MARCH

 Following in the tradition my mom set, we alternate every other birthday with a "Family Birthday" one year and a "Friends Birthday" another year.  However, Emma's birthday celebration got replayed about four different times this year, lucky girl.  Here we are crashing in on Brad's birthday celebration at Texas Roadhouse and we let Emma get some of the birthday attention as well.  She loves the birthday saddle and getting a "Yeeeee-Haaaaaaaaaaa!"

Afterwards we went back to the Jensens for gifts, dessert, and survivor.  Here's Lydia, my funny little diva.  She loves to dress herself, change outfits multiple times a day, and wear these non prescription glasses as an accessory.  

The leprechaun came and left the girls quite the "lucky loot." 

I made them each a rainbow in a jar, telling them they're the gold at the end of my rainbow.

We had a progressive dinner with my extended family and enjoyed getting our Kylee and Brody time in.  They've been visiting for spring break and we've tried to see them as much as possible.  

We really enjoyed supporting my cousin Jake as he went through the temple for the first time.  If this were Instagram I would label this photo as follows.....

#likealittlebrother#closerthananephew#butreallyjustmycousin

Still trying to get our Kylee and Brody fill we crashed a Jensen dinner and then joined them all for bowling afterwards.  I'm just joking when I say we "crashed" the party, because honestly, it's not a party without us there ;)

Okay.  Let's get something straight.  A first grader does not do a science fair project....her parents do.  I'm okay with it though, because besides the board, the research and the actual experiment, what Ryan and I are really doing is getting Emma excited about learning and pushing herself to think outside the box.

Emma had a great time and was beside herself over the medal she won.  Her project was Cartesian Divers.  It was less of an experiment than a visual aide showing how air pressure causes objects to sink or float. 

A real treat for us is when Ryan's parents were passing through town and had some time to come over for a slumber party.  We loved having them in our home and letting the girls get some grandparent time. 

For Easter my parents and I took my girls and the Pete boys to the park for a yummy picnic. 

My parents put on a great egg hunt....

 ...and then we ended with the annual Royal Egg Joust, a hit every year.

 When we got home we gave the girls a talk about the importance of sisters.  We told them we had a little surprise gift for them to share since they are so sweet to each other.  So they went on a hunt throughout the house looking for a gift...what awaited them was in the basket. 

Lydia hugging her dad for making this possible.....yeah, like HE was the one behind it all.

 Holland Lop Bunny....$40

Rabbit cage $52

 Rabbit food, mulch, and litter box....$24

Creating a magical childhood.....priceless

Let me be slightly honest....I got the rabbit for ME, just as much as anyone else.