wanted, he would say, "For my birthday, I want ________." It's like he knew to spread things out and not ask for too much at once.

On his birthday I told him I couldn't believe he was 4; he was growing up way too fast! He told me, "Don't worry, Mommy. I'll still hug you even though I'm 4." He's still my sweet little boy. :)

Ryder was surprised to see his Lego birthday cake! One of my coworkers makes cakes, and after seeing some of her work, I knew I wanted her to make one for my birthday boy. I was really pleased with what she came up with, and it tasted great too! :)

studying his new map puzzle

pretty pleased with the new additions to his Lego collection!

Someone was still recovering from the sleepover she had at Grann's the night before.

Grandma and Grandpa sent Ryder some "too big" hats and clothes to play dress up in so he doesn't have to wear Harper's tutus and tiaras.

Preparing to blow out the candles. "I think I can, I think I can..."

Harper left her spot on the couch to sample the cake!