The most fun.

Presley was invited to a princess birthday party . . . .


She has not stopped telling me that it was the most fun EVER.

Aquarium.

Here we are back at the "aquarium". I miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but this will have to do (a one hour drive vs. a 16 hour drive). The girls loved it anyway.




Not a lot of looking at the camera--there were better things to look at. Nemo fish, sea stars, jelly fish, sea horses, local trout and sea monkeys. I think both girls liked looking at the South America exhibit--alligators, a python, tarantulas, frogs, and penguins.

Artwork.

For the girls rooms! Purses for Presley and Blossom Birdies for Stella. Thanks to Amber for help with the custom framing! I can't wait to hang them up!



Winborg Sisters (local artists with so many great pieces) and Pictureframes.com for affordable, custom frames.

The BIG Day.

Today Presley turned 4. She has been looking forward to this day for a l-o-n-g time, and it did not disappoint.



The day started out with a pin that said "It's my B-day!" that she wore all day, cupcakes and treat bags for her preschool classmates, and (I could not have planned this any better myself, it was simply scheduled for today) PONY rides at school!





The party was family, presents, and cake. Presley didn't hesitate and she started opening gifts right away. Dolls, swimming gear, books, crafts, tennis equipment--she got the works! Thank you everyone.


Stella woke up from her nap and when she came up stairs to see all the excitement I think she was a bit sad it was not her birthday--soon enough though, she'll be 2 in six short weeks.


Baby Guinevere made an appearance--we haven't seen her or Paul and Ali since the birth. We love her big round, beautiful cheeks!



The cake was much simpler than last year's Hello Kitty cake pops (thank goodness). I made a giant cupcake cake, complete with 2 cake flavors and a delicious Boston Cream filling (thank you for the suggestion Krista).


We all sang and Presley blew out her candles. Another year gone. I can't believe how fast this is going. I have to stop or I will start crying.

Skiing.

We have taken Presley (and Stella) skiing 3 times this year (cross country and downhill)! Presley is getting so much better (better = not complaining) and a bribe of getting a sucker at the deli has really kept her focused on getting down the hill without too may breaks.



Can you tell that Chris works a lot harder than I have to when we go skiing? One girl on his back, one girl between his legs, and me watching as they all go down the hill. I am not getting any better at skiing and I miss my snow board--but I do admit that it is easier to catch Presley as she comes down the hill on skis rather than on a board.

Addicted.

I am addicted to chocolate--and lately I cannot get enough. This yummy mess was courtesy of Nestle Toll House's Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (but I made mine triple chocolate--semi-sweet, milk, and white chocolate chips).


Presley didn't even know her face was a mess until I showed her the pictures (licking the beaters will do that too you).


Poor Stella got sweet potatoes with her lunch and enzymes instead of the cookies--thank goodness she does not know what she is missing yet.


And I ate most of the cookies and the dough. It was that good.

Missed.

Grandma Lynn--the girls miss you! Presley and Stella spent some time yesterday drawing pictures of you on their Magna-Doodles.



Maybe when you come home you could bring the warm Vegas weather with you?? It is snowing here, again.

North Carolina.

Ok. Here it is--proof of our fun trip to NC. All pictures courtesy of Krista (I brought my camera and never once even pulled out to use).

Poor Stella, so tired after a day of travel (no direct flights and a very squirmy child, thanks to the Skymiles for an upgrade to a wider first class seat). Look at those lashes!


Getting to know the boys, Jonas and Elliot. Stella was unsure at first but then loved giving the boys their binkies and making sure they had their blankets.



Of course, I loved holding them--all the time. They are so small and cute, even at nearly 3 months. Jonas top, Elliott bottom.



The trip would not have been complete without visiting our favorite places to eat. Steak'N'Shake, Waffle House, and the best ice cream ever at Bruster's (I consider myself a chocolate person but lately I am in love with the Key Lime Pie ice cream).



Uncle Matt is such a softie!


Stella really seemed to grow up on this trip--away from her big sister. More talking, more of an opinion, and wanting to "walkie" everywhere. I can't believe she is nearly 2.



Krista and the boys are coming out to visit at the end of may and Presley can't wait to meet them.

On our way!

At the airport--off to North Carolina to visit the twins (and my sister)! After 2 flights, a LONG layover, and one tired Stella, we arrived late last night at Krista's house.

We are loving it--Stella is warming up to Jonas and Elliot but she hates the pack'n'play, she screams herself to sleep and today at nap time I rocked her to sleep in my arms. More to come . . .

Finally.

So, after being sick for the better part of February, I think we are ALL finally on the mend. And not a moment too soon. Stella and I are off to meet the twins in North Carolina for a week while Presley will spend a "Presley & Daddy" week at home.

Here's to a week of hopefully* better weather, sister time, some fun pictures, and time holding new babies!

*I think it is supposed to snow in Charlotte tomorrow.