My Redeemer Lives...

Happy Easter!!  We were so glad to have Mimi and Papa visiting for the Easter weekend.  We did so many fun things!  We blew bubbles...the weather was finally nice enough to be outside!

We went for walks around the block.

Caleb sported his new sunglasses from Grandma and Grandpa as Hannah pulled him in the wagon.

We hugged, cuddled and had some snacks during our arts and crafts.

We painted Easter eggs...I love the determination on her sweet little face.

We went to a pancake breakfast and Easter egg hunt at Grandpa and Grandma's church.

And got LOTS of good candy and treats.

We went and dyed Easter eggs over lunch.

And watched out the window after lunch at a wandering goose.

Then, finally, Sunday, the BIG day.  The Easter bunny came into our house over night and left eggs filled with goodies all over.  Hannah liked the ones with the Hershey kisses in them the best!

We went to an amazing worship service at church where we celebrated with hundreds of other believers the greatest gift any one of us could be given...the promise of an everlasting life with our Savior...the One who knows how many hairs are on your head, the One who loves you no matter what, and the One who sacrificed His one and only son so that we may live for eternity with Him.  It was absolutely amazing to be a part of such a wonderful day filled with love and life and family.  

Our little bunny, Caleb's first Easter!!!

Star of the Week

Hannah was star of the week in April at daycare.  It is a special way that they honor each child during the year.  Hannah got to take something special in each day to share at circle time, books to read with all the other kids, something special for the guessing jar, she got to be the line leader and attendance helper.  We had a themed week--Monday was beach day.  Hannah brought seashells from the beach last year, our OBX photo book, and her favorite book...The Seashore.  Tuesday was owl day.  Since Hannah LOVES owls (it was her 2nd birthday theme) we took everything owls.  She wore her owl dress, took her stuff owls to share and they read The Littlest White Owl book.  Wednesday was baseball day.  Since Hannah had just been to her first Tiger's game she wore her t-shirt and brought her new ball and glove.  Thursday was butterfly day where she took pictures from her recent trip to the butterfly garden and several books about caterpillars and butterflies.  Thursday was also special as Mimi and Papa were coming to town and were able to join us at Little Tykes when we brought ice cream sundaes for all of the kids.  They had fun making their own creations and eating them, too!!!  They also did the guessing jar on Thursday (since we took Friday off to spend with Mimi and Papa)...which was filled with....HERSHEY KISSES, of course!!

Bowling...

Hannah's second and Caleb's first bowling experience on a Sunday in April...Hannah was proud to wear her bowling shoes and Caleb was just happy to be along for the ride.  

Hannah's best throw down the lane...a SPARE!!

She was strong enough to lift her ball all by herself, all the way to the dinosaur ramp which helped the ball get enough momentum to make it to the end of the lane.  A few times daddy tried to get her to throw it 'granny' style, but that didn't work so well.

Hannah did pretty well...scoring a 76 and an 82.  Daddy beat us all in the second game, though, with a 213...Hannah was his lucky charm for sure!

Butterfly garden...

Today we ventured north to Grand Rapids to see the butterfly gardens.  Grandma and Grandpa came along for the fun and we met Uncle Curt and Aunt Kristen afterwards for lunch.  It was a wonderful morning and Hannah loved seeing the butterflies.  Caleb was the only one lucky enough to have one land on him...but only for a second and they were off again!  Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate out doors to see what else the gardens had to offer...maybe next year!

The most beautiful large blue butterfly.  He wasn't much to look at with his wings closed, but when they were opened, he was a sight to behold!  God is amazing, that's for sure!

Our little dude was pretty sleepy since this was nap time...I would imagine it is hard to sleep in a 80 degree humid room with things flying all around!  He caught some zzzz's on the way home.

The happy fam...

Hannah posing on the bench.

Grandma, Hannah, and Grandpa.  This was G&G's first trip to the gardens, too, and I do believe they will be back!

Another grab of the hair...it's just so tempting!!!

What can I say...one of the most beautiful things I saw all day, and I got to take him home with me.  How thankful I am!!

And...from last year...

This was one of the first times I attempted to do pig tails for her...now her hair is long enough to be grab-able!  

Princess story time with my precious princess...

Tonight the library hosted an event, A Date with Royalty...with a real princess!!  Hannah was excited to go and dressed up like sleeping beauty.  There were loads of little girls dressed in their favorite princess attire and one little prince to complete the story.  Princess Sleeping Beauty arrived and read stories, sang songs, danced, and took the time to pose for a picture with each of the kids.  Hannah stuck close to mommy, but she did enjoy sharing in a special picture with a bigger Sleeping Beauty.

And what princess, big or little, doesn't like a caramel sundae for dessert??

Helping out my dad...

These were the remains of some tree limbs after our big blizzard earlier this year...it was finally warm enough to get outside and get them moved so we can enjoy some campfires later this year.  Hannah was a big help and enjoyed riding on the top of the heap of logs.  

Here we go, Tigers, here we go!!

This weekend we took Hannah to her first Tigers game...we had such a great time.  We went with some friends of ours and their daughter Keegan who is about a year older than Hannah.  We were a little worried about how the day might turn out...at one point there was an 80% chance of thunderstorms...but it turned out to be the most beautiful day.  85 degrees and sunny...which is almost unheard of in this state in April.  The girls were so good, although we had snack after snack to help keep them entertained.  Hannah even took a ride on the carousel (although she took the conservative approach and rode on one of the benches).  Unfortunately the Tigers were defeated by the Royals, but we were able to watch some good plays and Hannah's #24 Cabrerra hit a home run!  We had an amazing time...take a look! 

All tucked in and ready for the ride.  The DVD player and portable headphones is by far one of the best modern conveniences.  The girls watched Tangled on the way to the game and Toy Story on the way home.

Uhh...where are we?!?  Don't worry, mom, we were only a few blocks from the stadium...I was just thankful it was a day game!!

Hannah and Daddy walking to the game...we've crossed over into the 'nicer' part of town.

Cheeeeeeese...

Mommy, Hannah, and Daddy...such a special day to share just with Hannah!

Craig's lunch...mmm

Thankfully we were in seats 2-6 so there were extra seats around us so the girls could sit by themselves and play on the seats.

Keegan and Hannah with Mickey!

On the carousel with Mommy...a self portrait!

Hannah eating her last bit of cotton candy--YUM!

Seventh inning stretch :)

She had the best time playing with the straw...it's the little things!

The whole gang...minus the photographer...Hannah, Keegan, Katie, Craig and Adam.