Warmer Weather

What a fun-filled week! With at least a couple of nice days, we were able to spend lots of time outside, including a trip to the zoo, multiple trips to the park, and a few long walks. The weekend was beautiful, and we kicked it off with a pizza dinner on Friday at one of our local favorites. On Saturday we met our friends, Nick and Jovana's new baby, Oliver, and on Sunday we enjoyed brunch with more friends. Tonight we'll celebrate Aunt Erin's birthday. Coincidentally, it's Moo Cow's birthday, too, so yesterday Ella propped him up in her high chair and sang 'Happy Birthday,' while feeding him cake. Moo Cow is also mimicking Ella's behavior lately, as he's been known to wear undies, and has even had to go to his room when he's 'not being nice.' That Moo Cow...

Enjoying some sun on the roof while Jack naps.

Lately she's loved building with her linkin logs - thanks, Grandma V!

Eating his book.

Finally able to get in some walks.

As much as I dislike the mess, Ella loves the sandbox. 

Ella and her buddy, Morgan, at sing-along class.

Giving baby a bath.

Moo Cow has accompanied us on every outing lately.

Hanging out at the Farm at the Zoo.

Jack showing off his new shirt (it says, "Part-time model"). Thanks, Nic and Savannah!

This girl can find dirt anywhere.

Friday night pizza.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

I'm sure I speak for most of us when I say, "rain, rain, go away." It was a long, cold, wet week. And with most of it spent indoors, we had to resort to some new activities to pass the time. This included building a tent in the living room, washing Ella's tricycle in the hallway, teaching Ella how to change Jack's diaper (her idea, not mine), and plenty of potty-training escapades and imagination overload. The weekend was still cold, but at least dry, and we were able to see Cousin Abbie and Eric, as well as meet Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin's new pup, Pitch. Ella and Pitch are now buddies, and I'm sure we'll be hearing about her furry friend for days to come. Fingers crossed for some spring weather this week!

A tent in the living room means great fun!

Eating her lunch in the tent.

Washing her tricycle in the hallway.

Jack got a new hat for summer!

Quite content on Eric's lap.

Jack showing off his new toy - Sophie the Giraffe!

Making Jack laugh.

The many faces of Ella.

Ella and Pitch at the park.

Best buds!

Ella wanted to help change Jack's diaper. One time she got to it before me!

Ella also had to model Jack's new hat.

Uncle Jeff and Jack.

Big boy!

A Whirlwind Weekend

As promised, here are Jack's stats from his four-month appointment. He weighs 13 pounds, 11 ounces, and is 25 inches long. What a happy, healthy little boy we have! The doctor advised waiting to start solids until he's six months old (which I had planned to do anyway). Based on his interest and excitement when he watches us eat, I'm predicting he'll be a good little eater! 

What a whirlwind weekend! On Friday, the entire Collins crew arrived - Sam from Kansas City, Abby and Brian from Austin, and Grandma and Papa from Iowa (and locals Erin and Martin, of course). We didn't have a lot of time, but we managed to cram in a lot of fun, including bowling, a trip to the zoo, and a night out to a comedy show for the big kids. Ella had been talking about our visitors for the last couple of weeks, so she was very excited to spend time with everyone, and will surely miss them!

We were so desperate to get out this past week that we made a trip to the park in the rain.

Jack kept pulling his hood over his eyes!

Uncle Sam reading to Ella.

Daddy helping Ella bowl.

A trip to the zoo!

You can hardly see her little head, but the train was Ella's favorite thing at the zoo.

Playing with Papa at the park.

A sibling reunion!

Pretending to lay on the beach - if only it was real!

Reading new books with Grandma.

Brian and Abby snuggling with Jack.

They might be related.