Spring is Upon Us

I'm not trying to fit a cliche here, but let's talk about the weather. Isn't it wonderful! I believe everyone's spirit is lifted on days like today (70 degrees, sunny, and flowers popping up everywhere). I mean, who's wouldn't. I know Lyla and I have really been enjoying the past couple days. It is also Spring Break at the schools around here so when we went to the park today there were about 30 kids and Lyla was very excited to say the least.

Because there were sooooooo many kids, we couldn't play on the playground that was built for her size. The big kids had taken it over... so lyla decided to play in the rocks. :)

This is Lyla just walking around. I love those little baby jeans and long hair. She definetly doesn't look like a baby anymore.

Here I was mowing the lawn in the backyard. I put Lyla in her swing and gave her some water and sunglasses hoping she would be satisfied long enough for me to get the yard mowed. Thankfully, she did great and didn't get upset or bored watching me mow. Also, when I came near her she would offer me a drink from her cup. I guess she could tell I was working hard. :)

Last night we went to Tim and Sandi's House to see the goats, eat pizza, and visit with everyone.

I didn't get a picture of the goats, but they were very cute! Two babies and one adult female. Lyla just watched them. She wasn't to interested in petting them, but she definetly was curious as to what those things were!

Lyla really enjoys coloring now too. Here, Abby is helping Lyla color. And Abby has blue eyeshadow on in case anyone is wondering. haha

Cakes

Jordan and I have always enjoyed cooking and baking, so for Lyla's first Birthday we decided to make her cake ourselves! And of course we wanted to go all out... so we studied up on fondant and tier cakes and VOILA! Our healthy addiction began. Lol just kidding about the addiction part, but we really love making cakes together. Its good sister time and the making the fondant is really good for your skin! Amanda, my oldest sister, has also gotten into cake baking. Its a family thing now! Just felt like showing off our cakes a little. :)  Here are two cakes we did recently.

The cake above was for a friend's mom's 50th birthday party.  The cake below was auctioned off at the Mission Trip Dessert Auction at church.

Smiles and other Joyful moments!

Lyla has really been enjoying smiling, laughing, dancing, and singing lately. I put music on during the day while cleaning or just to have some mommy-daughter dance time. Lyla does the feet planted sqaut while swaying her upper body side to side move... among others. She also likes to squat and bounce up and down (sometimes adding the head bang). And when a slower song comes on (worship) she will raise her hands and slowly sway her whole body side to side! It makes my day to see her dance. It reminds me to stop and slow down from all the hussle of the day and its lists of things to do, and just enjoy our sweet girl.

I love the smile she gives me here. Not often will she stop and pose a smile for me!

This is an outfit I found at Rhea lana's for 4th of July.

If you click on this picture it will enlarge and show you most of her teeth! She was smiling really big for me in this one. You can even see her 1st molars if you look closely. :)

My WONDERFUL husband (can't thank God enough for him) and Lyla eating some ice cream. A very happy moment for her.

Duke on one of the prettier days. He seems to be loving the sun! I think he might be asleep here. haha

Dancing. Here she was swinging her arms and shifting from leg to leg AND shaking her head.... She has some moves ya'll.

This was a picture Kayla Birginske sent me. She caught her mid laugh! Love it.

Our Weekend and More

Last weekend the three of us traveled to London!!! (Arkansas) Tim and Sandi threw a birthday party for Casey who turned (24) and Seth (26). The weather was sooooo beautiful. We were outside most of the day. Claire made the birthday cake... Sadly, I didn't get a picture of it before it was cut, but it was delicious!

Cousin Caleb climbing steps.

This is an odd angle but I thought it was cute.

Dad and sons!

Cousins playing on the hammock. Brittany was bouncing them a little and they really enjoyed it.

Lyla talking to Sandi's horse.

Brittany and Lyla

Also, Casey and I are going to have a garden this year! I'm so excited. These are the peat pots to start the seeds in.

These are some of the seeds we bought to start inside: Tomatoes, cantelope, peppers, lettuce, and broccoli.

These two pictures are from the other day. I've been letting Lyla feed herself more often. (which she loves doing). This is a result of me walking off for a few minutes and leaving her unattended with a spoon, and squash...

This is the grin she makes when she squishes the food between her fingers. It's difficult not to laugh sometimes.

Love you all!