Easter did not Disappoint

With Easter right around the corner Mom was busy running around town- luckily that meant I got to go out in public and show off my style:



Since the sun has been shining lately I find it hard to remain indoors. While Mom is busy tending to the household chores I am given free rein to run amok in the yard. Aside from playing in the sand, swinging on the swings, and chasing the dogs, I have a new favorite activity- jumping with Jax. I didn't think that Mom knew about my new hobby but I guess she has been spying on me through the window. Somehow she managed to get evidence that I am the one responsible for the paw prints on the trampoline. I have denied any knowledge for quite some time, but apparently Mom has been watching as I call him up to jump with me...

While I am out in the yard Macie spends time in the kitchen with Mom. Right now the family is trying to introduce her to the idea of a sippy cup, but she only holds it and tosses it around.



I guess all the time in the Bumbo has familiarized Macie with sitting and encouraged her to try it on her own. She is learning how to balance enough to sit up on her own- sometimes she gets wobbly and falls, but Mom says that we can officially call her a "sitter" now.



Lately the weather has been warm enough for the whole family to hang out on the deck. Mom still has Macie sit in her Bumbo when she is on the deck because she is nervous about all the debris outside, but Macie doesn't seem to mind as long as she is a part of the fun!



The best new thing to happen to me lately is Mom placing a step stool at the base of the trampoline. I think she finally gave in after all my badgering throughout the day to "put me on the trampoline," and this allows me to come and go as I please and I love it!!! I am glad that she trusts me with this new level of responsibility.

As you can see I am in no need of help from anyone (or in need of clothes for that matter- it has been too warm!)

Now my only dilemma is needing help to start swinging. I can pump once I get a couple of big pushes, but still have a hard time getting in the groove- I call for Mom to push me about 50 times a day- she wants to invent a mechanism that gets the swing moving because if it were up to me I would swing all day!!





I am not the only one enjoying the outdoors- check out how much Macie loves to play on the deck with me. Mom has succumbed to the reality that Macie is going to be exposed to all sorts of gunk both inside and out and has comprised by setting down blankets on the deck for her to lay on.



On days spent indoors Macie and I like to hang out with each other. Sometimes we play games, but other times we just sit and laugh together.



As much fun as we were having, I was still eager for the holiday weekend to arrive, and when it did I was ecstatic! I woke up Saturday to a wonderful surprise- Uncle Will had come to visit us from California, and to celebrate the whole gang went to the Zoo.

Mom dressed Macie and I in our matching spring dresses and we impressed the crowds at the Zoo. After visiting our favorite animals we enjoyed some of the Easter festivities. One of my favorite things was visiting the Easter Bunny!!

Macie enjoyed him so much that she didn't want to leave.

After hanging out with the Easter Bunny we got to watch a special pet show and learned about all types of exotic animals. It was not nearly as fun as the normal pet show, but it was definitely educational.

We all had an awesome time at the Zoo, and I LOVED spending time with my family.

Back at home we dyed Easter eggs in preparation for the Easter Bunny.

I did a really great job, and managed to not make too big of a mess for Mom!!! While I was busy picking out the color scheme for my newest batch of eggs Macie talked up a storm...

Both of us really enjoyed the egg dying project, and I couldn't wait to leave them out for the Bunny because I knew he would be impressed with my skills as an artist.

Later that night we threw Uncle Will a surprise party! It was super fun setting up the house and cooking him a special meal while he was out with Aunt Hayley. When they came home for dinner we jumped out and yelled "surprise!" The best part of the whole night was seeing the shock and surprise on his face- he had NO idea!!!

We had a great time celebrating but I had a tough time waiting for the best part- the cake!!!

That night I had a difficult time falling asleep- not only was my belly overly full of cake and goodies, but I was too excited about the upcoming Easter Fun! I woke up early, very eager to find the basket of goodies rumored to have been left by the Bunny the night before. Mom re-directed my attention by letting me watch a special movie in my bedroom while she made a pancake breakfast in the kitchen. I stayed focused on The Little Mermaid for about 40 minutes, but couldn't wait much longer so I headed downstairs. I was told that once everyone in the house was awake we could get the party started. Once I had managed to gather the whole crew we sat down for Easter breakfast and even Macie joined in the feast. She had a few bites of the banana walnut pancakes, but didn't seem to enjoy any eggs or fruit from the table.



When we were all finished with our feast Mom moved the partition that was blocking the doorway and I ran wild into the family room to see what treasures were waiting for me to unveil.

