Happy Birthday, Clyde!

We celebrated Clyde's 34th Birthday on Friday by going out to dinner, eating cake and ice cream and... you guessed it... yard work!  Nice present, right?  Actually--he loves it!  The girls weren't too enthusiastic at first, but they got really into it.  All 6 of us (especially Kona) really enjoy the improvements.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

The girls did the decorating!

Clyde and the girls spread mulch (after pulling out lots of overgrown plants!).

The girls, after helping Dad lay weed barrier on the other side of the house.  Check out the trailor with all the old plants and debris!

The old fountain...

The new fountain!

Aiden is upset to be sequestered to the backyard.  I brought him out to visit the others in the front, but he was not content to be held and wanted to get down and run around!

Still not content to be held (by anyone)!

... Ah, that's more like it.

Dad lit the tiki torches for our evening.

Lauren pauses her play to smile for the camera.

And so does Ciala.

And so do I.

Clyde tests out Aiden's favorite seat.

Though Clyde's trusty assistants had to return to South Carolina, Aiden and Kona stepped in to help test out the back patio fountain. 

They each believe it was placed there, just for them.

Spring is Here!

We were so grateful that Spring delivered gorgeous weather for the girls' Spring Break!  As we verbalized our joy, Murphy's law brought very chilly nights and mornings!  We certainly enjoyed the warm sunshine, while it lasted!

Kona basks in the sun (and the attention).

Aiden cannot resist an opportunity to grab Kona's kong.

Ciala enjoys Spring Break.

And so does Lauren!

Ciala keeps an eye on Aiden (who has a true look of determination) as he runs around the tree (he's very fast!)

Lauren gives Ciala a real break!

Off to the races... Again.

Aiden is fascinated by the tree.

Come on folks, what's taking so long!  I'm ready to head back outside!

Lauren volunteers for "Aiden duty".

Group hug!

Kona reluctantly shares her toys.

Fascination continues.

Next stop--NBA!

Tampa Trip

Mom Lyons was off for Spring Break, so Aiden and I headed down to Tampa.  Aiden enjoyed several firsts, including his first time at the beach and his first time on a swingset.  We had a blast with Grandpap and Mimi (and their cats!), though we missed Clyde very much.  He had some important things to do at home... like reenlist!  Aiden seemed to remember the pool... he pouted and squirmed everytime I took him out of the water to dry off.  While in the pool, he discovered how hilarious splashing is, and tried to get away from me and swim on his own.  The calm waves and (relatively) warm water of Siesta Key provided Aiden a great introduction to the beach.  He loved the water and kept trying to run around me to get ride the waves solo.  We cannot wait until our next visit to Tampa!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Aiden and Mimi at the fountain at Ellenton

(where Grandpap & Mimi bought Aiden lots of great stuff!)

Grandpap and Aiden read... Aiden loves the sound effects!

Meg and Aiden go for a dip.

Aiden loves the swings!

New high chair...

...that comes in a really fun box!

Back into the water!

Let's get wet! (again)

Wet sand feels good between the toes!

Move it or lose it, Mom!  I'm going for a swim!

Aiden enjoys the beach.

The joy of splashing...

Sorting laundry for Mimi.