Cathy, Erik, Anders, Halle and Evan: Spring has Sprung

It must be April and May! Life is suddenly hectic and wonderfully busy. We've been staying on the go not only with doc's appointments but also with outdoor activities and school events and Easter trips and more. We had a very nice Easter weekend in Tennessee, which came on the heels of Anders having two days alone in TN. It was a risky move to send him up there alone, not knowing how he would react to no mom and dad at night, but it went better than expected, and he had a great time seeing trains, getting lots of attention, staying up until 10 pm, and going to the middle school track with Pops to walk and run. Then, Erik, Halle and I arrived on Friday for a quick but relaxing Easter visit. We had a magical photography moment Easter morning -- we weren't even trying to get pics, but Anders was in a super sweet, hang-out-with-Halle mode, and she was loving it, so we grabbed our cameras and snapped. Here's what we got:

Happy to be in Anders' arms

Baby girl loves her brother

Content Halle. She's been a sleepy sweetheart lately and moving her hands a ton... even getting them to her mouth a few times and leaving them there. It's very exciting.

"I want to hold her now."

Lookin' snappy in his suit and tie

Here's a fun pic of Mom, Dad, Rob and Jaime celebrating Rob's bday in Ktown.

We recently taught Anders the word "family" (Famiwee, as he says), and now it's getting us in trouble. Whenever he's playing with just one of us, he uses his new word, to manipulate us all into playing together. "Hey Dad, come be a famiwee." Or, "hey, Mom, let's be a famiwee." How can we resist? So, we end up all sitting on the floor playing an instrument or building a "castle." Smash often joins in.

Being a Famiwee. Also, Anders has recently decided black is his favorite color (isn't it too early for goth?) and he likes to make up things.... like "Mom, STOP washing the dishes. Uncle Robby said for you to stop washing the dishes," even though Rob is no where to be seen.

One of our new favorite hangouts is the Runway Cafe at the downtown airport, where we can indulge ourselves in chicken fingers, fries, and lots of "wheels up" and "wheels down" landings. The planes land right beside the lunch area. Here is Anders with Shay and Beau watching a take-off.

First Prez has a very fun event called Grandparents and Special Friends Day. It began with a big spring music performance. The 2K class sang Two Little Blackbirds, and Praise Him Praise Him All Ye Little Children. Anders knows the words but refused to sing (like a certain Dad perhaps), but he was a mighty good clapper, clapping with exuberance when they finished performing. Then, Grandma Ching got to go to class with Anders, and they had a very fun time together.

We decided to try Halle in the Johnny Jump-Up. She's a little too little; her feet didn't quite touch. I know this looks mean, but we only left her hanging for a second!

THE MESS. The biggest mess of parenthood so far. Also described as "my artwork" by Anders. He said, "Hey Dad, Look at this artwork," and he was serious.