ARIZONA

In what seems to be becoming an annual tradition we went to Arizona and visited Mike's family for a week.  All the kids did great on the flight.  We rode in the jeep without a top (not recommended in 100' weather), swam at my mom's house, went to a museum, ate yummy food, and relaxed.  It was Maggie's first time swimming and she loved it.

SINGING IN THE RAIN

When it rains you pull out the small pool and create your own splash park and wading pool.  The kids loved it.

COSI

The weather has been wonderful the last couple of weeks.  In the 70s and not much rain.  I didn't want to do anything indoors since it is so nice outside.  Finally we had a rainy day so we headed down to COSI.  They had a bunch of construction trucks out front that the kids could climb up into.  They could even sit in the driver seat of one and with a little guidance lifted the fork and put it down again.  I was especially excited about the kid zone.  They have a water area with a special table for babies.  I have been waiting for 3 years to have a baby to put in the table and watch them play.  Maggie loved it!  I striped off her clothes and brought a hand towel to dry off afterwards.  We had a very good time.

HOW I RIDE

Maggie hates being strapped into shopping carts but if I don't strap her in she stands up.  Whenever I strap her in she automatically turns around and tries to stand up.  She definitely is the biggest climber and wants to climb in or out of just about anything.  She is so curious and wants to be right where the action is.

PRETTY PRETTY PRINCESSES

For some reason Shane thought it would be funny to dress up in one of the princess dresses.  He and Alex were all giggles when they came to show me.  He was a little embarrassed to have me take a picture, but he let me anyway.  I made sure to send Mike the picture to show him what beautiful children he had.

MAGGIE'S FIRST BIRTHDAY

It is hard to believe that a year has already passed.  So much has happened and at the same time it feels like the other day we were bringing her home from the hospital.  Maggie is so fun and playful.  She is determined and knows what she wants.  She hates being left behind and frequently stands at the back door when the older kids are outside and yells at them to come play with her or let her outside.  Maggie explores everything and climbs onto anything.  She LOVES to read books, especially the touch-and-feel books.  She has a cute smile but never smiles for the camera.  It is rare if I can snap a non-blurry picture of her with a full smile.

For her birthday I made her all her favorite foods.  She wasn't so sure about the cold ice cream but she really liked the cake.  We were going to do something fun but we were all sick and didn't feel like going anywhere.  Instead we played at home.

The traditional tissue box gift was a hit.