easter

We had another busy Easter this year, but it was so much fun watching our girls enjoy the holiday. On Easter morning, Audrey and Madison both woke up bright and early. Audrey was really excited to see if the Easter Bunny had come. Did he eat the carrots she had left for him the night before? Did he hide all the Easter eggs she had made? And, what had he left her in her Easter basket? All very important questions for a three and a half year old!

our two little bunnies

jelly beans for Audrey...
...puffs for the little one

We really want our girls to understand the true meaning of Easter and why we celebrate it. Up until Easter day, there were many times that we shared with Audrey the story of Jesus being crucified on the cross and rising on Easter morning. Now Audrey can pretty much tell us the story, with just a little bit of guidance. One of our favorite parts is when she finishes with Jesus rising to "Nevah", or Heaven, to be with God.
After going to the 11:00am service at church, we headed out to Madera to celebrate with the Loves. Audrey always has so much fun playing with her cousins, especially now that Grandma and Grandpa have a new swing set in their back yard!

time to hunt for some eggs

showing great grandma Love how many eggs she found

Audrey's turn to hit the pinata...that grandma Love made!

From the Loves, we drove back to Fresno to Nani and Papa's house, where there were more cousins waiting to play with Audrey and Madison.

love these two!!

happy girl

the best pic of MANY that were taken!!

silly cousins

Nani and Papa love these girls just as much as these girls love Nani and Papa

The Easter Bunny came to Nani and Papa's house too! Audrey absolutely loves this Ariel doll that she can take with her in the tub and the pool!

Madison's new shades...

...and Audrey's new shades!

Just before Easter, Nani and Papa's new bounce house arrived. The kids could not get enough of it! Obviously jumping in their dresses did not give them enough freedom.

Even Madison sat on her booty and bounced, screaming with joy the entire time.

dyeing easter eggs

A few days before Easter, while Madison was taking a nap, the three of us dyed Easter eggs!!

first white egg, needing some color
"gently" dropping her egg into the pink dye

busy at work

me and my little girl

finished results...b-e-a-utiful!

spring break fun

One of the absolute greatest things about being teachers, is that Aaron and I thoroughly enjoy a "spring break" every year. This year did not disappoint!

The very first night of our spring break, after pizza, popcorn, and a movie, we had a camp out in the living room. This could possibly be a new family tradition! Audrey worked so hard to fill up her sticker chart, and it was time for her to be rewarded. Her reward...a trip on the train to Hanford for ice cream!

all aboard!

so excited!!!

so proud of our big girl

The Friday before Easter, we went to the Rodeo Parade where we ate sprinkled doughnuts, played with water balloons, danced to all the music, and waved to the horses and clowns.

family pic...last year I was prego with Madison and she was born two weeks later

Audrey loved her purple water balloon

Madison pointed at the different things she saw and danced (rocked on her booty) every time there was music.

Aubrey and Audrey with their front row seats

dancin' with her amigas

first family vacation

During spring break, we went to Monterey for our very first vacation as a family of four. We had been on vacation with Madison before this trip, but it was always with friends or family. These three days we spent together, making wonderful memories along the way!

sisters who love the beach
Madison's first time touching the sand

showing us what she discovered

The water was freezing cold and it was really windy, but that did not stop Audrey...she actually ran through the water with her swimming suit on!

This picture makes me laugh as I remember that we had to hide out in the bathroom while Madison fell asleep. We played Tangled on the portable dvd player and ate ice cream from Rite Aid. Like I said...memories.

This trip was actually a Christmas present from my parents, Nani and Papa. It included a two night stay at Asilomar and four passes to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Audrey couldn't wait to go to the aquarium to see and touch all the "fishes"!

As soon as we walked through the door, Audrey was given the opportunity to let a tiny crab walk on the inside of her hand. She loved it!! Later she told us it was her favorite part of the entire aquarium experience.

Madison checked out a few things...

...and soon was out for a nap in Daddy's arms.

sisters in a clam shell

For those of you who have been to the aquarium, this is where you stand under the glass as the water crashes down around you. Yeah, Madison wasn't too excited...

...she let us know it!

Audrey could stand there forever if we let her.

family pic...Madison is clearly still very upset

Madison's first time feeling the cold ocean water on her toes.

Audrey holding a crab that she found on the beach.

building a sandcastle with Daddy

crawling on the sand...

...gets you pretty dirty!

Daddy's girls

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, NANI AND PAPA!!!