Easter

Another holiday has come and has passed, Easter. The kids didn't do an Easter egg hunt this year not that I hadn't intended them to do one but it ended up not working out.

Alyssa colored Easter eggs and had a blast doing that. The day before Easter was a beautiful day. When we got home from T-ball the kids both took a nap and I was able to enjoy some of the sun before we went on our egg hunt down town. I was even so excited that I found one in the afternoon that worked with our schedule. Well I decided to start the cheesecake I was making for Easter dinner and didn't take in the account for what time it was when I started it, the time of the egg hunt festivities, and when the cheesecake would be done. Needless to say we didn't make it. The kids never new the difference.

The day wasn't wasted even though we didn't make the egg hunt. We spent it all afternoon playing in the back yard and soaking up the sun! I love watching the kids play together, for the most part they do a great job at it and have so much fun, but I know that will not always be the case.
I went later that evening and got stuff for their Easter baskets. When I got home I had put them together and put them out but had to quickly go and hide them better because Alyssa decided she wasn't ready for bed and had got up. We hung out for awhile and when we were headed back upstairs she saw one and she was looking at it but never said anything.
The next morning I had told her the Easter Bunny had come and she came downstairs and went over to where she saw it last night and it was gone. I told her he must have hid it somewhere else. She was looking all over until she found it and was so excited to see a basket full of Dora items and hair accessories.

When Knox finally woke up Alyssa helped him find his basket and showed him what the Easter Bunny had brought him, which were several cars and a book on tractors. The bunny decided that they didn't need a bunch of candy and they only got two pieces. It actually worked out well because they each received two more baskets later that day and two more are on there way!

Easter dinner was very relaxing and a great day. Nana Gail and Grammy came fordinner and Cory got home from work that evening and was able to join us. Even though it was just us it was a great time. Others couldn't make it due to already having plans or other excuses. We had a delicious ham, spoon bread, asparagus, and my Easter cheesecake for dessert paired with some wine of course!

Spring Break At Nana's

Alyssa finally got to go down to Longview and spend the week with her Nana's and Papa's. She was so excited to go and had a very busy week ahead of her. There was a lot of one on one time and time spent with her cousin.
By the end of the week I'm not sure who was more tired Alyssa or her Nana's. I can tell you who was more grump though!

We always meet halfway to do the "exchange" and this time the Spring Fair was going on in Puyallup. I saw that Alyssa's new love was going to be there so we decided to meet at the fair and see Dora! I was really excited to see Alyssa, since I hadn't seen her for four days, which isn't a whole lot but I missed my little Diva. She really wasn't all about me when she saw me until later,when her Nana wasn't around anymore. That is OK, since I got my hug and kiss.
The weather wasn't great at the fair but not horrible either. It was sprinkling but anything to see your child's favorite character of the moment right? We spent only about two hours there. When we went there we went and got in line for the big moment of Dora to come out and when she did Alyssa got her picture taken with her and was very excited. That is one of the things she hasn't stopped talking about is when she can go back to see Dora again. Afterwards we walked through some of the barns and checked out the animals and than made are way to get something to eat. The kids, well my kids, were tired and after lunch we decided that it was time to go. As we were heading out and Nolan and Alyssa were getting balloons from Nana we heard these very loud sounds. They were bringing all he Monster Trucks by us. Talk about being in the right spot at the right time. Like Alyssa would say they were loud! When that excitement was over we headed back to the cars and moved Alyssa's belongings from one vehicle to another and than we were all headed back home.

Knox had a good week while his sister was gone as well. He had free reign of the house! There was no one to tell him "no" and/or take toys away from him or anything. Most importantly he got 100% of his mommy's attention. It was nice to have some alone time with him and be able to focus all on him.

Hopefully there will be more Spring Breaks spent with their Nana's and Papa's, I know Alyssa loves it!

Knox's First Hair Cut

For awhile now I have been wanting to cut Knox's hair but not wanting to at the same time. I even made an attempt to trim the front of it but it wasn't an easy job and I think that's what sped up my stop to Kidz Kuts.

One of the things I adore about Knox is his hair. I was a little nervous to get it cut. Like I said before I had tried but with all his movement, that's what I'm going to claim, the front didn't come out even. It gave it charm and not that you would even notice since it was always messed up a little I noticed and it bugged me!

After a morning of activities and lunch with a friend we headed on over. He was getting pretty fussy because it was his nap time but he did the best he could. When it was finally our turn he went and sat in the chair, smiled at himself in the mirror, and even started watching cartoons. After about three minutes he decided he had enough. The stylist tried to hurry up and about five minutes later he was all done and in my arms. That seemed to make him very happy until he got into the car.

Somewhere from the time I pulled out until the freeway he was out. It makes me sad to see my little man growing up at what seems to feel like turbo speed. I'm looking forward to all the fun adventures ahead of us!

The pictures are of before and during. The after are on my phone and I haven't down loaded them yet. I'm sure there will be plenty taken in the next few days! I have found I take a ridiculous amount of pictures!

Children's Symphony

A while a go I had heard that the Seattle Symphony puts on shows for children. When I looked into it I only found programs for six and older. I was a little bummed but no big deal and than I came across their program for children birth to five.

I was able to get us some tickets for a show that was coming up. We took Grammy with us since she is big time fan of the symphony herself and has season tickets as well. We weren't sure what to expect but regardless it was going to be a great day hanging out with each other.

The doors opened an hour before show time and in the hall they had a bunch of activities for children to do. It was so awesome to open this world up to children at such an early age. Knox loved playing with the xylophone. He got a little upset with me when I took him away but quickly got over it.

The performance was only thirty minutes and entertainment for all. Both kids were still pretty tired from our long day the day before but did a great job. Alyssa loved the monkey song and was dancing all around. It was so cute.