Can you believe all the great goodies the Bunny left for the family?!?!?!

Once I was done opening my basket the family all sat on the couch and opened their Easter Baskets. To Mom's surprise her basket contained some interesting items that the "bunny" had not put there- check out the awesome "bumpits" that she found (thanks to Aunt Hayley). All three of us tried them out, and BOY do we look Jerseylicious!



When we were all finished opening our baskets the Easter Egg hunt began. There were eggs all over the backyard and I frantically ran through the yard trying to find every last one.

Here I am mid-jump trying to snatch the egg out of the tree. I guess the Bunny thought I had go-go gadget legs or something because that egg was pretty high.

Aunt Hayley and Will joined me in the hunt and helped me find the tricky ones.

Mom watched as I picked up the hard boiled ones and threw them back down stating that "I only want the ones with the treats inside." Unfortunately those words hit a little to close to home for Mom- I guess she used the same logic with Grandma Judy and Pa when she was little.

While I was busy finding the 40+ eggs in the yard, Macie had an Easter egg hunt of her own.

When all the eggs were found I sat at my picnic table and surveyed my lot...

Mom put a stop on my candy binge just before I OD'd, and encouraged me to take baby Annie for a ride in my new stroller I got form the bunny.



By mid day we were all exhausted from the long morning of fun and food so we took naps.
All of us woke refreshed and ready for some more holiday fun so Mom dressed Macie and I in our dresses and had a photo shoot!

Dad and Mom couldn't believe how cute the two of us looked together, and Dad said this was his favorite Easter yet, as he got to spend it with both his girls!

While the turkey dinner was finishing up in the oven the family took an Easter stroll around the block so that I could push my baby in the stroller.



Despite protest from most parties (using the camera timer was a big pain) involved we took a group shot to document our first Easter together as a family.



Back at home Mom set the table and put the finishing touches on dinner. While Mace slept Dad and I spent some quality time together playing my new favorite game Big Buck Hunter. I am getting quite good with a rifle and Uncle Shawn may not be the sharp shooter of the family any more...

Macie didn't nap long, and was soon back in the mix having fun with the rest of the family. Listen to her silly laugh, it sounds like she is hyperventilating...

When dinner was finally ready I said grace for the family before we dug into the turkey feast Mom had prepared!!!

I was disappointed when I learned that Mom had not created an Easter desert- she claimed we had all eaten enough sugar throughout the day, but I disagreed and boy am I glad I did because she let me take a big bite of my chocolate bunny.

Going to bed did not take much coercing from Mom and Dad- I was exhausted from all the holiday fun. I had a very special Easter with my family and am grateful for all the blessings we have been afforded.

The coming weeks are promising to be warm and sunny so the family is looking forward to more outdoor fun. We have heard that Ohio is most beautiful in the spring and can't wait to see it for ourselves.

Holiday fun is back!

There was quite a Holiday lull after Christmas. I had gotten used to the continuing onslaught of holidays starting in October and very much enjoyed the events surrounding them. January and February didn't offer up anything, so I was excited when March arrived bringing with it the start of the Spring Holiday season. According to Mom St.Patricks day and Easter are two holidays that wouldn't disappoint.

Living in a place like Dublin, people go crazy for the St.Patricks day holiday. Mom told me all about the holiday celebrations that were going to happen. There were many events planned for the weekend of St.Patricks Day, but I waited with much anticipation and enthusiasm for the parade the city was having. The weekend came and our excitement was soured as we awoke to the sound of pouring rain. Mom and I threw open my curtains to reveal a torrential downpour falling from the sky. I was disappointed and a little worried that the days festivities would be canceled. Mom assured me that the parade was taking place rain or shine, so we dressed in our rain gear (a far cry from the great outfits Mom had made for the event) and braved the storm.

We met my friends in downtown Dublin and got the party started. Here I am as the parade was beginning...

Macie enjoyed being bundled up with Dad under the tent, and didn't seem to mind the downpour around her.

Watching the parade was exciting, there were floats, dancers, musicians; it was really neat to see. One of my favorite parts of the parade were all the goodies being handed out. I stood on the curb with my candy bag wide open waiting for it to be filled.

Despite the rain I was having a great time with my friends.

When the parade was finished I was drenched from head to toe, but had a bag full of candy, toys, and stickers, and couldn't have been happier had it been bright and sunny.

The rest of the weekend stayed wet and cold so we took advantage of the icky weather and slothed around the house.

