Easter Bunny came early!

Our family has to go to Las Vegas early this year to visit Justin's grandma, who is in poor health. It's sad and exciting at the same time. She is a wonderful woman, and we will miss her, but it will be nice for Lauren & the fam to go back to her old stomping grounds after years.

So, because the Smiths will be gone for Easter, the Easter bunny decided to come early! He left our early packages on our doorstep with a ring of the doorbell, and the kids couldn't have been more excited! They got kites (which we will have to try out soon), new movies, their own little chicks that move, and, of course, candy. "Cars" for Ryan, "Pocahontas" for Sophie, and candy? Talk about happy kids! Ryan was sooo stinkin' excited to watch that Cars movie! "Vroom vroom! Vroom vroom!!!!"

Thank heavens Ryan was himsefl today after a week of a yucky stomach bug. He so kindly shared it with his Mama, who is slowly recovering. We hope to be all healthy and good for our trip west. Happy early Easter to all!

Spring toes!

Sophie loves to paint her nails with her Hello Kitty nail polish, and especially with Mama. She was tickled "pink" that our toes ended up the same color. She doesn't want to wear socks today so that she can see "those pretty toes." That's our girly girl!

Dead to the world

This is my poor, sleepy, little boy. He fell asleep yesturday morning as we drive home from the grocery store. If I don't wake him in the car, or as soon as we arrive home, I'll bring in our goods, and then bring him inside where he wakes. I had some things to do and thought, "He'll at least wake up when I set him down." Nope. Plopped him on the couch, and there he ly for at least another 40 minutes, motionless. Just before we had to head out the door again, I heard him call for me while he was walking toward me in the kitchen. Granted, the poor little guys is getting over a double ear infection where one side caused a slight ear drum rupture, and he woke up too early that morning. I couldn't believe it that afternoon when he still slept another 3 hours! Needless to say, he's feeling great today. This photo op. was just too precious.

Family Bowling time!

Finally! A Saturday without several obligations! With a lazy morning filled with waffles & playing galore, we headed on down to the bowling alley for some more family fun. We all had a great time, and Lauren got the high score (thanks to some possible bumper help, Justin's poor bowling, or Lauren's mad skills...we'll never really know!) :). Ryan also gave it a try, and at one time tried to chase the ball down the aisle. He slipped with a great fall, and we are all so bummed that we didn't get a video of the whole event, since Lauren chased after Ryan. It was like a scene out of a movie, or even a cartoon, for that matter. Ryan slipped, then Lauren slipped, feet flying in the air, & we're scrambling to get off the stupid lane. It was all quite funny (& a little embarassing)! We left a fun game and ate at Cici's pizza buffet. It was a long-awaited, fun family day, and we plan to do them more often.

Ryan's "crusty"/sad face

Doesn't this make you so sad? It reminds me of my nephew, Evan's "crusty," as they called it. Maybe its a second child/boy thing?? I asked him to keep eating and he got sad about it...maybe it was my firm tone? Don't worry, he got lots of love after I made him pose. :) Parenthood is great!

Haircut and fun

Here's Ryan's latest haircut. Lauren thought using the clippers on the top of Ryan's head would make things easier, but...we got post Cancer treatment Ryan. Pasrt of what makes our sweet little boy so unique is (or was) is hair. Oh well! He's still cute, and his hair grows fast.

Here's Sophie parading around in Justin's motorcycle helmet that she found. She immediately said it was like Daddy's Halo game. No more video game watching for Sophie! (except Lego start wars-that girl is awesome at it!)

Sweet boy

Here is a taste of our sweet little boy and how he is communicating now. He is learning a new word and/or sign every day. He had an ear infection last week that took a while to get over, so we really appreciate his sweet personality even more.