Overheard

Allie: Maddie, Nonna has soooo much money!

Maddie: how much?

Allie: I don't know, like one thousand dollars! 

Celebrating Maddie's birthday Maddie-style

We didn't have any set plans for Maddie's birthday celebration, choosing instead to let her lead the way and that she did. She gave us a tour (very proudly I might add) of Pike Place Market. We saw Rachel the pig, the (disgusting) gum wall, got mini doughnuts and croissants and stopped for a parrot show. She brought her new American Girl doll along for the ride and was so happy. 

Celebrating Maddie's birthday Maddie-style

We didn't have any set plans for Maddie's birthday celebration, choosing instead to let her lead the way and that she did. She gave us a tour (very proudly I might add) of Pike Place Market. We saw Rachel the pig, the (disgusting) gum wall, got mini doughnuts and croissants and stopped for a parrot show. She brought her new American Girl doll along for the ride and was so happy. 

8!

Some birds are not meant to be caged. Baby girl, I cannot believe you are 8. Your feathers are so bright, your song is so sweet and soulful. 

You are still my nervous nelly, but we've learned to adapt and tell you EVERY SINGLE TIME we move in the house. You are insightful, knowing when someone is hurting and offering them your sweet embrace. You know how to irk your sister. You do not know how to ignore her when she irks you. Still I find you snuggled up to her almost every night, both of you covered in sweat, yet still holding her close. You call me mama and I hope you never stop. Your list of loves is long. Although you're not always a fan of change. (Who is?) 

I love you. 

I'm proud of you. 

And I'm so thankful you picked me to be your mama. 

(And thank you for always willing to pose for my pictures)

More spring break haps

On Wednesday we were near my cousin Bridget's house. They have a new puppy who failed out of service dog school (turns out he's almost blind) named Mac. He's adorable and well behaved and even gave us a hilarious "crack run" around the house. Maddie was in love. 

We also went to Lincoln Park and played on the zip line. 

Lowman beach

Turns out we can walk to the beach in under 10 minutes. The weather was SO perfect today. Both girls were perfect, no complaints on the walk (either direction), no complaints when it was time to walk

home, and they chose healthy dinner and menchies over pizza. Today was a good day. 

Thanks nonna

Thanks to Nonna's Easter basket we have two happy little girls. 

Bakery

Nonna took the girls to order Madeline's birthday cake on Monday. Text from mom: Maddie's notes about various colors the horse could be. Also the dog color is spotted. She did this in the car going to the bakery Monday. 

This girl knows what she wants. 

Lions and monkeys

The girls LOVE to play chase. I'm waiting for a bonk that requires stitches...

Happy Easter!

Easter Thoughts:

1. The kids were dying to go hunt eggs.  At 6:30 AM.

2.  They all ended up with about the same amount of eggs.  Thank goodness.

3. They all, we all, ate way too much sugar.

4. It was awesome everyone made it over for the hunt.

5. Marshmallow guns are a 7 year old boy's dream come true.

6. Everyone wants to hang out with Ethan.

7. On the trampoline.

8. The bunny footprints were a hit.

9. It is impossible to get a group photo with 5 kids all looking at the camera.