Easter Bunny

Our local Wal-Mart offered to take pictures with the Easter bunny along with providing a free 5 x 7; sounded like a good deal to me.  

Eli's experience with the Easter bunny was not near as traumatic as his trip to see Santa.  This was his first time seeing the Easter bunny since he didn't get a chance to last year.  Although he looks a bit leery in the picture, he didn't cry at all and even seemed to kind of enjoy checking him out.  

Easter Egg Hunt

This morning, we took Eli to his first Easter egg hunt sponsored by a local nursing home in town.  When we got there, they had different areas for different ages.  For the older kids, the eggs were spread out over the grass, but for the 0 to 3 age group, they were spread out over the entrance area and sidewalk.  

As soon as the lady said it was time to start, the mad dash began.  At first, I was wondering if Eli would even get any eggs into his basket since kids and parents alike were scrambling everywhere.  I was just hoping he would be able to get one by himself; no need for an entire basketful (as it appeared was the goal for some of them...).  After about a total of 5 seconds, the hunt was over.  

Ready for the hunt

 

Then, we met "Ella" the bunny.  Eli enjoyed petting it, of course.  

 

After that, we headed inside so he could claim his prize.  All the kids were able to pick a colored token out of a bucket when we first arrived, which corresponded to the same color of table with prizes.  We chose a stuffed bunny for him.  I think he was a bit overwhelmed by the selection.

Then, we were on our way home (after being there a total of 10 minutes).  It was a quick adventure.  Next weekend, Eli will get a chance to meet the Easter bunny.

Trying out a sucker for the first time

 

Eli's prize:  An Easter bunny

Little Fish

This morning, we took Eli to a local hotel swimming pool, where you can pay a fee to swim without being a hotel guest.  This idea was given to me by my hair stylist, who also takes her little boy to the same pool.  There were three swimming areas, a zero-depth entry kiddie pool area, the regular big pool, and the hot tub.  

The water was SO cold, so we spent most of the time in the hot tub, which was more like warm bath water and not too hot, and the jets were turned way down.  As a bonus, they didn't even charge us to swim since the water was so cold.  

Eli was a little reluctant at first, but as he got used to the water, he started to have more fun.  He liked the kiddie pool area the best.  When we were on our way home, every time we asked him if he had fun, he would laugh and give us the biggest smile:)

 

 

Snow Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Shea Turns 5!

We celebrated Shea's fifth birthday this weekend.  
It was a fun party, and we were introduced to the 
"Wild Kratts" with the theme this year.  

There was boundless energy with all 5 kids, 
ranging in age from 5 to 1-1/2. 

 Liam, Layla, Grady, Eli, Shea

 Gift opening

 

 Blowing out the candles

Eli enjoyed checking out his new "Wild Kratts" vest, complete with interchangeable animal badges.  His bag of party favors also included animal fun fact cards, a safari animal book, along with a few other treats. 

A High Five to the Two Lovebirds

For the longest time now, I have been working on giving a "high five" with Eli.  I started trying this out with him after it seemed like EVERYONE asked him to give them a high five when we were out and about; family, friends, and strangers alike.  He would always just look at them like they were crazy.  No promises on him doing it on command, but at least this is a start:)

A "high five" also goes out to the two lovebirds, recently engaged!  

Congratulations to Megan and Jeff!!