So proud

The kids got (semi) new bikes (Mike's refurbishing very used bikes we found on Craigs List) for the kids and although the weather was overcast, rainy and cool they were very excited to get out and ride.

Hadley has her first "big girl" bike and is delighted that it's pink.  Miles, our pro biker, was ready to go training wheels-free - so we took the big step and taught him how to ride without training wheels.  He did so well and was yelling "I did it, I did it!" as he pedaled away.

We've been in our house 11 years and the very first room we painted and decorated was the guest/kids bathroom.  I needed something fresh and new - so here are the before and after pictures.

I think I'm manifesting my future beach house with this bathroom.  :)

Easter

No matter how long the weekend is I always wish I had one more day.  One more day with my kiddos, one more day of living a fun and joyful life, and one more day to get our stuff done!

We had an awesome Easter weekend and the 45 pictures below tell a better story than I can.

Mike and I took Friday off and I'm a firm believer that if I'm going to use PTO I better be on a fabulous vacation or doing some out-of-the-ordinary and FUN thing - so we took a day trip to Stillwater.  Although the weather in the morning was cold we played outside at Teddy Bear Park, then climbed 200 steps to the top of a bluff to enjoy a view of the lift bridge, walked down main street, visited a candy store, walked across the lift bridge to Wisconsin, and ate lunch at a restaurant featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" (a staple show at our house when we are exhausted on Friday nights from the long work week and have nothing better to do).  

Playing at Teddy Bear Park

These two are so full of wonder and joy

Yep - this is why they call it Teddy Bear Park

When you're on an adventure and having a good time - why not break out into dance on the street?

Climbing the stairs - our version of a Stillwater hike

Enjoying the view of the bridge

Miles wanted to take a picture of us - just like his mama.  He did good!

A store full of candy???  Miles and Hadley went right for the first barrel of sweets they saw in the doorway.

Saturday morning we celebrated with pre-Easter festivities.  We ventured to the Chanhassen Easter Egg Hunt for the first time.  The kids loved grabbing all of the candy and eggs.

Coloring Easter eggs

This big girl did a great job this year.

So proud of their beautiful creations!

Yep - we're a happy bunch!

Today, we had a wonderfully busy Easter.  The morning started with Easter baskets, then breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa Nickolay, then church, then lunch with my dad's side of the family and another Easter egg hunt, then dinner with my mom's side of the family, and another Easter egg hunt.  After a bath and a few books the kids crashed in bed and I haven't heard a peep.

Exploring their goodies.  Miles exclaimed, "just what I wanted!" when he saw the bubble blower and Hadley exclaimed, "just what I wanted!" when she saw the goldfish crackers.

Breakfast with grandma

It's always fun to take one goofy Easter picture before mom makes you get serious and take a nice one.

But our favorite are the goofy ones...

Cousins!

Easter celebration with white-haired Grandpa Nickolay

Grandpa told Hadley, "aren't you the sweetest little girl!"

I love this action shot of Miles during an Easter egg hunt

Sometimes when you're midway through a day full of parties you just need to take a little break and lie under the table.

One of the highlights of the day was playing with Jenna and Sam on their farm and petting all of the cats and dogs.

Future farmers?

Thank you all for spending the day with us and hosting us for Easter!