BFF's!

Emma Kate has a best friend. . . he just so happens to by hairy and has 4 legs.  Emma Kate wakes up in the morning (ever morning!) and shouts for "Olie".  When she eats, Oliver is no dummy he is right there beside her chair.  At night as we are headed up the stairs to put her to sleep, she waves and says "bye" to Oliver and Ryan.  The love is in the air.

To my dismay, she even feels the need to hand feed Oliver sometimes . . . .



Circus!

I saw online there was a Circus coming to Allen, TX.  Please don't mistaken me - it was no Barnum & Bailey Circus by any means!  Not even close!  But, these smaller circuses are perfect for kids under the age of 4.  They get an up close look at the different acts and it doesn't hurt the pocketbook.  A Win-Win!

The only bummer. . . it was a major bummer.. . .I completely overlooked the fact that it was a circus under a tent.  Meaning it's not inside and it just so happen to be FREEZING that day.  We got there early and were bundled up in jackets but that wasn't enough even for me and Bobby.  So, Bobby (love him!) quickly drove back home and gathered gloves, hats and a big warm blanket.  Ahhh, much better!

The kids really enjoyed the show!  Ryan's favorite act was the trapeze acrobats.  Emma Kate's favorite act included the dog show.  She kept pointing to the dogs and saying "Oliver"!  Too funny.



Look how close we are!  The circus kept the kids attention the full 1 1/2 hours.



At intermission, they offered rides on the elephant and ponies.  Look who is right in front. . .



Happy Easter!

Happy Easter!  It's crazy to look back at pictures from last Easter and seeing how young the kids were especially Emma . . she was only 4 months old! 

We had a great Easter Weekend - Had a Easter Bunny visit with cousin Lauren, Easter Service at Church and then a family gathering at Nanny & Pops house to eat some yummy food and of course have an Easter egg hunt for the kids.

Aunt Tara, Uncle Brandon and Lauren invited us to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Purple Cow.  About 10 minutes in, the Easter Bunny bent down and almost lost his head.  Oops!  Well, of course, Ryan watched all of this go down and then asked in the most sweetest voice, "Daddy, why is the Easter Bunny an old man"?  Hmmm, we weren't really sure how to answer this one so we distracted him by asking if he wanted more pancakes. . .end of discussion.  Phew!

Emma Kate wasn't really down with the Easter Bunny. . . .at first.

She quickly realized he was no stranger and then she turned on the charm.  Hey Easter Bunny, you want to give me a high-five?

Peek-a-boo!  What a little flirt!

Kids even sat still for a picture!

Easter morning, the kids loved opening their baskets from Grandma and Grandpa Weilbacher. 

It was pouring rain Easter morning so we decided to skip our regular 9:15am service and attend the 11am instead.  We all needed the extra time to get ready -- the kids looked so cute in their Easter attire! 

Easter Dinner at Nanny and Pops House.  This boy melts his Mama's heart.

Cousin Brooklyn is running through the short list of rules - the "do's and don'ts" of an Easter Egg Hunt.  Everyone listening except for Emma Kate.

And their off!  Brooklyn is getting eggs for Emma!

Well, looky here!  What's in one of these things?

One happy girl - her Easter basket was getting hard to carry!

Ryan checking out all his eggs!

Hawaii and a new camera!

As a lot of you already know, Bobby and I went to Maui in March and stayed at the beautiful Ritz Carlton Hotel.  It was a Showtime Sponsored Trip which was part of a sales incentive that my team won.  You can't beat a free vacation especially when it's in Hawaii of all places! 

On a side note, Bobby and I have been wanting to purchase a new camera for awhile now and this trip was a good reason to just suck it up and buy one.  And, I am so glad we did!  We bought it literally a few days before our trip -- read the owner's manual over the 8+ hour flight to Maui.  Pretty much taught ourselves how to use the 1,000 different settings.  We are not professional photographers by any means but I think the pictures turned out great!

Like I said, the Ritz Carlton in Maui was just beautiful!  They had spacious rooms and the views from anywhere in the resort were breathtaking . . . . take a look!

Entryway at the Hotel

It was a quick 5 minute walk from our hotel to Fleming Beach.  This beach is well-known with the locals for having some of the biggest waves for surfing.  Bobby didn't surf at this beach -- thank goodness! We did have a fun time trying to jump the waves - they were huge and well over our heads.  Bobby took a few beatings but always went back in for more. . .

Bobby and I took a surf lesson and had a blast.  No pictures of us surfing with our classmates (maybe that's a good thing!).  But, we both got up lots of times and successfully rode the "baby" waves without too many falls. . .

Having lunch in Lahaina. . .

Famous Banyan Tree in Lahaina

One night we were treated to dinner at a estate that was nestled in the mountains.  The view from the backyard was awesome!

Here is a picture of my team - our first SHOWTIME Incentive Trip! 

. . . with our spouses/siblings

A dear friend of mine, Lisa.

We were also treated to a Ccatamaran ride to look at whales.  Again, have I mentioned how happy I am with my new camera?!?

Little cold and wet on the boat but I will manage. . .I am in paradise.

Spent an evening in Lahaina shopping and eating at the famous Lahaina Grill.  Bobby and I can both agree it was one of the best meals we've ever eaten -- hint:  there was lobster and fillet involved!

Of course, we were constantly trying out new settings on the camera.  Bobby is definitely the better photographer  - here are a few flower shots. . .

This was our last day on the island, we had lunch at the Ritz Carlton Country Club -- again, there is not a bad view from anywhere on the resort.

We have videos of us zip lining and will definitely post those soon!