Mimi Comes to Visit!

We had a blast when Mimi came to visit us this month!  Of course, we didn't take as many pictures as we should have, but we had a wonderful time playing at the playground, celebrating Audra's birthday, and just hanging out, too.  We cannot wait until we get to visit with Mimi again!

 Mimi has fun games on her iPad, and lets Aiden and Audra play!

 Mimi waits for Aiden at the bottom of the slide.

 Audra, who was more interested in pine cones and leaves than in the playground, shares with Mimi one of her findings.

 Picking out groceries for Mimi's wonderful cooking!

 Audra wasn't wild about the baby swing, but had fun swinging with Mimi on a big kid swing!

 Mimi is more fun than Mommy, she always let's us take the race car cart!

Audra and Mimi look at pictures on the iPad.

Happy 1st Birthday, Audra Maeve!

Audra turned 1 on February 14th, but was feeling under the weather.  We postponed her cupcake-and-presents for a few days so that she could enjoy it more.  Audra was so excited to open gifts from all of her grandparents, and from her aunts and uncles!  Aiden was surprisingly generous in giving her the appropriate spotlight, though he did blow out her candle for her.

 Happy Birthday and Happy Valentines Day!  Audra isn't feeling well but sports the dress Mimi made for her.

 Feeling better a few days later... Audra dives right in!

 Smiling for Daddy and indulging her sweet tooth.

 Never mind the mess--it tastes good!

Winter Weather Continues

The kids (and Kona!) enjoyed another significant snowfall... this was Audra's first time really getting out in the snow!  Though she looked a bit perplexed, she threw a fit when we brought her back inside!

 Audra takes her lead from Aiden.

Audra kept trying to walk, but she was wearing Aiden's too-big-for-her boots, and the snow was up to her knees, so she kept falling down.

  

Mommy tries to help by holding her, but she'd rather do it herself!

 No time for pictures Mom and Dad, I'm trying to play!

Kona loves a good romp in the snow!

Case of the Baking Soda Blowout

Baking soda blanketed our master bathroom (the picture does not do it justice).  Aiden first came upon the scene, but he maintains his innocence.  Audra has invoked her right to remain silent.  As I worked to recover evidence, I did come across footprints--the left print of the larger culprit (whom I believe to be the leader), and both the right and left prints of the smaller accomplice.  The investigation continues...

 Aiden (suspiciously wearing baking soda) found the mess, but insists he is not responsible.

Audra stands by as I record the evidence.  Curiously, new prints appeared as she came over to assist!

Big Brother Duties

I have been particularly impressed with Aiden's taking his role as big brother much more seriously.  He must sense that he is soon to have two little sisters, instead of just one.  Though he is a champion of making messes, he now helps me clean them up.  He is always on the run when you ask him to grab something or put something away.  Though he still has whining sessions himself, he tries to help entertain Audra when she's whining or cheer her up when she's crying.  In the car today, she was fussing in her carseat.  I was preparing myself for a noisy trip to the store, when they both began laughing hysterically.  Looking back at them, I saw Aiden making silly faces to make her laugh.

When we got to the store, I was looking at carseats, since Baby Girl will soon need the baby seat in which Audra currently rides.  Attempting to read the specs of each type at Babies 'R Us, the kids became understandably bored.  As Audra started to cry, Aiden tried to console her, talking in her ear and even kissing her on the cheek.  Later, when our dear troublemakers accompanied me to a doctor appointment, Aiden pushed the stroller (with Audra in it) the entire way (though I did help with the steering).  I am grateful for his natural acceptance of his role as big brother--he is truly Mommy and Daddy's helper!

 Aiden tries to console an upset Audra...

...And it works!