Afterwards we went out to eat lunch at Chinook's per Alyssa's request so she could see all the boats. She loves boats, which I don't blame her, so we ended up there. Neither Grammy or I were disappointed though since we both enjoy that restaurant a lot. We went back to Grammy's and hung out for awhile before heading home late afternoon again. Knox was out by the time I got down the hill and snoring. Alyssa stayed awake but it was another early bed time for them again! I love those days!!

Spring Break

This last week has been a lot of fun and very busy. Last weekend Cory and I got a babysitter and went out with some friends in Ballard for sushi. It was exactly what we needed great food and company. I love sushi. I have been craving it so much lately. That Sunday the kids and I met back up with them for brunch at the Alki Cafe. We love that place and Alki for that matter. It was a nice day and Alyssa was so excited to see "Cole." I was a little bummed that I had been better prepared because afterwards I wanted to take the kids over and play at the Community Center that is right there but new if I did that I would probably have a few issues. We came home and there will be plenty of days to take them back.

Alyssa was going to go and spend the week down in Longview with her Grandparents but her Nana got sick so it was postponed to this upcoming week. The weather was so crappy that we had been stuck inside for most of the time.

One morning I was feeling a little blah and decided to make the kids rainbow waffles. They both loved them and Alyssa, of course, is now asking for different colored ones everyday. I like experimenting with food, especially doing fun stuff for the kids.


Wednesday I was going to have a "me" day but I decided to take Alyssa and see the movie HOP. She has been asking to go and I thought that this would probably be one of the only chances I got for awhile to take her. It was a cute movie, nothing really more to say about it one way or another. Alyssa enjoyed it too but I think she would have liked it if there was more animation in it.

Friday was a beautiful day and we had two park dates with friends. Our first one that morning was with some friends here in town and their kids. We really enjoy getting together with them. All of us were there by ten and stayed a few hours, pretty much until the older kids got there. Thank you spring break! I'm so not looking forward to summer and the older kids being out of school. I am looking forward to summer though!

When we left the first park I came home and we literally were home for maybe thirty minutes doing bathroom breaks, getting milk and snacks before packing up the car again to head back out. We went down to Greenlake Park and met a friend from high school and her children. It was fun to catch up and meet each others children. After spending three hours there, it was Friday, and four o'clock I decided it was time to get back home. We also had to go get the dog at day care. It made for a very long fun and exhausting day though. I was sure both kids would fall asleep in the car but neither did! Both had been going since seven that morning. Let's just say though it was a early bed time and mama liked!

It's All About Knox

I have been meaning to write this post for awhile now but haven't for one reason or another.

This last month Knox turned one and I can't believe how quick the year has gone by. Once he had his birthday I swear he decided OK, I'm one now enough of this sitting around and being good. He is still a very good boy but now he is into everything and trying his hardest to talk. I have honestly been enjoying him not walking so soon because I know he is our last one and want to try and enjoy every moment but I also can't wait for this to happen as well. I'm sure within the next month or so it will be official.

When he had his doctor's appointment for his one year check up, I found out that he had pneumonia! I felt horrible. Alyssa had got a cold but was over it in a day like she usually is. Knox had a little runny nose but nothing big and a cough that I really only heard in the morning but seemed fine other than that. When the doctor told me this I couldn't believe it. Talk about feeling like a horrible mother! We have, I think, the best doctor and he told me not to feel bad that it happens all the time etc. etc. He went on to tell me some funny stories and chit chat. Knox was put on meds and was fine after a day or so of taking them. They put off getting his shots for another week. I don't remember exactly but he is at 22lbs and 29 inches. It's kind of funny this is exactly where Alyssa was except she was two pounds heavier.
The following week we went in to get his shots and he took him like normal, a champ! Alyssa even held his hand, it was very cute. The nurse was really enjoying watching them together.

I have to laugh because I've had a friend or two tell me that I should talk to the doctor about this and stuff. I don't say anything but I'm laughing because there is absolutely no concern at all from me or his doctors. Anyhow this always makes me laugh when people say things about children when they have no idea what they are talking about and that children develop at different rates. I wonder if some of these parents are the ones that teachers dread too. I'm sure they think their kids are also the gifted ones. Ha!

Over the year I have gotten many questions about where I came up with his name. I always tell everyone how I heard of it and that it wasn't a happy story but I loved the name and from that moment it stuck with me. Cory came across something on the Internet about a Knox Simmons that was a cowboy back in the day. I think I will start telling people that we named him after a cowboy. Here is a link if your interested in checking it out. It's actually pretty interesting I think, but I enjoy history. http://www.cowboysofcolor.org/profile.php?ID=60

Bowl-o-rama

Yesterday Alyssa and I met up with some friends and went bowling! I was very excited because this was something I grew up doing and have a lot of great memories. Alyssa had never been before but has bowled several times in our kitchen and hallway with her princess bowling set she has.

Every time I think about bowling two very classic movies pop up in my mind and I get a few laughs to myself and break out signing, the first is the Big Lebowski and the second is Grease 2. I know not a lot of people like Grease 2 but come on such great music and who doesn't like the T-birds and Pink Lady's? As I pulled in I started signing to Alyssa "Come on everybody and gather around I'm going to show you how it's done. Let's bowl let's bowl let's rock 'n roll" She just laughed and said I was funny. Hmm so much for boosting my self esteem. Thanks kid!

Anyways her and the kids had a great time. We had the bumpers up and amazingly two of the kids had over 80! Alyssa was one of them with a 81!! I couldn't believe it although I did help her push is down a few times just to give it a little more power because her ball did get stuck twice. Alyssa and all the kids had a great time and I know this will be something we will be doing again. It was so cheap too and breakfast was included. How can you go wrong!?