On two feet {& playing at the park}

Ella is finally walking!  She has been for a few weeks now...but this comes after taking her first steps three months ago.  She definitely took her time with it.  It's been much easier to be outside, too.  I think she has realized walking is better than scooting!

So here we were last weekend at a park...only one shows her up and walking, but the others are fun too.

sunshine

It is amazing what a difference a little sunshine makes!  We sure have been enjoying some time outdoors!

silly slinkies

the winter that never ends.

I'm not sure if it's just because the calendar says spring starts next week or the fact that last year was unseasonably warm for all of March, but I am sure longing for spring more than ever this year. Cabin fever has set in big time. I've tried to get out when possible with Abbie and Ella while Miriam is at school, but sometimes it just seems like so much work to bundle them up and get out the door. But we try. We have frequented the library, the children's museum and stores. I also have a Bible study Wednesday mornings and Abbie plays at someone's house Friday mornings. So I feel like we've attempted to get out despite the massive amount of snow and struggle to get into the 40's. My birthday is the end of this month and I told Matt that all I want is spring. We'll see if that wish comes true! I am thankful that Miriam and Abbie have gotten many opportunities to sled and play in the snow, but we're all ready for family walks, parks, and no snow!

Meanwhile, here are a few pictures of some of our indoor activities....

just hangin' out

I've been having far too much fun with my parents' nice new camera while we've been visiting. This was Abbie this afternoon just sitting on the chair. She seems to enjoy being able to sit -it will be nice when she can do it on her own! We've also really noticed that she is starting to play with toys a little now. It's fun to see her grab for things and, of course, bring everything right into her mouth.

Random Pictures from our iPhone

Well, this is my (Matt) first official post on the blog. I thought I would upload some pictures from my iPhone from the past month.

This is at a huge Avon garage sale in Owatonna this past Friday. Miriam and I were hanging out while Becky and her mom shopped around (and actually found two brand new iPod shuffles for an incredible deal--I know, nerd talk). Anyway, they had this rabbit in there yard baking in the sun, so Miriam and I gave it some company.

Miriam and I were still in the back of Becky's mom's car on the way to a few garage sales.

This is Miriam at a doctor's appointment earlier last week.

Last Monday we had our friends, Joel, Jamie, and Caleb come to our house and stay during one of the warmest weeks of the summer (and our central air didn't work :-s). This is Miriam and Caleb hanging out in our living room.

Joel and Jamie took us out to Red Robin for dinner. (Yummy!) I think this is after she finished eating.

This is Caleb after he finished eating a huge pizza kids meal! Good job!

I'm not sure when this was, but this applies to every time she takes a bath.

This is Miriam during one of our breakfasts.

I think this is inside one of the kid stores at the outlet mall in Medford.

Miriam is doing her favorite thing when she shops...she's eating fruit snacks!

Play Date!

Today Miriam and I went to visit friends of ours to have a play date. They live about a half hour away out on a farm. Miriam had a great time playing with the kids... Lydia is almost 2 and Jonah is 9 months. She loved playing with all of their toys while Sara (their mom) and I enjoyed catching up and talking. It was a great time! Miriam even enjoyed the car ride there and back very much. Sometimes we have a hard time keeping her happy in the car (she likes to move around too much), but this time she sat quietly and played with a few toys. She also loves dancing to the Go Fish "Splash" cd. We've found it quite helpful on long car trips.

Other than that, Matt is really loving his new job at the church! Although we miss having him home at lunch, we've enjoyed his semi-flexible hours in the mean time. He's taking these first weeks to "learn the ropes" and will start officially leading worship in September. We may even get a chance to go to a worship conference in the fall for a few days! We may use it as our anniversary date/vacation and spend our first few days away from Miriam. Although we would miss her SO much, we think it would be great to have a few days for ourselves. We're still praying about when and where we should go... and if I should come along with.