Oh my

I am a little funny about Claire playing and mosh pitting on our couch pillows or bed pillows. Eric thinks this is really annoying because they are "just" pillows. Over time they have become "just" pillows and they have a lived in look of juice stains and other ick. I still don't like it but I try to get over it from time to time!

I got a new throw blanket for the couch....our new spring cream colored throw. Yes, it was only $9.99 at Ikea but I am still a little protective of it. I came downstairs to see Claire dragging it on the floor and draping herself in it like Mother Mary. It was cute but I made a comment that I didn't want her sweeping the dirty floor with it....to which Eric replied...."uh oh. good thing you didn't come downstairs earlier!". Oh you may as well just show me!

*this was right after her bath last night so excuse the nakedness! and yes, our TV is sitting on a box because we are still waiting for our furniture to arrive next week! we are loving the new TV though! =)

Butterfly Gardens

Such a beautiful exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens. We went bright and early Saturday morning. I made a flower bracelet for Claire in hopes that a butterfly would land on it (I hot glued a flower onto an old headband and twisted it around her arm). We got one butterfly to land and it stayed on her for quite some time. She was so good and so still (even when it moved to her arm). It was adorable. I am not a fan of things that fly so even though I wanted a butterfly to land on us, I was pretty much having heart palpitations the whole time. It was awesome though and I even had one on my finger for a moment.

Spring has sprung

Even though it feels like summer is creeping in, the bees and trees just got hoppin' recently. 2 weeks ago we had Mr. Bee on our flowers. Now the petals have fallen off to reveal these little green buddies! I hope we get lemons this year. Last year they all burned off from the heat before they could get past this point.

Of course, a certain someone loves talking about bees, bugs, and flowers. That's the theme this month at school. We plan on taking Claire to the butterfly exhibit this weekend. Can't wait!!

Backyard obsessions

Claire has a few things she is really into right now in the backyard. With only a few more weeks left of pretty mornings that aren't scorching hot we are trying to enjoy this backyard fun.

Claire is crazy about these pine cones she found last week. Probably because pine trees in these neck of the woods is pretty rare.

Claire loves to stroll....just not babies. No baby dolls for this girl. Just her balls and stuff!

Claire is still crazy about her Crocs. Yes, navy is a boy color but the flowers help right!

Her house is a big hit and she is starting to play in it by herself which is nice because we are too big to go in there!

While strolling she saw this ONE little cloud.

Then she insisted to put on her rain gear because one cloud in the sky in AZ means rain!!!!! That's right, no pants on.

Whew....that backyard fun can wipe a girl out!

Sugar and spice

Claire had a birthday "tea party" this weekend. The kids decorated pink icing cookies and ate little sandwiches. The girls looked so sweet in their dresses! It reminded me of all the birthday parties I had as a kid. Lots of dressing up and all things girly. Although I wouldn't label Claire as a girly girl she certainly has come around in the past few months and is enjoying dresses and cute shoes. She is the perfect balance of sugar and spice.

I am listening to my sweetie have a tough time going down for her nap and I am trying to distract myself. It seems like there are so many battles at this age! Her natural voice is just loud and high pitched and it seems everyone looks to see where it's coming from. Lots and lots of stares. Then when she does get loud....well, prepare for all eyes on us. We are officially (and have been for quite some time) "those people"! Oy vey!

Randomness (photo heavy!)

Playing with Daddy outside. Someone adores their daddy....can you guess who? Two peas in a pod.

Kisses for Mommy. Claire LOVES to get your whole face and smoooooch! MWAH!

Claire trying out big girl beds. She loved hopping up in to all the beds. Some day but not now. She's a great crib sleeper still. Why rock that boat anytime soon!

The things we do for fun. She would not get out of the basket to take a bath so the laundry basket came with us. You do what you gotta do for peace!

Claire and Scarlett. Quite the fashionistas. Playdate at Marshalls! They are ready for their cabana boy by the pool.

Easter snippit

What a beautiful weekend in AZ! Perfect weather....do I dare say almost hot. I am not ready for those 100+ days but ready for some pool fun soon.

We had a weekend full of family and friends. Cocktails and food. We celebrated our Savior. Complete in every way. I love when that happens.

I have a little 2.5 yr old yelling for me constantly or else I'd write more. Sigh. That's a whole other blog in itself. We go through easier phases then we get a few weeks of well, the trickier stuff. I am not the most patient person either (the heck you say!). A work in progress as usual.