Sunny Easter

So, Easter was technically last month, but here we are, catching up on past fun! The celebration at my Grandma's was somewhat muted by Lucy's stomach virus resurfacing, but thankfully she recovered enough to happily join in the hunt, in between "my little pony" episodes on my computer.

Easter dresses and bonnets.

Hold onto your hat, it's going to be a fun day!

Racing to find the eggs.

Aha!

Trusty bunny bag.

I knit the girls each a bunny for Easter- this one is Clara's.

Queen Lucy the Valiant

Lucy's school had their annual book character parade this week, where they each dress up like their favorite book character. Matt, Clara and I all went, and we were amazed at all the beautiful and creative costumes!

Lucy decided to be Queen Lucy from The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe. She thought it was so exciting and fun to dress up like someone she is named after. She decorated the crown and helped me pick out the dress (on sale from Old Navy) and the fabrics and trim for the robe. Grandma helped me sew the robe, including using some elastic to gather the neckline. I am so lucky to have such a talented Grandma so close by!

Modeling the outfit, the night before.

A detail shot of the robe- we found this peacock broach on sale for just a few dollars- totally makes the outfit!

Beautiful Lucy.

And beautiful princess Clara!

Doesn't she look regal? She's holding a picture of the book cover..

Waving to Clara.

An early "spring" hike

To quote a cartoon my mom sent me recently, "Spring forward? How frigging far did you move it?". At least there has been more sun and birds, even if the ground is still covered with way too much snow and the temps have still been in the late winter zone.

Last weekend we went on what felt like an epic hike. It was only 2 miles, but it's one of those winding trails where I can never remember how far along we are. Plus, there were lot of ups and downs, which happened to be covered in some serious ice/snow, so it was often slow going. Thankfully it was enough above freezing that the ice wasn't super hard, and most of the time we could get decent traction. All in all, we had a blast, though the girls were very happy to get home to some hot cocoa.

Clara and Papa, slip-sliding away.

Lucy, queen of the boulder!

Such a sweet father-daughter picture.

And another one!

Fording one of the many streams.

Striking a pose.

Clara's "walking stick", which she explained to me would help her not slip on the ice.

Me and my girls. I only carried Clara for the last little stretch- I was proud of both her and Lucy's stamina and perseverance!

Happy 7th Birthday, Sam!!!

Happy Birthday, Sam! We had fun making this video for you. Do you see all the snow??? How about we trade- we'll give you some snow, and you give us some sun. :)

love,
Elizabeth, Matt, Lucy and Clara

Sculpture Fun

The girls and I recently visited a local modern sculpture museum. Even though the outside was still buried in the snow, we had a blast.

A fun series of the girls in the museum cafe.

This is one of my absolute favorite sculptures there. It stretches up and down the hill on both sides- just gorgeous.

Up on the indoor part of the rooftop deck, enjoying a sculpture that you're allowed to touch.

One of our perennial favorites- the sculpture where you run a stick along the metal pipes to create beautiful music.

Lucy asked me to take a picture of her "shadow sculpture". She really got into the spirit of it all!

Lucy is 6!

And more birthday excitement- Lucy is now 6! Hard to believe we've been parents for 6 years now- our lives are so much fuller and richer because of our sweet girls. How I would describe Lucy these days- bright, determined, vivacious, caring, spirited, thoughtful, motivated. She loves- playing with friends, giving Clara big hugs, everything about kindergarten, organizing and displaying her toys, Mama reading Chronicles of Narnia to her (we're on our second book!).

Displaying the My Little Ponies she got from Grandma Judy and Mama and Papa for her birthday.

Decorating cupcakes to celebrate via skype with Mimi and Papa Jack.

Birthday dinner with Grandma.

Grandma brought presents for both of them- so thoughtful!

Clara coloring on her new dry erase board.

Grandma teaching Lucy how to sew.

I remember Grandma helping me make doll clothes for my barbies when I was little. :)

She loves the sewing set- it has real needles, a thimble, pins and a pin cushion.

The beautiful birthday cake, decorated with fairies and candy hearts and twisty candles.

Making valentines at her birthday party- there was an unbelievable amount of excitement and a fair amount of joyous screaming- but everyone had lots of fun. We also had a heart treasure hunt, and a dance party with the disco globe and glow sticks.

Cream cheese and jam open-faced bread sandwiches (pinterest worthy, if I say so myself).

Blowing out her birthday candles!

Huddling together to see the present Lucy was opening. :)

Clara is 3!

So, we're catching up on a bit of belated birthday happenings. Clara turned 3 over the Christmas break, and we had the joy of celebrating with Grandma Judy out west! How I would describe Clara these days- free-spirited, sweet, emotionally sensitive, mellow, affectionate, curious. She loves doing anything with Lucy, being patted/stroked, singing and music, storytime, and being out and about with Mama. We are so thankful for our little Clara-bear!

Opening the present Lucy made for her...

a rainbow loom bracelet!

Very serious, opening another present.

A Dora blanket from Mama and Papa!

Doll clothes for baby Natalie from Grandma Judy.

We had a fun celebration at McDonalds with Grandma Judy and a few friends.

The girls loved the playspace- and the cupcakes and balloons Grandma Judy brought!

Modeling her new chef outfit.

And my two beautiful girls.