just because...

easter

the easter bunny wrote letters to each of the kids this year, giving them clues as to where their baskets were hidden.

ainsley found her basket...favorite item...bouncy ball and chocolate bunny

hayden found hers easily

mcCall's took a little longer, but she finally found it in the bathtub

parker, not looking very excited

piece of cake for austin (since he was a hider)

derby

so the pinewood derby was a long time ago. both austin and parker worked really hard on their cars. jeremy helped them equally. it was parker's 1st derby and austin's 3rd. as it turned out parker got 3rd and got a trophy, austin got 6th and got nothing. OUCH! it was a tough night for austin, even though parker was a gracious winner. i think they are still friends.

visitors

we were thrilled to have patti, jimmy, and family come and visit us. the kids had so much fun. they went to a warriors game, pier 39, the golden gate bridge and ghiradelli square. it was fun to see how fast they bonded with their cousins they rarely see. of course we only ever remember to take pictures when company leaves so this is what we got. come and visit us again, pat!

mcCall and sadie

gracie and hayden

parker with ryder and maysa

ryder and maysa

whole fam

Hair

So lately I've been a little tired of the same everyday hairstyles for my girls. We've tried some fun ones we've found online. I'm not sure who dreams these styles up but they are really creative. Most of them are so easy too. Here are some of the ones that I have remembered to take pictures of.

McCall around Easter...notice the eggs

Same do from behind...(in her pajamas at the END of the day)

pretzel in Hayd's hair

Valentines day for McCall

Valentines for Hayden

Hayden's Easter egg hairdo at preschool

new friend

The other day I came into Hayden's room and found this guy on the floor.

Kind of creative?...

new table

A new table has been at the top of my priority list for a long time. Unfortunately, it's not too high on Jeremy's list. We got this table 11 years ago because Jeremy's parents were getting a new table. It is REALLY old...like the table Jeremy had growing up old. I thought that maybe this would be the year...but no such luck. My sister is really into painting and restoring old furniture. She talked me into trying to paint the table. I was sceptical. I had no idea what I was doing. I looked (and sounded) like a huge idiot in Home Depot as I tried to gather the supplies I would need. It took a good 2 days to finish but I am pretty happy with the results. I think it is a definite improvement.
Before...on my birthday...notice the lovely Target chairs we puchased when the old ones broke one by one.

Middle

Middle

After...we found these chairs for cheap on Craigslist...the people we bought them from didn't have kids so they were in perfect condition.

Maybe another painting project someday?