A surprise golden

I'm about a month overdue, but have been wanting to write about my golden birthday.  It was a fun March this year because Abbie and I both had a golden birthday!  For me, I had been waiting my whole childhood for a golden birthday since I had to wait until I turned 31.  When I was a kid, that seemed SO far away!  But it finally came!  And I don't feel old at all!  But to make the celebration even better, Matt surprised me with a party.  I couldn't believe he pulled it off!  I had been planning to go to the twin cities to celebrate my birthday with my extended family, but I had many extra family and friends there to pull off the surprise.  Unfortunately, Matt couldn't even come because Ella was sick with pneumonia.  I guess that's what happens when you have a birthday that falls right in the middle of the cold and flu season.  Even though they couldn't be there, I still had a great day and definitely my most memorable birthday!

sunshine

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

Ella's tracks

I took Ella and Abbie to the park this morning and they both enjoyed finally being able to be outside! They are both still recovering from colds, so I think the fresh air helps all of us. Ella still hasn't decided to start walking, but I think has begun to realize that scooting is even more difficult to get around outside on the grass, driveway and sand. I am hoping being outdoors motivates her to walk! The park was covered with sand today, so after she made her way toward the slide, I looked down and saw that she left her very own set of scooting tracks....

finally spring!

Our long-lasting winter fast-forwarded right into summer this last weekend and we all sure enjoyed some time outside! We traveled to my parents' for the weekend and also enjoyed visiting with my brother, sister-in-law and niece. It is so nice to be outside again in the sunshine! I'm also choosing to ignore the snow in the forecast....

three beauties on Easter (and my birthday!) morning

Snowman

Miriam is on Spring break this week and we were able to go to my parents' house for a quick visit. Even though Matt and I got the flu and also gave it to my mom, we still had a good time. On a non-sick day, Matt and my dad took Miriam and Abbie outside for a bit. Since the snow is finally melting a little, it also made for good snowman-making weather. We actually never got a chance to make one this year even though we had so much snow! I just love seeing this picture of my dad with the girls because I have several of my sister, brother and I standing in front of a similar snowman growing up. My dad always puts the top hat on top. The girls loved it.

a house full of girls!

life...

...is busy!  Who would've thought having 3 kids under age 4 would be a bit challenging at times?!?!?  We're managing, though!  I'm so thankful for a husband who has flexible hours and can work at home along with grandparents and aunts and uncles who love to come help when we need.  With that being said, here are a few snapshots of life as of late:

Ella has been enjoying spending some time outside with her big sisters.  She still isn't quite sure what to do about the sun, though.  It sure is bright!

After Ella was born, we finished a bedroom in the basement so that Miriam and Abbie could share a room down there and the room upstairs could be Ella's.  We have found that sometimes it helps to have the girls nap in different spots...so that was Miriam on the couch one afternoon.  She is going on five at the end of this summer and still loves her naps!  I know when she starts Kindergarten she won't have one anymore, but we'll hang on until then (often at her request!).

This babe loves to smile!

And...here was a {slightly unsuccessful} nap in which Miriam thought she'd crawl in bed with Abbie.  Abbie was so tired out she fell asleep while Miriam was still happily awake.  Miriam's tried it a few times at night, too, but it usually results in Abbie waking up grumpily and moving them back to their own beds.  

Nice warm weather has brought lots of fun times to play outside at parks!

How I do love my girls (and my hubby)!

and suddenly it's the last day of May...

Wow, where did this month go?  It has completely slipped away from me (as is seen from my complete lack of blogging lately).  In an effort to once again keep you all updated, I will post a random assortment of our life in pictures (again).  Someday (maybe), I will be more of a consistent blogger.  I keep saying that, though, and it doesn't happen.  We'll see!

playing at a school park

swimming in our backyard

spending time inside on rainy days

back at the sports center

visiting Grandpa and Grandma

reading with great-Grandma

dressing alike (don't they look thrilled?)

eating outside

playing outside

And that was May!