Signs of Spring

So what are some of your favorite signs of spring??? The sun, buds on a tree, flowers starting to bloom---no traces of snow and thawing ground are a two that ring a bell to this would be 'farm girl' as my neighbor likes to call me! I decided this year to expand my garden...just a bit. It is about twice the size it was last year! Another new addition---I decided to take a chance at growing a few plants indoors--starting from seed and transplanting. Lastly, I am doing this garden ALL organic! Wish me luck, I'm going to need it!!!


A good start on the plants
Getting the grounds prepped and ready for what will hopefully be a bountiful harvest!!!! Stay tuned for updates!
Another tell tale sign of spring....baby birds. I tried with all my might to keep knocking down the nest a robin so diligently (and stubbornly) kept building at the widow's ledge in the kitchen. It was such a mess...everyday I would walk past and see yard debris....not to mention bird droppings all over the edge of the patio. I kept taking it down--4 days in a row, but missed 1 day...ONE day, and there was a full nest---embedded into the screen with a single egg in it so I couldn't touch it! After a few more days there were 4 beautiful eggs and a great 'story' for the girls to watch. They got the biggest kick out of the "birdies".


It's time for lunch
Momma bird back with more food
Look how cute!!!

Philly Adventure

It had been a while...a really really really LONG while...since we had spent any quality time with the Houchins crew (maybe since October???). In any event, I packed up the girls and we headed out on 'an adventure' as Lexie liked to call it...our 'girl adventure'. We took to the friendly skies and our destination was Philly! While we were there, we got to visit loads of people and cheer on Becky as she took to the streets for the Broad Street Run. We had a great time and captured a few good photos!

Lexie and Molly pose for a picture!
Our silly girls...tried and tried and tried to get a few photos...but alas, this is what we got! Still pretty cute though!
Ford getting in on all the action...he's not going to let the girls have all the fun!

Lexie LOVES to slide!!!!!


Lexie, Barbara, and Molly all found their way to the top of the slide

Going down the slide.
Wheeeeeeeee!

Molly posing for a picture with Becky



Molly and Lexie hanging around at the park!


Back at Aunt Becky's, Olivia's tries to get some bubbles going.

Lexie 'scores' a goal!


Saturday morning, the girls and I found all kind of things to occupy our time while Barb took Molly to her dance and swimming lessons and Ford was at his Mommy & Me water class.

We played with chalk,
...drove a little car...

...kicked the soccer ball around...

...took turns blowing and chasing bubbles...
...and we all enjoyed the sunshine!
After everyone returned, Lexie and Molly played Candy Land---a favorite for both!

Uncle Walt is on duty! These kids just ADORE him---can't say I blame them one bit!!!


The next morning, Brad and I loaded up all the kids and headed down to the Broad Street Run so we could cheer on Becky. Though we made it down with plenty of time to spare, the crowds were so thick, we couldn't make it to the finish line in time to see her cross---DISLIKE! We managed to have a good time anyways---and the kids took full advantage of the inflatable stations!


Olivia finding her way to the top of the giant slide!

Lexie, struck with a look of fear as she nears the end of the slide and is about to run into her cousins! YIKES!


Olivia, slipping and sliding down the monster slide!
Ford's turn to try the slide with a little help from his momma! I'm not sure who enjoyed the ride more!
All the kids were anxious to take another turn.

Molly sporting her momma's medal...and an attempt a smile???
Becky congratulating her friend Jenna after crossing the finish line!
Post race picture--Congratulations Ladies!

It was great to see everyone and get to catch up. Now let's not wait another 6 months or more to do it again! :)

You can ZOO it!!!

It was a "nicer" day in the neighborhood---given the fact it was above 50 and it wasn't snowing---and since Lexie was feeling better, we decided to head out for some fun at the ZOO!!! We picked up Courtney for some extra fun and headed out!

Olivia was taking it all in---especially her snack! After seeing some of the animals eating, she thought it was a good idea too!
Looks like Lexie is about the size of a Newborn African elephant...at least height wise!
Olivia was loving the 'bebe L-fent"
Inside watching the penguins swim...she wasn't the biggest fan as they were making plenty of noise! Lexie was completely enamoured!
Lexie found a fish that was bigger than she...and once again, Olivia wasn't a fan! I think she may have pulled out a chunk of Courtney's hair by grabbing so tight in fear!
She finally decided to warm up a bit!
Next it was over to see the sting rays. Lexie wanted to touch it. Olivia wanted to admire from a safe distance.
It was HUGE!


Crawling under the sting ray exhibit, Lexie found a friendly face halfway through...

Courtney and Lexie pop up for a picture!

Olivia getting ready to brave the crawl under the stingray tank to catch up with Lexie and Courtney.

Lexie found a welcoming visitor at the zoo! This bear kept coming up to the glass enclosure---
then would duck back---and come back for more! I wish I would have gotten it on video!
Lexie holding still as the polar bear comes up for a kiss!
Off to the Kid's Kingdom play yard! Lexie made it all the way to the top---Olivia made it past the first segment, then decided that was enough! They both had tons of fun with Courtney on the slides!
Before we left to head back home, we were able to meet up with a few more 'animals'...Aunt Becky, Molly and Ford. As we were leaving the zoo--they were just getting there (unfortunately, since Lexie had been sick leading up to their trip, we weren't able visit quite like we had hoped, but enjoyed the time we were able to spend together!). We gathered for a quick lunch then we were off for naps! But not before attempting to get a few good pics!
I still can't get over how much Ford has grown!
Trying to get the girls to smile and look at the camera---forget it!

Spring Fling!

The weather was nice, so I decided to get the girls out for some Springtime fun!!!

Here is Miss O...
She's my little snuggle bug...though Lexie gives me some good snuggle time too!!!


This is Lexie's new favorite thing...well at least for about 5 minutes or so! She LOVES to play hopscotch...or her version of it.