A conversation that took place earlier this week:

Kyle: "Mom, why are babies born naked?"

Mom: "Well, I don't think moms can grow clothes in their bellies."

Kyle: "Hey! I have an idea! Maybe if mom's ate some clothes while they were pregnant, the babies would come out with clothes on!" (lots of laughter...)

He thinks he is SO hilarious...

Easter Celebration

Yes, I realize that I'm a week late and a dollar short, but we had a fabulous Easter holiday. I really, really love this holiday. It must be the beautiful spring weather, fun activities, and the chance to truly reflect on our Savior. This year was made even better by the fact that Kevin arrived home after being gone TDY for the week.

We started it off with coloring Easter eggs. The stand out's: Kyle's eggs, entitled "Happy" & "Sad," and Kevin's red egg that said, "I [heart] Ruth." Fantastic.

Then it was on to our egg hunt. Kyle specifically asked to "just do it with our family" this year (feeling greedy???) so it was so surprising when he found the grand prize egg. As you can see, he was overjoyed.

Of course, Kevin tried his best to steal the $2 grand prize, but Kyle put him in his place.
"I found it - it's MINE!"



Marie was content to cruise around on the grass with the three pink eggs I'd filled with Cheerios and strategically placed within baby-reach.



The kids got some fun Easter surprises from the Easter bunny. Kyle's favorite? The air rocket he's received three years in a row. And a gigantic Easter bunny is always a must. It's the only candy he cares about.

This baby girl was just happy with the Easter grass. I'm still finding it all over my house.

They received some new Easter clothes from Dad & Mom. Actually, the dress is courtesy of Grandma, but we saved it for the occasion.

These two can't get enough of each other. He thinks she's adorable, and she thinks anything he does is wonderful and hilarious. I love it.

And then it was off to church to celebrate the reason for this beautiful holiday. How grateful I am for the Plan of Salvation, a beautiful family, and my Savior, who made it all possible.

Happy Easter!

Shark Teeth

It seems as though Kyle has inherited his mother's inability to properly lose teeth. If you'll look closely, you'll see two rows of teeth. Yes, two rows of teeth.

If I recall correctly, it seems as though I had to have all four of my bottom front baby teeth pulled because they just wouldn't fall out. And by the time I was 18, I still hadn't lost a side baby tooth on top - the left canine, to be exact - and had to have it pulled, the permanent tooth drilled out of the bone it was stuck in, and pulled down into place. It wasn't pretty. Or pain-free.

I called the dentist about this "too-many-teeth" issue, and she seemed to think it could wait until his next cleaning on June 1st. I hope she's right. His top teeth aren't looking so great either. He has this strange gap that seems to be getting bigger everyday. Really. I think another permanent tooth is shoving its way in, but those baby teeth are hanging on for dear life.

I'm really hoping that we'll have a miraculous falling-out of baby teeth in the next month. I wouldn't wish the pain of pulling teeth on any innocent 5-year-old. But I'm also worried for my pocketbook. It seems as though I got paid $10 from the toothfairy for my pulled teeth - you know, for all of the extra pain and suffering. If you add 20 years of inflation to that...well, it's not going to be pretty.

After all, I'm quite certain I'm going to need that extra cash to pay for years of orthodontic treatment in the not-to-distant future.

Let the Games Begin!

It's that time of year again. Today marked the opening day of baseball season.

Kyle's playing for the Pirates this year and has a fantastic coach. And yes, I know those aren't baseball cleats (I just learned the difference this year) but I was way too cheap to buy him separate cleats for baseball and soccer. The way this kid grows, he'll be lucky to wear them one season. I figure I have at least a year or two before he realizes that it's embarrassing to wear soccer cleats to play baseball. Might as well save my pennies while I can.

They had "Opening Ceremonies" tonight and each team got to run out, do a cheer and run back. It was adorable and hilarious. So cute. Except for the poor little Phillies player, who was the only one from his team to show up. They still made him run out with his coach and do the cheer all by himself. Poor guy.

Then they had the base commander throw the first pitch, which was even more hilarious (4th time's a charm!) and some other pomp and circumstance. It was a great evening and we can't wait for our first game next week!