Mommy's Little Helpers

Anika insisted on vacuuming for me! I love that enthusiasim!

Daddy's Little Helpers

Anika and Andrew had to help out as daddy finished up some projects around the house on Monday. I couldn't get over Andrew's need to be in the thick of things:-)

Little Gym

Daddy does it again! Daddy calls it being "dutch"; I call it loving to see the smile on his little girl's face. On Monday, Lloyd was finishing up some projects and had some "extra" wood. When we came home from haircuts, Anika was delighted to find her very own "little gym". Anika has seen a commerical for someplace called "The Little Gym" in which a young girl walks on a balance beam. She has been trying all sorts of "little gym" moments - on the edge of the tub, the brick wall outside, lining up chairs, etc. Now she is wearing a path in her very own balance beam. (And Lloyd pointed out to mommy that it is a nice bench for adults, too. However, I don't know if I'll ever get a chance to try it out!)

Happy Birthday, Kris!

Our friend and church secretary, Kris had a birthday today so we surprised her with cake and flowers. Anika was so excited to celebrate with her. She carried the cake over and insisted on candles and singing.

Stylist Anika

Anika had to give her "baby doll" a haircut. (I'm not sure what she was cutting since the doll is bald, but she spent quite awhile at it!)

Backyard Play

Although it is quite cold again, we've been enjoying being outside this spring. I can't say enough about fenced in backyards. Andrew has so much freedom to roam and play ball with his dog. Scout is such a good dog - she takes the ball gently from his hand or waits patiently for him to throw it. They are good pals. The first thing Andrew says when he gets up from his nap is "puppy" as he points to the window.
Anika is enjoying her new sidewalk chalk. She makes A's and H's on the ground, and we are working on playing hopscotch. (After Mommy reviewed the in's and out's. It is amazing how much you forget in a couple of decades. . .)


Anika couldn't wait for the rain to wash away the chalk so she helped things out a little bit.

O-R-E-Os

I think I've confessed in a previous blog entry that I have a weakness for Oreos. It's true! And now I'm afraid that I've passed it on to my children.

Big Sister

Anika loves being the "big sister". Mommy loves it, too. I can be working in the kitchen and just out the back door, Anika is giving Andrew pushes on the swing. What a sweetheart:-)

Sandbox Grand Reopening

Anika has been bothering me for weeks already to open the sandbox. I have to admit that I've been less than thrilled with the idea. It is a bit messy to say the least. However, it was so beautiful and warm today that I opened it up. Andrew was mesmerized but not too thrilled with the taste. He couldn't understand what happened to his two favorite, wonderful fingers.

Couple more of the kids

Fixing the Playset

We're so hard on the playset that it already needs repair:-) Anika helped Daddy give the ramp a little bit of attention. Her backpack was a gift from Rosie Haak whose girls have outgrown it. Anika LOVES it - she has been wearing it constantly!

A few group shots!

Tea Time

Anika, Andrew, Gramma and I had a tea party together. Even Scout had to be part of the action. She plopped herself right in the middle of everything.

Playing Outside

We had a couple of warmish days recently. Warm enough to get us playing outside on the playset:-)

Soup Taco Supper

Our youth group holds a soup/taco supper fundraiser twice a year. This time Mom was around to help me out. Anika had to get in on the action too!

Birthday Trikes

Anika and Andrew are delighted with their birthday trikes from Grandma. We weren't sure what they would enjoy for their birthdays but these Dora and Diego trikes are a big hit. Anika is already pedaling around on her own (steering needs some work though). Andrew likes to sit on his, hit his or push his (I'm sure he'll get around to riding it someday!).

Gramma visits

My mom is here for the week (which, for you loyal blog watchers!, explains why I haven't posted more. . .) We are having a great time, but I just haven't snapped many pictures yet. We've been too busy shopping, organizing, playing, eating, etc. What a lot of fun!
Here is a sleepy pic of the kids (sucking their thumb/fingers) with their grandma.