Sunday evening.

After church and Sunday naps, we took a little family walk to the park. We weren't trying to get anything checked off our to-do lists or even discussing anything important. We just relaxed and played with the kids and enjoyed the beautiful weather. It was lovely! And then we stayed too long, resulting in everyone bursting into tired tears as soon as we got home, and we had to wrestle them all to bed. Isn't that just how it goes?

P.S. Faye's dress (which is already too small!) was made with this tutorial.

He follows the rules.

This really made me laugh today.

Carson, age four (almost four-and-a-half, actually), has never really drawn or colored an entire picture, until today. We all know this kid can read like he's 12 and add and subtract, but give him a blank piece of paper or a coloring book and some crayons and he just sort of looks at you like, "what am I supposed to do with this?" I do try to encourage creativity, but really he just doesn't have the desire.

So today, he was really quiet for a while and then brought me this picture. I was blown away and thrilled that the child can actually color! And then I realized why, and that is what really made me laugh. He explained that the instructions said to color each section of the picture the correct color, so he had done what it said. Ohhh, so to get you to color, I have to write on the paper exactly where and what colors to use. One thing is for sure, this boy can follow instructions.

Lately I have also noticed how good Carson is at distracting Everett when he's about to throw a tantrum. So many times I'll hear them having a little dispute over a toy or how a game is played... Everett will start to whine or cry, and you know it's about to escalate. Then Carson comes in with, "Ev, hey Ev! You know what? Look, this is how we can do it!" I think many adults including me could take lessons from him in how to deal with a stubborn three-year-old.

We are so glad Carson is the biggest brother in our family.

The climber.

I know I am always talking about how crazy Faye is compared to my boys, but seriously, check this girl out. Faye, age 14 months, climbs out of her crib! 

Lazy 5 Ranch, 2012

Birthday boy had been planning on going to the Lazy 5 Ranch for a long time. 

Just like last year, we went while the Holmes crew was in town. And just like last year, we failed at getting a nice group picture of all the grandkids. Here are just a few of the attempts.

Unlike last year, my boys were brave! A year ago they both clung to me, terrified the whole time in the wagon. This time Everett was even willing to feed some animals, and Carson at least enjoyed watching.

And this girl would have jumped right out of the wagon to hug the animals if I had let go.

I would put the food in Faye's hand, and when the animals would lick it off she would giggle. So cute!

And even I can handle feeding like this, where there is no actual touching of the animal involved!

The giraffe didn't want to come to us; oh well.

More attempts at groups photos.

Carson plays peek-a-boo with Truman. He really loves little babies. But once they reach Faye's age he says they're way too crazy.

The newly 3-year-old on the way home. So cute.

More on Easter.

Super yummy Easter dinner with friends. We made such good food!

The weather was absolutely beautiful, and we were able to have a lovely dinner outside while the kids ate a few bites and then ran around.

Sadie is a very cute girl who can flirt like she's 16. She would pretend to be Snow White, "faint" on the ground, and wait for Carson to come give her a kiss to wake her up. Obedient Carson always obliged.

The week before Easter, we enjoyed a couple of egg hunts. This one, with the visiting cousins, was at Miller Park.