The Royal Wedding

Will & Kate...awe, the Royal Wedding! No, we didn't wake up at 4AM to watch it, but we did start watching it at 6AM. I thought Kate looked absolutely amazing, and cried. Why must I cry during weddings? K was so cute...kept calling Kate "Cinderalla"! Of course, it turned into K is a Princess and she is getting married.

We needed to head to school and I said, "Ok, Princesses off to school."

K corrected me, "Madison isn't a princess, she isn't wearing a dress."

"Well, you aren't either."

"I'm wearing pink though."

So, I guess you are a Princess if you either wear a dress or pink.

K did put the Princess Crown on MM though....

Run K Run

Oh, does K like to run! We never pushed her to run, but I think she likes it since Mommy & Daddy runs. She started off in the running stroller and now runs with us....and she is fast! I can't wait to get her in a race! She can run a little over a mile, but typically likes to race us to the poles. She does have that competitive edge!

Race to the Pole during a Family Walk

Yes, K is sticking out her tongue. Expect the pictures for the next 5 years to be like this.

Last Day of Swim Lessons

K had her last day of Swim Lessons on Wednesday and she did so good! I can't believe how comfortable she is in the water and how she genuinely wants to be a better swimmer. IE. Practice in the bathtub...blowing bubbles, kicking, floating on her back. The last day all the kids got a Report Card, which K thinks is a Birthday Card. I explained that it tells you what you are doing well and what you need to work on. I ask her, "What do you think you need to work on?" Her response, "Nothing." Well, we may need to work on this concept. However, on the report card the teacher noted that K respected the teacher/students, followed directions, and set an example in class. That is all I needed to hear.

We go back to swim lessons in July, and hopefully will hit the pool several times until then.

Maddie May First Chuckles

Yesterday, I came back from a quick run. Out of breath, I went to see K playing in her room with Daddy while Maddie watched. All of sudden, MM bursted into a chuckle! We all looked at each other...did she just laugh? K was just making "salad"...not too silly. But MM sure got a kick out of it.

Thanks again to my iPhone...here is MM's first chuckles:

Next Picasso...

Latest artwork from Miss K.

K has been drawing "people" like this for the past year, and it is quite impressive. Very Tim Burton....large body with long legs. This picture is of Daddy with whiskers holding Maddie. This is the first time K drew whiskers and fingers...her artwork is evolving. Enjoy.

10-Year High School Reunion

Yes, my 10 Year High School Reunion is coming up this year! And yes, I'm in charge of it!

It has been on my "Mommy Project" list while out on Maternity Leave, but I haven't had time to even start my "Mommy Project" List! What was I thinking?!? Two Days left of Maternity Leave!

I got the Venue, Food, DJ, and a website (http://rhs2001.myevent.com/). But the next big thing is trying to track down everyone, so I went through the yearbook yesterday to get a Master Alumni list....no, the school doesn't provide one. Facebook is helpful, but we only captured 40% of the class. So this will be a project for the next couple of months.

Anyhow, I scanned old yearbook pictures....so you can make fun of me.

Best All-Around...Mr. & Miss RHS

Probably one of the most embarrassing moments of my life.

I like attention, but not the "walk down the aisle with a crown and scepter attention".

Rather be behind the scenes. The best part of being Miss RHS, was my friends would go to random people, restaurants, anywhere saying, "Do you know who she is? Miss RHS." No, we never got anything free or royal treatment out of it.

Best Attitude

Oh, dear. I look awful.

I have a bad attitude about this picture.

Senior Class Officers

Vice President Kristen...my slogans were "Vote for Kristen or She'll Lose" and "Vote for Kristen May and Have a Nice Day".

I was surprised that all the clothing is pretty much in style now.

Student Council

I'm actually surprise how many life experiences I got out of StuCo.

We went to a series of International Affairs Luncheons, where we would have 3 Course sit down meal and listen to speakers. We were the only kids.

I went to Monterey, Mexico to stay with a family where we went to school and did charity work. Then, one of the Monterey students stayed with us.

Also, went to several leaderships camps and events.

PAL's (Peer Assistance Leadership)

I have a very special place in my heart for PALs. This was an organization that mentored elementary kids and acted as Mediators at school. You are assigned to about 4 kids a year and I learned just as much as they did. Huge progress in one year. Also, learned how to mediate, which I wanted to do study more at UT...but didn't want to go to Law School.

Hoppy Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter in San Antonio! All of siblings came in to town, so it was nice to ALL to get together. Saturday Night, we decorated eggs and made gourmet pizzas. K was quite serious about decorating. The girls woke up to their Easter Baskets and half-eaten carrots. K hunted for the eggs inside in the morning and outside in the afternoon. She gets so excited running around that she forgets to actually pick up the egg and put it in the basket! Too funny. Happy Easter!

Hard at work

Dying Easter Eggs

Don't think she cracked a smile

Putting out the Carrots

Sunday Morning...someone ate them!

So excited for the Easter Baskets!

Easter Baskets!

Family Picture

On the way home...

...totally different schedules!

