Spring's Here...what happened to winter?

Greetings all! So much for being regular. Two months go by and I don't even feel like it's been more than two weeks! It seems we are in to Spring already and I feel cheated out of a winter. Most of the winter we've been able to play at the park, which is great but... I never thought I'd say this...I actually kind of miss the Michigan winter when you have to stay inside because your eyebrows will freeze and you have an excuse to curl up with hot chocolate and a movie. I feel so guilty drinking hot chocolate when it's 60 degrees out.

We are doing well. Still no signed contract for July but hopefully that will be resolved soon. Ok. Here's what we've been doing...

Here's a bit of homeschooling...(thanks Papa Roye for the supplies!)
Our big January event was Caleb's First Birthday! He didn't quite get the cake part.In fact, I don't think he liked it very much until we added whipped cream. I should have taken a picture of that.

The older kids we very helpful when it came time to opening Caleb's presents.

Of course, Caleb didn't need that much help ripping paper...

Our budding pianist.

So, I look down into the play room one day and I see Ashley lying on the sofa with her eyes closed. Every few seconds she would hit the button on the white box in her left hand. It plays about 20 seconds of Swan Lake music. This went on for several minutes. I just had to take a picture. I wish I could have video taped it but our camcorder was broken. I guess she just enjoys getting into the groove without distractions.

In January we went on a family hike (I know! It was so warm!) at Dinosaur Ridge. They had a great sand box where the children could unearth fossils. They had a blast.

This ridge had the best examples of shale and ripple marks I've ever seen. They were text book perfect. It was all part of the Morrison formation which is in most geology text books. What fun it was to finally be there! Here is Amber with some shale.

I just had to have Alex take a picture of me with the ripple marks. Aren't they great!?

And of course, every geologist should have a picture of their children with ripple marks too.

We took a little hike up a trail off the main road. The kids really enjoy hiking...well, all except Caleb. He did complain most of the time.

In February we got a surprise visit from Nana and Meme. The kids loved having them come visit. Amber got to stay up late and played dress-up with them. Here's Princess Nana.

Amber couldn't quite figure out what to dress up Meme as. So, here's Little Red Meme-hood.

So, one day I was looking for Caleb and I couldn't find him anywhere. It turned out he was in Mom and Dad's bathroom looking for some water to play in.

Granny sent the girls new Easter dresses. The girls just love them.

How sweet!

Ashley is really good about playing with Caleb...except when she wants his toy.

What a cute boy.

Today was Caleb's first day wearing a tie to church. What a handsome man.

Our bathtub is starting to get a little crowded. So, when do they get old enough to bathe themselves?

Here's the Army Bride and her Prince.