Egg hunt 2012: 1st baptist church

On a VERY chilly morning, Grandma's Jahn and Young, and Aunt Kristin all helped us get over to mom's church for our first egg hunt--Cora's first ever, and we were so excited!

It was a nice family setup--lots of inflatable things for the kids. Amara loved the obstacle course one, and I took Cora a turn in the bounce house.

When it was time for the main event, we headed to the end of the field for the preschool through Kindergarten area.  We knew Cora wouldn't be much into it, or know what was going on, but boy was Amara ready!  Big difference from last year :)

When the whistle blew--I carried Cora to an area away from the pack and let her get a couple eggs, while Amara ran for the hills.  In a matter of seconds it seemed like, it was all over.  We headed back up to the church and it was only then we realized how cold we all were!

We found out they had hot dogs inside so we headed in, to warm up, but no sooner did Amara want to get back to playing. 

Mom snapped a half-way decent family photo of us--a first, go mom!  Seems every time we try, as here, Cora is looking to see what Amara is up to.

Love this shot--Amara was going after the blue eggs, then was upset that she only collected a half dozen or so, when they were clearly everywhere!

At the end, she got some cute painting on her cheeks, and we packed up to head home.  It was super fun, lower key for us, and we all had a great morning.

Chocolate factory tour

It's that time of year ALREADY to tour the Anthony Thomas chocolate factory!

I think this is Beanie's 3rd, Cora's 2nd--and the first thing we noticed (in addition to the fact that we were SO lucky the line was barely out the door, not like last year at all) is that Amara is tall enough to see over the glass ledge...awww.  I remember when our nephews crossed that threshold.

Cora likes the bunnies, she's not afraid of the big stuffed characters in the least!

We saw the typical buckeyes being made, but also saw caramel popcorn, and some new products, but the funniest was trying to keep track of both girls who seemed to be going in opposite directions at every turn!

The samples at the end were received with open hands and mouths and Cora loved the dark chocolate butter creams!  Amara went for the suckers (like always) and Eric and I splurged on a box of dark sea salt caramels that are AMAZING :)

Great day and visit--familiar yet new every time, we love it.

Spring school pictures

I guess these are what you'd call bootlegged copies of her Spring preschool pics--but I wanted to capture them in here somehow :)

We paid for the full package and shared plenty of them, but the most that gets you online is a photo with "PROOF" all over the front of it.

This one I think is particularly comical--I have NO idea what the photographer told her, but it didn't work.  F A I L.  cute pics overall though--and it is nice that her school does a spring and fall each year, for the parents!

Construction update

Wow, what a difference a day makes! These guys are seriously fast.  Kevin said it's a "smaller" job for them--you know, moving doors and windows, all in a days work (I guess)...

Before you could blink an eye, the pier foundations were poured and inspected

The slider was moved from the South side of the back to the North side

(clearly a lot of junk is involved--luckily we've had PERFECT weather in the 60s for these guys and very little major rain)

What's left of the hole from the previously located slider doors--that dramatically and beautifully led to the view of the...fireplace vent?? I swear, this builder...

Beautiful Spring weather and construction that will give us amazing use of our yard!

Construction project

When we first saw the house on Copper court almost 2 years ago, I already knew I wanted to change it.  The layout of the back of the house made no sense, and it had potential to be SO wonderful.

After 2 summers there and now with 2 very outdoorsy girlies, we decided to pull the trigger and make the change.  On the referral of Ken Blaies, we hired Bruce Johnson as the GC for the project.  The gist of it was to swap the side of the door with that of the windows, move the electric (and minor plumbing) and create a deck. Simple right? 

They make it look so.

It's not done yet, but the doors and windows are moved and we are already THRILLED with how awesome it's going to be!

Pet expo

We decided to hit up the pet expo on Friday this year and it never disappoints!

This year Amara got to see camels up close and personal and also enjoyed a little of the dog costume show.  We watched the dog splash show which is always a favorite--and even managed to stay for the cat show at the end!
Cora liked the birds--they didn't do a lot, but that little girl has eagle eyes was taking each move and chirp in the whole time.  We also watched the ferrets for a few minutes, and got some snacks for Ily.

We were all tired from a long day and didn't stay too long, but it was fun, and it's always great to see what the girls will find different from year to year ;)

Beanie the model

Susie Jarvis had posted a note about needing kids to "model" for some stock photos she needed, so of course I offered up ours :)

Her photos are always so beautiful and amazing, but there are some in this shoot that just capture her age, her spirit and her sweet being.

She rarely plays with this doll (even though it was for her first birthday) but Susie had asked her to do a few shots with it.

What do you get when you tell a 3 year old who you repeatedly tell NOT to climb on the furniture to CLIMB on the furniture?  Smiles and laughter!

This was exactly the pose Susie had asked for, cracks me up.  

I'm so glad we got these photos, there are almost 30 in the set, and hopefully she asks us to do this again in the future--just so lovely, our first modeling shoot and big, little girl.