Field-trip to the Witte Museum

We weren't planning to go to the Witte Museum during our quick trip to San Antonio, but since K is sooo into Dinosaurs we decided to embrace this time. K's face was priceless when we saw the Triceratops, which is Daddy's favorite by the way. Every exhibit K would say "That's my favorite!" My favorite dinosaur bone, dinosaur footprint, dinosaur picture...etc, etc. I was excited to show her some beautiful Fiesta dresses, but she wasn't too interested. But she was really into the "Mommies" aka "Mummies". She kept asking lots of questions, only so much I could say about a wrapped up dead person to a three year old.

The Witte also has a kid's Treehouse with interactive stations for the kiddos, K had fun....but I think Uncle Tyler, Aunt Caitlin, and Daddy had more fun. Overall, great trip with the exception of meltdown of all meltdowns occur on the way out at the gift shop. She wanted a pink helmet, we weren't going to pay for it. It was nasty.

K couldn't take her eyes off it!

Her favorite Bone

Engineer trying to explain to 3-Yr-Old

Floating Ball

Seriously Eric?!?

Building a Log Cabin

Kaylee with Mommy, Uncle T, Aunt Caitlin

Family Pic at the Treehouse

The NOW famous pink hat..

Southbound 35...flat tire

After the Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning, we headed to San Antonio. And yep, I had my first flat tire...and of course it had to be on busy I-35. Thank Goodness for Eric! Couldn't imagine being by myself....on I-35....with the girls. Something flew and hit our car and next thing I know the steering wheel was shaking and then a weird noise. K kept asking "What broke?" We pulled over and sure enough...tire was completely flat.

But in 20 minutes, E had it fix. 5 minutes of it was trying to locate the tools under our massive luggage. Phew....

Easter Egg Hunt!

It was our 3rd year to go to the big Old Settler's Easter Egg Hunt...and we have it down to a science. Go to the earliest time, get out of the car while E parks, do the bouncy castles while one parent stays in the line, and right before the Easter Egg Hunt ends book it to the Easter Bunny line. It took 23 minutes to do the Hunt, Easter Bunny, Firetruck, and back to the car. Yep, avoided long lines and any potential meltdowns. AND...everyone had a great time!

Going on the Big Kid Bouncy Castle

On a Mission

Maddie eating during the Hunt

K having lots of fun!

Smiles? Totally different than prior years...

Ernst Girls with the Easter Bunny

We are in THAT phase of pictures...

Beginning to look like Easter...

Every holiday we make cookies...lots and lots of cookies. Easter was no different. This year I stepped it up and did the full out royal icings on the butter cookies and a sugary frosting on a sugar cookie. It was easy for the most part, but just took time. K had fun of course and MM just watched. We also also made some adorable bird's nest too....didn't taste too good, but were soo cute!

Warning...made get hungry:

Rolling out the dough

Did more licking than work

Attempting to pipe

K's favorite...putting the eggs in the nests

Seriously...adorable!

Happy K

Lil' Maddie May

Dinosaurs and Weddings

Like any other 3-Year-Old, K is into Dinosaurs and Weddings.

I waited a few weeks to post anything on the Dinosaurs, since I wasn't sure if it was a week fad or something. Nope, she has been into Dinosaurs for the past month or so. Obsessed with them. Her favorite is Ty Rex. Every night we read the Magic School Bus Dinosaur book, which is more of a 4th Grader book but we read it anyways. It's a good book but long, and K asks a million questions! I've never knew so much about dinosaurs. There is also a TV show called Dino Dan, which is the current favorite. Not really sure where the interested came from, but we are going with it.

Dinosaurs!

Now....weddings. Everyone know K loves weddings, but did you know everyday around 4PM she gets married to Chase? Yep, she stands on the fireplace, faces Chase, and kisses him. Not to mention, she gets the chairs out for the "people" to sit. I asked if she wants be to "play" with her...nope. Totally content on playing wedding with herself. So, you hear her talk wedding stuff...but I can't comment on it since it would interrupt her.

You may kiss the bride...

What to do if you leave an imaginary friend at the store....

Every Saturday morning we have K's Gymnastics. Originally, I thought it would be a great opportunity to give K extra attention. But she wants the girls (Mommy & MM) to watch her....every Saturday morning. SO, E gets to stay home, relax, go mountain biking...while I get to tag team the girls. Not complaining, just saying it takes some work.

Two Saturdays ago, we had our girl's gymnastics outing and I decided to stop by the Grocery Store to pick up literally 5 things. It was pushing it, since MM needed to feed right about then, but I was going to make it work. It was a disaster to say to the least....can't find anything, K running around, got in the wrong line, took 10 minutes to check-out, HEB Buddy Machine wouldn't work, etc, etc. Finally, get to the car and buckle in the girls...to realize I left my phone in the grocery cart. urgh. Unbuckled the girls, went back to the cart...nothing, went to customer service....nothing, finally a lady comes running to by rescue with my phone.

