Eggstravaganza 2013

Sunday afternoon we enjoyed our church's annual Easter Egg Hunt and party. Despite the freezing morning and some strong winds the afternoon turned out pretty nice. Allison had so much fun on the bounce house and the teenage volunteers at one bouncy climbing wall handed Allison up to the top so she could slide down the other slide. The chocolate dipped peep on a stick might have been the highlight for Allison. My parents got to come hang out and watch her egg hunt.  Allison had so much fun showing off for them.

It's so fun to see how fast she's growing up. Two years ago Allison was just sitting up and we sat her down in front of an egg for a photo. Last year we practiced at home to make sure she understood the concept. This year she had no problem and cracked each egg open to check out the goodies inside before moving on.

What amazing volunteers to help Allison up

Checking out her painted craft egg in the mirror.  Watching her make faces at herself cracked me up

Its not fun unless you get chocolate ALL over

With daddy, ready for the word "GO"

What a beautiful smile!

Blueberries

This year in addition to cherry tomatoes we are also growing blueberries.  I did a little research, and found an article on growing blueberries from A&M.  Anytime I can use an aggie example it's easier to get Kevin on board with my ideas.

It will be 2-3 years before we can expect good berry production, I'm keeping my fingers crossed I can keep the plants alive that long.  Our lime tree has hit the three year mark, but we've nearly killed it once or twice.  Gardening is not one of my natural gifts.  

We planted 3 different varieties of blueberry for cross-pollination.  Right now we have all three in a half-barrel.  I'm excited to see them budding now and can't wait to see how they do this year.  

article: horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/publications/blueberries/blueberries.html

Easter with Nana and Papa D

"Just like Minnie"

Easter Basket

Saturday Allison fell asleep in the car on the way home from the BNSF Easter Party.  When she woke up she begged to go for a drive.  I grabbed my keys and we headed out, ending up at my parents house for an impromptu visit.  They let Allison have her Easter basket since we will be camping during actual Easter weekend.

Allison was delighted with her big purple basket - filled with a soft My Little Pony, a Minnie Mouse dress up outfit - complete with ears, a bag of colored goldfish snacks and some candy.  Allison was most excited about the candy stash until we got her to try on the ears - she didn't take them off until bedtime and even that was a stretch.

Showing Papa D her candy stash

BNSF Easter Party

Waiting with daddy

Yesterday morning Kevin's office hosted their annual Easter Party.  Allison had such a good time and was so excited to meet the Easter bunny.  Based on past experiences we learned to get there right when they open to avoid a long line for pictures.  10 minutes early and we were the first ones in line.  Allison played with daddy and took pictures with me while we waited.

Allison wasn't scared at all and climbed right into the bunny's lap.  We could hardly get her to look at the camera, she was staring up at the bunny in awe.  It was so sweet, but not great for pictures.

After photos we watched the clowns make balloon animals - Allison got a giraffe and a bunny.  She also decorated a cookie with purple frosting and won an Easter basket at a spin the wheel game.

Unfortunately the egg hunt and petting zoo were cancelled due to the rain, but they handed out treat bags full of candy so Allison didn't even notice.

Waiting in line with mommy

Allison was so excited to meet the Easter Bunny

it doesn't get any cuter

showing off her cookie

Dream Castle

Monday we bought a new set of pots and pans on a rare Costco trip. Big thanks to my dad for letting us benefit from his membership. After unpacking and washing all the new dishes we had a lot of cardboard and a big box to deal with. I told Kevin to leave it and we would have some craft time fun.

Yesterday Allison watched the Sophia episode about making a dream castle so that turned into the perfect craft. We piled up the random pieces into a tower and then decorated it with stickers. We've been adding to the decorations today and will continue to do so until she gets bored or runs out of stickers - whichever comes first.

Posing with her dream castle "just like Rapunzel's tower"

Stars on top

Carefully decorating

        

This afternoon adding glitter glue

Next up - what to make out of the giant box. . .

Happy St Patrick's Day

Today Katelyn, one of the little girls at church, brought all her friends special goodie bags for St Patricks Day. Allison was so excited and gave her a big hug.

I should have gotten a picture of the treats before Allison got into them but oh well, it was cute. Allison got into it as soon as we got her buckled in to go home.

Family Dinner

Last night Kevin's parents and my dad came over for dinner.  We had enough people we got to use our dining room table, a rare event.  Allison loved having everyone around to play with her.  I can't wait for all the grandparents to retire so we can have these dinners and visits more frequently.