At the beginning of the week we got to celebrate another awesome holiday- Daddy's birthday!!!
We had a special birthday breakfast for Dad and when he left for work we began the process of preparing for his party. At the store we searched for the perfect decor, but I was adamant that Daddy needed a princess party. Mommy thought that was silly, but knew that Dad would appreciate the fact that I hand picked everything myself. After all our stops were complete we headed home with everything we needed to throw Dad the best Princess party in the whole world.

Back at home Mom surveyed the decor I had chosen and couldn't help but laugh. EVERYTHING was princess- even the 10 balloons. Mom bet that Dad would have never predicted he would get a princess party. He came home from work as we were setting up the dining room, so I was put in charge of occupying him and keeping him downstairs. When all was ready Macie and I brought Dad upstairs to get the party started!!!

When he rounded the corner he was so excited and surprised that he was speechless!

Daddy's birthday party was tons of fun, and my crowns were a BIG hit!!!

I was too antsy to sit through dinner, and couldn't wait for the best part of birthdays- dessert...

Dad really enjoyed his party and told me "it was the best princess party he's ever had."

With the rain gone, it was finally time to play in the back yard and I couldn't have been more excited.

Even Macie joined me outside to take in the warm sun. She has gotten so big that she is able to sit in her car and cruise around the deck- look at how much fun she is having...

In exciting Macie news, notice anything about her up close picture??? She has her two front teeth!!!

The family can't believe how quickly she is growing. Now that she is 7 months old she can do so much! She can roll over from front to back and back to front, although she only does so when it is completely necessary (she is a little lazy); she says dada when addressing daddy; and she is starting to sit up on her own. Mom tells me that this is just the beginning of all the things that she will begin doing.

Check out this video of her in the pond hanging out and chattin' it up...

Macie has become one of my favorite play toys, but my obsession with Disney princesses has not subsided. I still eat, sleep, and, breath princess. As Mom was cooking in the kitchen the other day I asked her for a fork- she handed me one then asked me what I needed it for. Instead of telling her I showed her...

Mortified, she asked what I was doing. "Brushing my hair like Ariel", I replied- she couldn't help but laugh!

With Easter rapidly approaching fun activities are happening everyday. When the weekend came around it was time for our community Easter egg hunt. Despite the chilly weather (in the 30's), Mom dressed me in my holiday tutu and we were off.

All my neighborhood friends were there, and we couldn't wait for the hunt to begin.

When we got the green light it was a mad dash for eggs. Kids were running everywhere, and it was every man for himself.

When it was over I surveyed my basket and decided that I had done pretty well for myself-

so well in fact, that I had a tough time carrying home the goods.

That afternoon we heard that a rumor that the Easter Bunny may be stopping at the grocery store next to our house. Mom and Dad put Macie and I in the car and we rushed to Kroger. Inside I rounded the home goods aisle and came face to face with the Easter Bunny himself- I couldn't believe he traveled all this way! Without hesitation I jumped up next to him and took a picture- much different from my experience with the Bunny last year (good from far but far from good).

Mom and Dad were shocked when Macie plopped down next to the Bunny and started laughing! They had been unsure how she would react, but it couldn't have gone any better!

After our Bunny pictures we got to decorate cookies and go on a scavenger hunt through the grocery store.

We are already having tons of Holiday fun and Easter isn't even till next Sunday. I can't wait to see what is in store for Easter...

Back Home Again for some Birthday Fun!

Getting back into a routine at home was difficult. We were still catching up on sleep and adjusting to life in Ohio. The first official morning back I spent as much time with Dad as I could. Because it was a weekday and he had to work, our time together was limited so I helped him with his morning routine.

When Mom hadn't heard from us in a while she came in the bedroom to check on us. Here's what she discovered....

Mom spent the rest of the day explaining that women do not shave their faces...

After Dad was off to work, Mom, Macie, and I had to come to terms with being stuck indoors surrounded by 4 feet of snow. Returning home to COLD weather (in the 20's) was hard to get used to, but Mom tried her best to provide Macie and I with fun indoor activities.

Here is Macie in her swing we put up in the garage. Unfortunately it was just as cold in the garage as it was outside, but at least we were safe from falling snow. At first Macie wasn't sure about the new set up,

but once she got into the "swing of things", she was all smiles!

When the weekend came the backyard had accumulated an additional foot of snow. Dad and I bundled up and went outside to build a snowman!

Macie and Mom didn't want to get their hands dirty, so they supervised from the porch.

After an hour of hard work and heavy lifting, mostly on Dad's part, our snowman looked pretty cool!

