Larkin Turns 3!

Our little girl turned three in May.  We can't believe how quickly time is flying.  She has brought us so much fun and entertainment, as well as more love than we could ever imagine.  We are so lucky to have two such sweet children.  For Larkin's birthday this year she wanted to go to the zoo so that is exactly what we did!  We had a great morning riding the carousel, seeing the animals, and visiting the petting zoo.  Later that day we had to celebrate with a yummy princess cake!

 A ride on the carousel.

 Right now Larkin is in a dress wearing stage in life so what better to wear to the zoo!

 Just taking a little snack break.

 Deep conversations with Daddy!

 Brayden getting ready to pet the sheep.

 Helping Brayden look for an easy-going sheep.

 Found one!

 Two horses that were not too big to ride!

 Our little princess ready for her princess birthday cake.

 Getting ready to blow out the candles.

 Everyone had to wear a crown, even Daddy!

 This stuff is messy!

 Present time!

 Larkin was so excited to open all of her presents.  She got lots of things for playing kitchen, some adorable clothes, and lots of princess stuff.  Thanks everyone!

We had several wardrobe changes throughout out the present opening process.

 Showing off all of her new stuff from Aunt Tara, Uncle Dan, and all of her cousins.

Look at all that bling.  Aunt Tara sure knows what little girls like!

Easter and the Botanical Gardens

Easter

This year Larkin has really gotten into all of the holidays.  She had a blast decorating Easter eggs and was so excited to wake up and see what the Easter Bunny had hidden around the house.  Brayden wasn't quite ready for dying eggs, but he sure had fun hunting for them!

Larkin getting ready for some Easter egg dying.

 Larkin and Daddy concentrating on getting those eggs just the right color.

Goodie basket time!

Why did Mommy make us wear these silly ears?

 Larkin searching for Easter eggs.

 Look, I found one!

Bradyen having fun with the empty eggs.

 Our happy little girl!

One of the goodies that the Easter Bunny brought was a kite. Here Larkin and Daddy are trying to fly it on a super windy day.  Might wait until she is a bit older to try that one again!

Success!

 Bray decided to sit down and watch all the excitement from the sidewalk.

A Visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens

Before the weather got too hot we decided to explore the botanical gardens.  Since we had never been before we weren't quite sure what to expect.  It was absolutely beautiful and full of color!  Larkin especially loved visiting the butterfly tent and Brayden enjoyed getting to roam around on all of the paths.  Amazingly, he didn't even try to grab any of the thousands of cacti around!

 Checking her butterfly guide.

 Our little caterpillar.

 Bray loved being able to wander around.

Trying to get them to pose together and smile is pretty much impossible!

Beginning of Spring

Beginning of Spring

Spring sure arrived quickly this year and has been keeping us busy.  First there was our visit from Doug, and after that Grandma came to visit for a few days.  It is always nice to have company!  We also watched Brayden master walking, have been going to Larkin's weekly dance class, went to Disney Princesses on Ice (which Larkin was mesmerized by!), sold Shaun's old gray truck, and lost our kitty, Willie.  What a start to spring!

A Visit From Grandma

We decided to take Grandma to the Phoenix Children's Museum to see all the cool rooms to play in.

Brayden showing off his walking skills in the planting flowers/home area.

 Larkin showing Grandma how she makes lunch in the cafe.

Larkin and Grandma walking through the three story maze in the center of the museum. 

 Yes, that is a bathtub with wings!

Getting ready for dance class.

 Celebrating Grandma's birthday a few days early.  Larkin loves to have cake and wear that Abby Cadabby  party hat.  Guess we will see what she chooses for her birthday theme this year in just a few more weeks!

 The Truck

After all these years we finally said goodbye to the truck.  She has been great, moved us and others numerous times, and was a necessity for hauling some of our Home Depot purchases.  Unfortunately she is not the most family friendly vehicle and was rarely being driven.  So after many offers from random notes left on the truck Shaun decided that if the right person asked he would be willing to consider it.  Along came our neighbor... his Father-in Law wanted to buy it for his seventeen year old nephew.  They put a little love into it, got it all cleaned up, and now is running like new.  What a happy teenager and we are happy that the truck has a new home and will get some use!

The old truck all cleaned up.  Even got some hubcaps!

Dance Class

 After a practice performance for their recital in June, Larkin's dance class had a little Easter celebration. 

Fun at the Park

Right now the weather is beautiful so we have been enjoying our weekend morning walks.  Of course we have to stop at every playground to play a little as we pass by.  Even Hailey, our dog, likes to play!

 Our Kitty

Unfortunately a few weeks ago our lovable kitty, Willie, went missing.  He loved to go out at night and was always waiting for us at the door in the morning, but this time he didn't come home.  We have looked and looked, but no luck.  He is missed (well by some of us more than others).