A budding artist

This spring, Avery is discovering painting. Last summer was too insane with our move and she was only 20 months. This spring, she's 2 1/2 and loving the ability to paint (though she's not as patient as her sister was at this age). Oh well, different personalities, for sure.

A cute photo shoot

This morning was a beautiful one and the girls looked cute in their Sunday dresses, so we went out for a little photo shoot in the front yard. Avery was the usual "ham" for the camera and Cambria was just plain sweet. They are a funny pair.

Family in the NW

We have had the weirdest weather this spring in the NW. Everyone says that it's not normal. I hope not. My mom has been here over a week and we've only had 1 day without a sleet shower. It's also been in the 30s at night and hardly breaking 50 degrees in the day.

Jeff enjoying the sleet on Monday, April 21st!!! (We also had some today, the 23rd)

The girls catching snowflakes on their tongue.

Jeff and the girls stalked my friends and I at Snoqualmie Falls. They "happened" upon us on the hiking trail.

Family picture at the Falls.

Jeff and the girls on his 32nd bday.

Non-stop visitors

We have had non-stop visitors during April. First, my college girlfriends came for a fun-filled weekend. We went all over the Seattle area, rain or shine (mostly rain). Then, my friend Jackie, her husband and daughter Molly stayed for three nights. Jackie and I were interns at Maadi Community Church in Cairo, Egypt in 97-98. I hadn't seen her in 5 years and neither of us had met the others' children. Lately, we've had my mom and brother Greg visiting. The girls are on cloud-nine having so much attention. I have a feeling that both mom and Greg will be exhausted when they leave this weekend.

Jackie, Molly, Cambria, Me and Avery

Cambria, Grandma Jacks and Avery

College girlfriends: me, Christie, Nicole and Maggie at the Chittendem Locks in Ballard.

Baby shower

This past Saturday some friends threw me a baby shower. Since this is my third child, and I've hardly put any thought into her fast approaching arrival, it was wonderful to take some time and celebrate her life inside of me. I am truly appreciative of every new friend I've made in Maple Valley. I've only lived here about 9 months and I've been blessed beyond my imagination. My favorite part of the shower was the time of prayer through each stage of our baby girl's life -- pregnancy, birth, first year, toddler years, preschool, elementary school, jr high, high school, and for her own faith in God someday. It was a very special time.

33 weeks pregnant

The amazing spread (I ate too many of the carrot cake cookies...they had yummy icing in the middle)

My mom worked out her spring trip to WA to coincide with the shower.

Party planners and dear friends, Andrea and Heidi

A few funny stories

I've sent these stories to the grandparents and other family, but thought others might enjoy them:

Cambria bought a porcelein tea set with her $5 Easter money from her grandparents. She told me this morning, "I shouldn't have bought this tea set. I'm obsessed with it...I can't stop playing with it."

Cambria and Avery were playing doctor recently. Cambria asked Avery, "what issues do you have?" Avery responded by going into the bathroom and bringing back tissues for Cambria.

Avery loves the computey (computer). She knows how to say computer but thinks it is hilarious to call it computey.

A Snow Day

We received a late March snow last night and this morning. When it was over, we had about 3 inches, which is a lot for here. The girls went out last night and this morning before it all melted away.

Trying to hit the neighbor boys with snowballs.

The master pitcher.

The girls climbing up the backyard tiers.

Cambria is catching snowflakes on her tongue.

Avery always has to do what "sister" is doing.

Making Easter eggs

Cambria thoroughly enjoyed decorating eggs this year. It was the first year that I've done this activity with her. I feel bad that it's taken so long, but last year Jeff and I were traveling the country to interview with churches...the year before that Avery was young and I let it slip away.

Avery had very little interest in decorating eggs this year. She was more inclined to pull over the tablecloth and knock over the colored water. :-)

A cute ballet picture

Cambria is loving ballet. I've been amazed at how much she has learned this year. She is very excited about her recital in June.

A ponytail

Avery is always feeling her hair to see if it is as long as "sister's." The other day I was able to pull it back in a ponytail. She was so proud.

A little singing and dancing from Avery

It is rare that I can capture Avery doing anything on video. She seems to shut down when the camera is on. However, this particular day she was in a little more of a performance mood since Aunt Katie was visiting. I think that the grandparents, aunts and uncles will enjoy this view of the ever changing Avery.

A pregnancy update

Several people have requested a belly picture (this one is thanks to my great photographer, Cambria). I am 26 weeks and feeling pretty good these days. However, I see this photo and realize that I feel a LOT bigger than I look.