who is that, mama?

Uncle Brian just returned from vacation, snowmobiling in Wyoming and Montana.  He grew a mustache and {funny looking} beard while he was gone.  He came to visit and the facial hair really threw Lucas for a loop.  I said, "Lucas, look who's here?"  He looked at him, looked back at me... confused.  He crawled onto my lap and said "who is that, mama?"  We told him Uncle Brian tricked him!  Hannah didn't even hesitate, she was reaching for Brian instantly, which is typical for her. 

It had been a while since we'd seen him, so we were happy for the visit.  The kids love playing with him, he even took Hannah on a walk in her stroller while Lucas rode his bike.

winter waterpark

It's sort of become an annual event to have a winter water park visit with local friends.  It has served as a good break from the cold, winter weather... which wasn't really too much of an issue this {mildly warm} winter.  We've been to King's Pointe in Storm Lake a couple of times, but this year we headed to Grand Harbor in Dubuque.  The location really doesn't matter to the kids, they have fun no matter what. 

Hannah doesn't look overly excited here... she was so content riding in her float and people watching. 

Ahh, the slides. 

At first, Lucas didn't want to go on the slides... then I talked him into going with me and he was in love... then Emma, Jenna and Ellie took him and his love multiplied.  They are always so good to Lucas. 

He was surrounded by girls; the only other little boy in our company was Garrett. 

I loved these shots coming down the slide. 

Pure fun.   

The water fountain thingys never cease to amaze.  Hannah couldn't get enough - let her touch one, she'd reach for another, then reach for another, or go back for the last one.  Then want to touch another.  Fun!

Love the splashes. 

Lucas and Garrett tossed the rings, played catch with the football and and trucks for a long time.  Good buddies.

 

Hannah enjoyed discovering the water all on her own, too.  She wibbled and wobbled all over the shallow end. 

We took a break from the water park and mom, Lucas, Sara, Ellie, Trista, Tara, Rylee, Loree, Emma, Ava, Caylie and Jenna went to the movie The Lorax.  

Hannah and dad hung out; she is not ready for a movie theatre!

A great movie! 

Lucas was intrigued the whole time and there is a great message.  Gotta love Dr. Seuss! 

pig tails

Another first - pig tails!

Oh my, she is growing up TOO FAST!

Bummer.

It is a beautiful Saturday... sunny and 65 degrees.
I've had the flu the last two days.
Lucas has it now.
Bummer.
We've confined ourselves with hopes of keeping Daddy and Hannah healthy.
Here's hoping!

Ashley's cake

Coach Ashley's birthday cake. 

My first cake for a non-family member.  I was so excited!

Always fun to try a new techinque - the 3D ball. 

Ava's birthday party

Ava S. turned 5 in February and Lucas was lucky enough to be invited to her birthday party.  I was lucky enough to be asked to make her cake.  A doubly fun event!  She had her birthday party at Phelps Youth Pavilion.  A great place for kids!

Birthday girl "working" at the grocery store.

Marc and Greg enjoyed the fun, too.  Greg has Sophie, five months old.

Mr. Climber.

Ava and Greg.

Craft time!

Lucas, Garrett, Ava, Jenna, Lucy

Ellie, Jaden, Emma, Rylee, Caylie, Addison

Ava requested a Hello Kitty cake with fresh strawberries on the sides. 

She was a happy customer!

The kids LOVED the pinata! 

Fun to celebrate and a great place for a birthday party.