New Bedding

I bought the girls new matching quilts for the bunk beds we're going to buy this summer. The quilts are mostly yellow and white gingham with lavender, light blue and green accents. The bunk beds are going to be white, as well as the window treatments. I want the room to feel light and cheerful. I'm not sure which color I'll paint the walls.  I could leave them lavender but maybe a bit lighter, or maybe a light yellow, light blue, or green . . .  What do you think?

Bunny Ears

Maddie was envious of Milo's Easter ears, so she was thrilled when she got her own last Sunday. Sophie wasn't really feeling hers, but luckily she is easily distracted by food.

Our Hosts

We stayed at the Ocean Shores Inn, A.K.A. Grandma and Grandpa's house. They were fantastic hosts who kept us well (maybe over) fed and entertained. Maddie wanted to stay forever. The Easter bunny even found our girls so far from home and hid close to 100 eggs and left baskets of candy and toys (thanks Grandma). We had a great time!

Maddie and the Mayor

We ventured up to the Pacific Northwest for Springbreak. We had a great time in Ocean Shores, Washington, pronounced Wa"r"shington by the locals. It was cool and rainy, but in a very refreshing way.

Grandpa had the most votes in the primary elections and will most likely be the next mayor. Go Gramps!
Maddie works on the campaign:

Crabbing and Fishing

Maddie spent a morning collecting shells during low tide while Daddy and Granpa fished.


Notice Maddie's cool boots? I had picked out a super cute pair of ladybug boots for Maddie, but they were too big. So when Kent took her back to exchange them, they picked out these super cool monster ones.

Boat Ride

Grandma and Grandpa took us out on their boat. Sophie did not like her life jacket at all, but that didn't keep her from taking a nice nap in it. Maddie loved helping Grandpa drive the boat and loved when the boat went really fast around the lake. Daddy tried and tried to catch a fish, but like Maddie said, he didn't catch a single one.

Ponies on the Beach

Maddie's favorite part of our trip was riding this pony named Stubby on the beach. About ten years ago, Aunt Jessie and I rode horses on this very same beach.

Pacakes for Breakfast

Grandpa made us panacakes everyday except the last day. Saturday morning, he made us waffles. We were all well fed.


In an effort to keep up with little Emmet, Sophie added lots of new words to her vocabulary including apple, up, thanks, cracker, and grandpa (sounds like Ga-Ga).

More Fun (not) In the Sun

Grandma was so kind to let Maddie play with some of her vintage toys. They were very special to Grandma because she played with them when she was a little girl and has taken very good care of them. Maddie loved Skipper the best.

Both girls loved this giant bath tub with a waterfall faucet.

Hanging Out in Wa"r"shington

Kent and Maddie could fish right in the backyard. Mommy wanted Maddie to wear her life jacket on the dock, but Daddy vetoed the idea.

View of Gandma and Grandpa's house from the lake:

Thanks Grandma for all the coloring supplies!


Maddie loved what she called "the hot pool."

Frequent Flyers

Our girls have been on countless flights over the past years. Madeline is an excellent traveler who finds flying exciting, especially turbulance. She is helpful and always earns a solid "A" from Kent and I. Sophie, on the othert hand, despises air travel, as do Kent and I since we must accompany her. She squirms and protests her long confinements. She usually scores in the "D" range, but I think she might have earned a B for her return flights. Not bad at all.

Sunny Days

Sunny days, chasing our blues away . . .We joined Jess, Adam, and Emmet in Pasadena for a last little visit before their big move. We were so lucky to have them so close by over the last six years.

When Kent and I moved to LA, we had no idea that Jessie would be moving to the area as well. It was awesome having her here through both of my pregnancies and the births of my girls. I've seen her get married, earn a doctoral degree, and evolve into an awesome mom. And while I will dearly miss getting to see little Emmet in the flesh so often, I am so grateful to have been able to watch him grow over the past year.

We are wishing you guys the best of luck in the coming months. We may be states apart, but luckily, our blogs are just clicks away. Cheers to new adventures and to taking the road less traveled!

Mr. Milo

Saturday evening, Sophie had her good friend Milo over for some fun.

Maddie took this picture of Milo and I.
Since Milo was the baby, he got the high chair. Sophie did a good job sitting in the big girl chair.

How's your wine, Milo? Sophie says, you better drink fast, it won't be too long before your Mama is back. Good times.

Easter Eggs

Maddie had her good friends Andrew and Ethan over for a little egg decorating Saturday morning.

Sibling Babies

Alexis: 7 months
Jonas: 4 months

Egg Hunt

Open House

Friday evening we attented Maddie's open house at preschool. Above, she shows us an insect center, and below, Sophie tries out the housekeeping.
We got our times wrong and showed up to open house 30 minutes early. So we killed a little time at Rite Aid. Sophie is going through a lovely stage where she detests shopping carts, strollers, and other confinements.