Spring Weather in January

So even though it wasn't as nice as it was here...it was still fun to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and explore a new park. Shadd and Frama tried out a really tall slide and lets just say it had tight corners and Frama laughed hysterically as she went down. We were completely entertained for a hour or so. Ducks and even a swan. Plus a stage for Shaddy and Ells to debut some of the songs they have been practicing on their new karaoke machine! 

Indy's Children's Museum

So for the past few years I have been dying to try out the Indianapolis Children's Museum. Although we only had a couple of hours to explore prior to nap time, we had a blast. I got a few photos but mostly we did our best to enjoy the exhibits and keep wraps on the two little ones in a busy place. 

Shadd though these two were awesome...they were trying to get in! 

Might be a professional someday! 

We saw the dinosaur exhibit last but it was the best! With lights and sounds. This picture doesn't do it justice!

 

Shadd planted all the flowers. Even used the gloves!

Ells planted a veggies - like a big puzzle

The newest addition to our extended family! Shaye

So its been a few days since my last post. Well we were busy snuggling with this little beauty.

My newest niece Shaye Ellynne was born December 27th and we road tripped out to Indy to visit her this past Saturday, returning late Wednesday.

The kids did great on the trip. We got to enjoy a hotel stay on Saturday night after some shopping at Williamsburg. We splashed around in the pool at almost 9pm Indy time. Then we hit up the Indianapolis Children's Museum (something I've wanted to do ever since they moved out there almost 2 years ago). I will post pics soon. We all had a blast.

But of course Shaye was the highlight of our trip! Plus Aunt Kelsey and Uncle Nick!

A little annoyed with the photo shoot 

She is full of smirks

Just a heart to heart with Frama

Our attempt at props

Is this comfy?

The big cousins...sharing their love! Gave me a taste of what they will be like come March! Shaddy was sweet and careful. Ells just about took off with Shaye. I guess I will have to watch her!

Newest Craze at our house

So we got an ipad for Christmas...Yes. It is highly addictive. Well at least the games are. In fact, everyone is enjoying it. We even got as pathetic as playing Words with Friends (d&i) against one another. He plays on his phone and I on the ipad. A little crazy but a lot of fun! Even Ells can play and that is scary.

Best Friends..well sometimes?

So these pictures pretty much say it all...one minute these two can be the best of friends. The next - the worst of enemies. I didn't get the full slide show as I had to step in break up the fight. Ells has picked up a bad habit of hitting recently and she can be pretty mean. Not to say that Shadd is innocent, but I have to watch her - she's sneaky. To be honest...I'm just shocked they lasted a few minutes on that chair. Don't ask me why we have to cram into it when we have a love seat and couch that they would have more than enough room to themselves. Its only the beginning!

A little wild & crazy

So Ells got into my makeup as I was blow drying my hair.

Can you see the black streak in her hair? Yes. Full blown strip of mascara running down her head and into her hair. Of course, we had to show the house so needless to say - she sported the new look to the mall yesterday and since it wasn't a bath night you can still find traces of it in her hair at least til tonight.

Another Christmas Project...scripture bulbs and a peppermint dessert for all our neighbors

So we tried something a little new this year...
a peppermint ice cream dessert for all our neighbors. Check out this blog post to see how...
http://domestic-engineer.com/2011/12/11/christmas-dessert-gift-idea

They turned out great...at least I thought so. But the best part was the tags...

Yes. I finally figured out the print and cut ability on my silhouette so I'm ecstatic about its possibilities. Needless to say I got extra practice as after I was all done I realized that I should have zoomed in to check my spelling of peppermint! Oh well...just another excuse to try it again, right.

I promise I will get better at taking more pictures of all these projects and the steps. I just get so excited I can't remember to photograph the whole process. No excuses with the super great new camera.


Now our second project involved...a Bible, which has fallen a part over the years and some plain ornaments from Michaels - $.60 a piece I believe. We just wanted to give everyone a reminder of why we celebrate this season. Even Ells and Shaddy could do this. Just cut strips of scripture and put into the bulbs. We tied with red ribbon and gave them to our families.