Get back to the car and started to head home with a half-crying hungry baby, when K shouted "Oh No!!!". I started to slow down and asked what's wrong. K informed me that we left Daisy at HEB. Yes, Daisy...her imaginary friend. She insisted on turning around to pick her up. Ok, what to do? I am not going back to the store to pick up an imaginary friend, but K was devastated. SO, like any other mother, I called Daisy's mom to tell her that Daisy is at HEB and she needs to go pick her up. K butts in and said that Daisy's mom needs to drop her off for at our house for a playdate and we will have cheese and grapes. So, I added that in as well.

All happened before 10:30AM........

Chocolate Eggs....and Daddy! Score.

K is a negotiator. You tell her to do something, she bargains with you. Can't blame her, because we do it with her.

On our way to swim lessons Wednesday, K was telling me all the things she was going to do...blow bubbles, kick fast, go under water, catch the pink ring, and jump off with no hands. In return, she wanted Chocolate Eggs from our Easter candy stash. As we pulled in, Eric was standing on the sidewalk to surprise her. K was BEYOND excited! She shouted...."Chocolate Eggs and Daddy!

In this girl's life, she was complete. What is better than Chocolate Eggs and Daddy!

She totally showed off during swim lessons. She did her first dive and told the teacher "No Hands" when it was her turn to jump off the side of the pool.

That day....she got five Chocolate Eggs and a big hug from Daddy.

This is the way we go to school, go to school

This week the girls transitioned to school...big week for us.

Monday...beginners' luck, everyone was happy. Tuesday...all three girls cried...yes, me too. Wednesday....working out the routine. And Thursday...we are on to something.

They started off with two hours, then 3, then 4 and eventually will stay all day later next week. Sooo glad we started the transition two weeks prior me going back to work.

We pushed back MM's bedtime to 10PM and sure enough like clockwork she is waking up at 6AM....8 hour sleeper to the tee. Adjusting K to wake up earlier took a few days, but we are there now. You know what this means? Mommy & Daddy can't sleep in on the weekends....ever.

K absolutely loves school and a big part of it is her best bud Blake. He has welcomed and eased K right in. She doesn't even say goodbye....peace out Mom I'm going to school. Tear.

MM is such a 2nd child, comfortable with everyone. She is doing great and will thrive at school.

Mommy....after a meltdown, she will be just fine. ;)

Going back to school wouldn't be complete without....New Lunchboxes!

Easter Back-Up Plan

I checked the weather this morning and saw rain on Easter, so I said, "Oh No!" K asked why and I explained that it may rain on Easter and the Easter Egg Hunt may get cancelled. K's response....

"It's ok, Mommy. We leave for the store and leave the door open. Easter Bunny goes inside and hides the eggs and leave chocolate chicks. That way the eggs and baskets and chocolate don't get wet from the rain outside. Right? We need to give the Easter Bunny an umbrella. "

On another note, Maddie had made a pretty loud bowel movement this morning and K responded "She's pooping lots of jelly beans!" Thanks, Hop.

Playdates 101

Now that Maddie is sleeping really good at night, our social life is resuming back to normal. Last week, we had a playdate everyday...yes, kid playdates and adult playdates. So what makes a successful playdate? Lets take a look back last week.

Monday: Mommy Playdate

-Success....Went out for dinner during Austin Restaurant Week with Julie. Good food, beautiful night, good company. Embraced the adult conversation and didn't worry about the girls....hard to do, but with practice you will actually enjoy yourself.

Tuesday: Daddy Playdate

-Success: Mountain Biking and Beer. Enough said.

Tuesday: Maddie Playdate

-Success: Met up with a Momma from Prenatal Yoga who has an adorable little girl a week or so older than MM. They slept, we caught up, and K got frozen yogurt.

Wednesday: Mommy/Daddy Date Playdate

-Needs improvement: After a stressful hectic day, I didn't want to go. But before we got married, we vowed to have date-nights regardless have how many kids. Aunt Melissa & Uncle Kev were gracious enough to watch TWO kids. So, we went out to a nice dinner and had good conversation about our kids. ha. Until Singapore called E for work, his boss just moved over there so he needed to talk. And the boss DID apologize for interrupting the first date after baby#2. It was nice, but I know we can do better. ;)

Thursday: Family Playdate

-Success: Went for a walk as a family. Nothing out of the ordinary, but when you name it a "Family Playdate"....K gets excited.

Friday: K's Playdate

-Success: Oldest friend Blake came over and boy are they silly. They wore each other out so much, both were asleep by 7:30PM! Total success.

Saturday: Group Playdate

-Success: Had a few adult/kids over. Kids played while the Adults had to much fun drinking sangria and homebrews. You know it was a good playdate if it started at 2PM and lasted to 11PM...lol. ;)

9 to 5

Two weeks and counting until I go back to work. But Maddie is ahead of the game, she is doing 9 to 5.....that is sleeping from 9PM to 5AM. I can write it down now that is has been over a week. The 5AM feeding is rather small, so hopefully she will lose that soon too. I feel the more she sleeps the happier she is. I can't believe how many smiling pictures I have of her. With K, I struggled to capture that smile. So, either Maddie is really a smiling baby and/or I owe it to the iPhone to capture all the "In-the-Moment" pics!