Mom lent a helping hand when it came to the decorating- check out his awesome brussel sprout eyes, carrot nose, and teeth made of almonds.

Apparently Mom wasn't the only ones who thought that food made good accessories for a snowman- when we weren't looking that afternoon Jackson ate his face off.

On the 25th of the month we celebrated Macie's 6 month birthday! The family couldn't believe that 6 months had gone by since Macie came into our lives. She has been such an amazing addition to our family, and we couldn't imagine life without her!

As usual she woke up in the morning with a BIG smile on her face, and kept that pleasant disposition throughout the day.

We did some fun things in the house, but cold weather kept us from doing anything fun and exciting outdoors.

We had a photo shoot and Mom took some of her signature pictures for Macie's baby book.

Isn't Macie getting SO BIG! At Macie's 6 month check up the doctor told us that Macie weighed 16lbs, putting her in the 50th percentile for weight, and measured 27 inches long, in the 90th percentile for height!!! She is growing like a weed and has the potential to tower over me at any time. Good thing I am not only tough, but head strong- regardless of size I don't plan on giving up my title as chief any time soon.

Macie has come so far in the last 6 months. She is able to hold items with ease, and even reaches for things she wants. She has started to roll over (first time on valentines day, but Mom told Dad that it doesn't count since she was on a slight decline), but she seems a little to lazy to do it on a regular basis. She has started to find her voice and uses it any chance she gets.

That night when Dad got home from work we had a birthday party for Macie. She LOVED all the attention from the family, and couldn't keep a smile off her face.

She thoroughly enjoyed her birthday dinner of sweet potatoes,

but I told her to save her appetite for desert, so she didn't eat much. We all sang Macie the birthday song before she could dig in it her yummy treat.

She didn't enjoy it nearly as much as we had anticipated, so Mom, Hayley, and I helped finish it off.

After dinner Macie took a birthday bath and relaxed in the warm water while reading a book.

When it was finally time for her to go to sleep Mom didn't want to put her down. She had finally realized that Macie was too large, and too old, to be sleeping in the bassinet next to her bed, so she was placed in her own room. I know Mom had a tough time letting go and I am sure she checked on her throughout the whole night, but Macie went down without a fight and I didn't hear her make a peep all night.

She woke up the next morning with a big grin on her face, and Mom was proud of the two of them for surviving their first night apart.

Macie and I are having more and more fun together as she gets older. Mom says she really looks up to me, and wants to be just like me. I don't think the world can handle two Riley's, but check out the two of us in action:

Mom and Dad are in for it- listen to how much Macie is beginning to babble. Soon their won't be ANY silence in the house (hard to imagine that there is now).

One of the indoor activities that the family has taken an interest in is puzzles. Mom doesn't have to much tolerance for them, so she mainly watches while Dad, Aunt Hayley and I do all the work.

Even Macie has been helping from time to time.

By our second weekend back home the sun had finally come out and the temperatures reached the high 30's. For those cooped up indoors, it was time to go outside so we went to the Zoo!!!

Macie was finally old enough to get excited to see animals, so this Zoo trip was extra fun.

Aunt Hayley and Holly came with us and we stopped by all our favorite hot spots.

We didn't stay too long, as the warm sun didn't do much to warm the chill in the air. Thank goodness the following week was full of sun, because it helped to melt the remaining snow. Mom was glad that we could see the roads again, and was finally willing to leave the house. I persuaded her to make a trip to the big red barn and put on what has come to be a new favorite (bright colored petticoats).

While I run around and burn energy Macie and Mom play on the swings. Check out all the fun Macie is having, and watch as she shows off one of her new tricks (clapping!)

Although we have been celebrating many of Macie's new accomplishments, Mom and Dad still make sure I don't get ignored.

I got my first gold metal in gymnastics, and was on top of the world. Mom and Dad were SO proud of me!

Now that Macie has discovered how fun it is to talk, we can't keep her quiet. I can't wait to teach her all I know...

Mom has started to lighten up a little with her "rules" and has loosened her tight policy of feeding Macie. I am able to help her eat all kinds of baby food by myself and have even given her some "real people" food with supervision. She has been teething lately as one of her front teeth is trying to break the surface, so Mom tried giving her some banana.

Macie took to it right away, much different from the first time I had a banana with Susan in California. I didn't like it, but Macie couldn't get enough.

Mom says that this is just the beginning of all the cool stuff that Macie is going to do. I am excited for what the future holds, and can't wait for the real shenanigans to begin!