Update on the children: Ellery loves all things pretend. She has a dress-up closet that could rival any "princess" around and she changes outfits at least 4 times daily. She is quite an actress and I am currently looking for a drama class for summer(I'm not joking).

Dane is 100% a 2 year old little boy. He loves to run, climb, jump, and throw at any time of the day. He has also become particular about his clothing and mainly wants to wear t-shirts(which drives me nuts). He is also testing his boundaries on a daily basis and spending a least part of his day in time-out. The only problem with time-out is that he thinks it is a game and laughs every time I put him in it! Any suggestions???

It is both a challenging and joyful time with the children.....when they are not making me crazy, I am overwhelmed at how completely precious and sweet they have become.

I have been such a terrible blogger as of lately. Let's do some catching-up. Last weekend we spent a great weekend in Palm Desert. The weather here this time of year is unpredictable.....lately it has been only reaching the high 60's(mama is ready for the 70's and 80's). The desert is always warmer and you are almost 100% guranteed sun. We always have a great time there playing by the pool and enjoying all the wonderful restaurants. This trip I took the children to a water park. The park was not great for small children, but we made due and had a great time regardless.

On a side note, tomorrow I register Ellery for Kindergarten. I actually started to get a little choked-up when I picked up the packets and walked into her elementary school for the first time. As a former Kindergarten teacher, it feels quite odd to be on the other side.

Dane, Ellery, and Tatum(Ellery's best friend next door).

A few from Saturday's Easter egg hunt at our beloved YMCA. Poor Dane was almost trampled, but big sister moved quickly and made-up for Dane's 2 measley eggs!

Darin's mom and dad.

Darin's mom, aunt, and Nana.

Nana.

Easter was full of excitement and love. We began the day with opening our Easter baskets, playing with new toys, a visit to the park, Easter egg hunt, an earthquake, and dinner with the family. Yes, you read that right.... an earthquake. For those of you who have not seen the news, around 3:00 yesterday afternoon we had a 7.0 earthquake. I had just finished my first glass of champagne and thought maybe it was hitting me pretty hard until everyone else seemed to be feeling the same effect. It lasted about a minute, but felt like an eternity. Everything appears to be fine, other than a new, large crack in the fire pit.

Following the excitement, we had 16 people for dinner and it was quite a feast. Darin cooked a DELICIOUS tenderloin on the grill and everyone brought a yummy side dish. We also celebrated Nana's 85th birthday......doesn't she look amazing??