easter

the end of march and beginning of april bring the bluebells in austin.  they are all over the place.  it is so beautiful.  and i've noticed they are usually in random places, like huge fields.  on our weekly trip to the library last week, there were a bunch in the field next to the library.  mae and i ventured over to get a few pictures.

easter was so much fun this year.  we went down to houston to spend the day with family.  we had an egg hunt for the kids, ate delicious food, and got to spend time with some of our favorite people.

i know i've said this before, but mae is that kid in the family that won't smile.  i must have taken 20 pictures of these kids lined up, and in every single one she looked like this. 
 she's become so shy around other people.  when we go places where there are a lot of people she is so quiet and reserved.  people always tell me how well behaved she is...if only they could see her at home.  seriously, she's a nut.  

tessa and noah were so sweet with izzy!  it was so fun to watch them love her and hold her.
 we always have such a great time when we see cody's family.  i'm grateful that we live close enough that we can make quick trips to visit them.

toddlers...ugh.  mae has become an emotional wreck.  one minute she's a sweet happy girl, then she's crying, then she's yelling at me or hitting her sister, then she's having a complete breakdown.  i seriously don't know how to handle her some days.  the other day i had to put her in her room, put izzy in her crib and go sit in my closet to keep myself from having my own breakdown!  there is a reason that these little creatures are so incredibly cute.

since mae has given up her naps, we have instilled quiet time.  she picks a few books or a toy and goes and plays in her room for an hour or so.  last week, quiet time consisted of emptying out an entire pack of wipes and diapers...those are no longer left in her room.

 a few days ago, i had just put izzy down and went to get mae, every single item of clothing she owned was on the floor, bed, and chair.  i closed the door and went downstairs, i was not ready to handle that.  when i went back up a few minutes later, mae had attempted to put things away, and this is what was left...she was so proud that she had cleaned up.  and was so excited that she found "new" clothes.

i'm so grateful for easter, and the time we have to reflect and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.  it's such a miracle to know that i'll be able to be with my family forever.  even though these little girls give me a run for my money, and keep me on my toes, i can't imagine my life without them.