Before we leave for work and school...

I have to share these two pictures of Kate from this morning:

Eating breakfast with Mommy (chocolate chip muffins) - us girls like a treat every now and then.

Getting ready to leave for school.

I have learned that Kate will grin from ear to ear if I say "Bing".  Not sure why, maybe it's a word for something I'm not aware of it, but either way it's my secret weapon to get a smile out of her!

Easter post coming soon...

Good Samaritan's Easter Chapel and Egg Hunt

Wednesday, Kate had her first school easter egg hunt at Good Samaritan.  Justin and I took off of work and went with Kate at 9 where we attended their Easter Chapel.  Needless to say I was more excited then Kate, but she had a great time.  Unfortuantely Justin and I are new to the school event scene and forgot to bring a video camera, but thankfully I didn't miss much because Kate just sat (or stood) in her place, never sang or danced or moved her arms. Nothing.  But at least she wasn't crying!  The chapel went very smoothly.  They sang a couple devotional songs, a teacher read an Easter book, they recited their bible verse ("It is true!  The Lord is risen" Luke 24:34) and performed Little Bunny Foo Foo.

After the Easter chapel the kids went outside for an egg hunt and then back in their classroom for an Easter party. I was surprised that i was the only mom that attended in Kate's class. Out of 6 kids, three dads were there, one mom (me) and three kids didn't have any parents attend.

In Chapel with some of her classmates - Sterling is behind her, Abigail and Cruz are to the left, sitting in Kate's teacher's lap, Ms. Amanda.

 My little egg hunter.  Thank you Aunt Katie for the adorable outfit!  We love it!!

 Can't wait for Easter!

First Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday was a big day.  Kate and I went to Mrs. Betsy's baby sprinkle and had a great time!  There was a great turnout with lots of food, presents, games and good company.  Kate and I ended up leaving a little early since I had to make sure she got a nap before the church Easter Egg Hunt.

For the past couple years, the event has been at the Lake House in the Centerville Conservation Community. I had never been there before and it was beautiful. Justin helped cook hot dogs and hamburgers and we both helped hide Easter eggs.  The lesson we learned for next year: start the hunt shortly after you hide eggs to avoid melting chocolate and ants. Not a good combination. Kate was a natural hunter, but I wasn't surprised since she is her father's daughter.

The Lake House

 Relaxing with Mimi and Gigi

 Enjoying the bounce house - Kate's first time in one

 Do you see the Easter egg?

 Kate and Audrey discussing their egg hunting strategy

Getting hydrated before the big hunt - in Audrey's chair.   

 Get ready, set.......GO!

 She's a natural. 

Success!  These two were a force to be reckoned with.

After the Easter egg hunt, we quickly got ready for Jordan and Katie's engagement party that night.  Ms. Sarah (who I used to babysit for) came over to watch Kate - her first "official" (paid) babysitter.  Thankfully, Ms. Sarah gave us a good report when we got back.

It was a busy, busy day Saturday and it's not over yet.  We have another Easter egg hunt next weekend with the Sapp family (Emeline and Nolan) and the following weekend is Easter!   

Our recent Naples trip

We had a great trip to Naples, but I'm glad to be back home.  On Friday, Kate went to her new school for a half day and I picked her up before nap time so we could hit the road.  I was planning on Kate sleeping a couple hours in the car, but one hour later she was up and ready to get out of the car seat.  Joy, joy.  One of many downsides to Justin not driving is that he had to entertain Kate while I tried to mediate the ruckus coming from the backseat.  I think we would both agree his travel expertise is driving and mine is entertaining Kate.

We do not usually visit Naples in April, but because we were down there, we celebrated both great grandmother's birthdays. Nene (Justin's paternal grandmother) is turning 80 and Gaga (Justin's maternal grandmother) is turning 86 next week. It is such a blessing for Kate to be able to spend time with all THREE of her great-grandmothers (my grandmother and both of Justin's grandmothers).

Saturday, we celebrated Nene's birthday out at their house and Sunday, we celebrated Gaga's birthday at Shula's Steakhouse.

 Kate with Nene and Daddy 

 Eating homemade ice cream with Papa.

 Kate's cousins - Zach and Emmalee

 Even though it was Nene's birthday, Aunt Mollie gave Kate a bunny rabbit and Emmalee gave Kate her christmas presents (since we weren't able to visit) - a baby Belle, a baby Cinderella and an adorable outfit.  The dolls are now two of Kate's favorite toys.  I have learned that their glitter skirts leave glitter everywhere.  I can tell when Kate has been playing with them because her face, the couch, the rug, the toy crib and her bed all sparkle.

Kate's expression says "I'll take a picture as long as you don't take my babies from me".

The family

 Playing at Gaga's house

Sleeping through Gaga's birthday lunch.

Can't wait to visit again, hopefully sometime between now and Christmas.