Tiny Dancer

I've mentioned this before, but from the time the ultrasound tech announced "girl!" I've been plotting the first dance recital.  I really hoped my girl would love dancing as much as I did.  (And if not, I'd get at least one recital out of her before I let her quit!)

Much to my delight, Brooke has loved dancing.  And last weekend, she put on a little bit of makeup, her little pink costume and danced in her very first recital.  Mama heaven. 

This is the portion of the blog where I should be posting pictures of Brooke's performance.  I took a billion pictures at the dress rehearsal.

And then I lost the camera card. 

It is GONE.  I've looked everywhere and am considering doing some major surgery on the couch to find it.  Hopefully it'll turn up soon.  :-( 

Anyway, the dance was really sweet.  I'll admit that I teared up a little watching Brooke dance.  She was just such a big girl, smiling and so confident in front of all of those people.  I was so proud of her and excited to be there watching her. 

Here we are after the recital.  The grandparents all came to watch. 

Such a sweet, happy day!

Strawberry Fields Forever

One of my favorite things to do with the kids is go to the local orchard and pick fruit.  Why?

Because...
Tractor rides?  Check.
Cheap?  Check.
Kids can run and scream?  Check.
Healthy foods?  That can also be converted into high-calorie desserts?  Check and check.

So when asked what I wanted to do for Mother's Day, I immediately asked to go pick strawberries.  And we did!

The kids had a blast.  Eli immediately cashed out in the baby carrier and didn't make a peep. 

Brooke had a great time picking and eating (mostly eating) the strawberries.  Soon she moved on to weed-picking.  Girlfriend loves her some flowers.

How many strawberries did Nate eat?  Let's just say the boy will never go hungry in a strawberry field.  I just love that big grin.

And...here are the strawberries!!  I picked exactly three because it was too hard to bend over with the little guy strapped to my chest. 

So now we have a gazillion strawberries. Some have stayed healthy berries, some have been dipped in chocolate, and some have been eaten over shortcake.  What can I say?  Mama likes her dessert.

Me and my three. 

One small favor, guys: Will you please, please stay little so we can do this every single year?  Please???

Happy Mother's Day!! :-)