Bubbles, Dan-a-whirl, and Piggy Tails

This weekend we took full advantage of all the sun and warm weather again. It really is beautiful here year round and definitely one of the many reasons we love Columbia. Although, I bet Dan is thinking “next weekend when we power wash all the pollen off our decks, it won’t be fun here in Columbia, SC”. But all this pollen and warm weather means our summer beach trips are just around the corner! Yippee!!

So, we had loads of fun at the park with the usual suspects: bubble wands and bubble guns, every plastic ball we own - defying physics to be stuffed inside the backpack, exploring and finding rocks (I thought this “game” would stick with Grayson…aka, a boys game…but Delaney seems to have followed suit and now has to locate the perfect gem), and of course the grand finale: using Daddy as their own personal carnival ride. Their very own Dan-a-whirl! And these kiddos sure love to spin. They spin for so long that everyone is inevitably dizzy and laughing so hard that our sides ache. We sure are lucky to have a Hubby/Daddy that loves to be silly just like the rest of us...and can spin in unending circles for well over 30 minutes!

The other “big” event this weekend was my piggy tail attempt with Delaney. Her hair is getting so long and I’ve been aching to try new hairstyles but after trial and error with a few different rubber band brands, nothing worked. I turned to my friend, Amanda, whose little girl always has THE most adorable (and perfect) hairstyles. She recommended a specific type and it seems to work, though I’m going to need some practice. I’ve always been really good at piggies and French braiding my own hair but that means squat when your trying to perform the task on a wiggly 1 year old. This should be an Olympic event and I have a new appreciation for Amanda’s talent and Audrey’s perfect hairstyles. 

We need to work on Grayson's understanding of basic gun safety...first rule: Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

 My perfect trifecta

 Admiring her newly found rock

 Showing off his mad soccer skills. I know what we're doing next summer!!

 Soaking in the sun

A little hum and walk, notice her rock is still in her clutches.

 "Look Laney! I made a BIG pile of bubbles!"

 Dad and Laneybug relax while Grayson practices his 007 spy moves

 Dan busted me trying to take a picture. Anything for a cute photo...

Said photo... :-) Worth the weird angle if I do say so myself

 Let the spinning commence!  Delaney is waiting her turn.

 I love all the giggles. Those dimples are bigger than craters when they spin

Look at the height!! No wonder all I hear are squeals and giggles.

Switching gears for a bit of airplane simulation

 Piggies!!!

Spring-a-licious!

It seems like every venture we take outside typically leads us to one of the neighborhood parks vs. simply heading 5 feet into our own backyard. So today I decided to take it easy and head out back.

And boy, do I have grand plans for our backyard this summer!  Loads of activity stations to craft, slide, get wet, paint, soak, dig, or run!  I can’t wait to get things set up for the kids!! ::: breathe Laura, only a few more weeks until we can play on the slip and slide! Pace yourself! :::

So until then, I decided to bust out the bubbles, sidewalk chalk and a gigantic bucket of balls. Who wouldn’t have fun with that?

Daddy even got home a bit early and enjoyed the excitement. But the best part was: when their adorable heads hit the pillow this evening, both were out like a light! Bonus!

Yup, he's definitely mine...he's cleaning pollen off a weed.

"It's really dirty Momma!"

Perfect stance for a perfect grab, young apprentice

Who, me?

 Asking big brother for assistance...

I love how much these 2 adore each other. 

Yes, the fighting will come any day. Until then, I'll bask in this.

 Pssst, hey there!

Total Daddy's girl

 Peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-boo times two!

Hmm, which ball should I throw next?

 The one at the VERY bottom, of course!

Nice catch, Dad!

 Kisses for the team...or maybe Daddy has a boo-boo?

The beginning of a beautiful friendship

Some Bunny Loves Me!

Just like last year, the four of us headed out to our neighborhood Easter egg “hunt”.  And in case you missed last year’s explanation, I use quotes around “hunt” on purpose. It’s really a hilarious scene, actually. There are over 15,000 eggs, hundreds of kiddos, and absolutely no hunting whatsoever. None the less, all the eggs strewn upon the ground ignites pandemonium (except with my kids who have inherited Daddy’s cool-as-a-cucumber disposition) when the emcee shouts “Go!”

Unlike last year, Delaney was able to participate in the fun. These two kiddos crack me up. Grayson was sharing what he gathered and kept handing eggs to Delaney, so she could put them in her basket. I can definitely see a great friendship brewing. He always keeps an eye out for her and includes her in every activity. Watch out future boyfriends! You’re gonna have Daddy AND Grayson to deal with!

At the end of the hunt, the good ‘ol Easter bunny made his entrance. A year ago, Grayson went RUNNING into his arms. RUNNING! I could barely keep the kid away from him.  This year, not so much. We ended up making 2 trips to visit Mr Bunny. The first time Grayson was so excited and then inexplicably turned shy on us, so Momma and Laneybug had their picture taken. The second visit was triggered because Grayson realized he had chickened out and neglected to talk to Mr Bunny. Dan and I almost didn’t turn back, because we were certain Grayson wouldn't be concerned if we headed home, but it tugged at my heart strings when he asked a second time, with those deep dimples and puppy dog eyes…so off we went to stand in line again. In the end, Grayson decided not to hug him, but he did pat his knee, gave a high five, and enabled us to get a family photo. Worth the 2^nd trip, I’d say!

So, after the egg hunt, we made our usual stop by the park, which is always fun. It’s so great to have one a couple hundred yards from the house. Sure makes my life easier!

And of course this morning we had our own family egg hunt, Easter basket goodies (complete with REAL grass like last year), yummy pancake brunch, and then dyed some eggs for good measure.

The older the kiddos get, the more fun all these holidays become. And I’m glad they enjoy all the goofy crafts and holiday traditions like I do!

Below are a bunch of pictures from the weekend, but there are a TON more here, so make sure to check them all out!

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!

The girls are ready! Let's get this party started!

 Big hugs for little sis

 So happy! Love these cuties!

 Calling out the colors we've gathered.

The obligatory "Grayson takes a pause in ::insert whatever activity::: to spot an airplane" picture

 Momma and Laneybug snuggle with Mr Bunny

 Grayson decides to pat the bunny...Now Judy can pat the bunny. LOL. I've read that book too many times!

 The happy Halsted Clan

 Mmmm, Nothing beats Daddy hugs

The handsome Halsted boys

 Pulling faces at big brother

Easter baskets with real grass! 

Is this the only house where the easter bunny doesn't leave chocolate? :-/

 Even though she helped with 2 eggs, little Laneybug decided watching Grayson work was more fun.

 Waiting....waiting...almost purple!!

 Hi Momma!

 Dan might have missed his calling - drawing with invisible crayons

 Squeeeeeeze!

 Hi baby girl!