laying out her clothes

So each morning Sam asks me to lay out her clothes so she can see how her outfit will look. Totally ridiculous but it takes less than a minute so it isn't worth a fight and most mornings I lay her clothes out to create "make a Sam on the floor".
Today when I was done putting the girls down for nap and cleaning up the kitchen I found this on the floor in the family room.

Complete with a crown, earrings and ring! She laid out her post-nap outfit.

This is a moment I don't ever want to forget because I have a feeling this will be a phase that will pass quickly. And it is adorable!

a little more from our family weekend

I think we made it through the four days without Chris with only one major tantrum (Sam, not Avery), which for us right now is pretty incredible. Sam really loved being "helpful" with Chester and just couldn't get enough of seeing him smile and laugh. Pretty sure she drove her Aunt Lori nuts asking over and over again if she could hold him. Lots of cuddles, laughs, good catching up and watching the cousins play. Uncle Chris and Daddy Chris were both missed a lot. We can't wait till we can all be together again.

Chris has an exam coming up on Thursday so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers this week.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

cousin Chester

We got to spend some time with the girl's cousin Chester today. Oh how I have missed this little man!
I hate that we live half a country away. The girls really loved tormenting  playing with him. It was really sweet to see how much Sam wanted to play with him and be near him. She thought he was so much fun and went to bed tonight telling me all about what she couldn't wait to do with him tomorrow.

Here are a few shots that I got from today.

the hot tub

Hanging out in the hot tub at Nana and Grandpa's house.

She swam around in it just like a little pool!

Easter

Well, it's only May! That means that Easter was...well a long time ago. Oops.

But better late than never I suppose.

We played,

 decorated eggs,

 found Easter baskets,

 got new cubbies hats,

 hunted for Easter eggs,

 and wore our Easter best!

 We had a great time hiking, playing and celebrating with Nana and Grandpa.

Hope you all had a great Easter weekend.