Mr. Bunny 2011

We celebrated Easter this year in Creston with Grandpa Rex, Grandma Mary and ALL of the cousins on Ryan's side. Just so you know how confusing it gets...we have Cole, Cal, and Kai for our very busy, very blonde, little boys. I'm not sure I called Kai by the right name all weekend. The kids had a wonderful time dying eggs, hunting eggs outside that Mr. Bunny left (that sneaky little bunny) and having a slumber party downstairs. Slumber party makes it sound like sleeping was involved, when, in reality, there was really very little of that going on!

I did try again this year to explain why we celebrate Easter but when Zo tried to tell the story to the younger kids it come out "Well, today is the day Jesus woke up, decided he wanted out of the cave and pushed a giant rock out of the way because he is super strong." I may have to take some of the fault for my poor story-telling skills but the story comes from a cave we see while driving. If any of you drive from Ottumwa to Bloomfield you have seen the church that has the cave out by the road with the huge boulder in front. That cave has prompted more questions from Zoie about death, Jesus and sins. It has been a good learning tool--for her and me. I have had to call Grandma Linda on more than one occasion to clarify myself!

We also owe a big thank you to Grandpa and Grandma for watching the kiddos while we went to Des Moines for a day and on Sunday ran together. They were entertained though--Thor was in full costume and carrying an oversized hammer! Happy Easter 2011!

Random Updates....

If I were a student, I would surely flunk on posting new updates on the blog. My apologies...life has been nothing short of crazy the past few months. So, allow me to bring you up to speed. Zo still changes her clothes no less than five times a day. I her took to the Prom Walk the other day and ever since her choice attire includes some sort of dress and heels. She is all girl....

Kai LOVES his vacuum cleaner. Yes, it is pink but I think he is manly enough to pull it off. No doubt he is trying to clean up one of his messes but I love him for trying!

I have no idea where "Because I Love You Day" came from but Zoie insisted we celebrate it by picking random presents out for each other from around the house and wrapping them in various gift bags and boxes. Zo and Kai gave me a stuffed elephant and some cards. Just what I always wanted....

I continue to be amazed at Zo's teacher, Mrs. Greiner. She somehow managed to teach the kids two plays and put on a show for the parents. It made my day for sure. Zoie was the "ugly duckling" and got to wear her white fur vest and sparkly skirt after she became the "beautiful swan" so she was excited. They all did an amazing job.

Wow, this update is from Valentine's Day. Just another reminder of how behind I am! The kiddos were spoiled rotten from most everyone and Lori Dixon made sure they had some pretty special gifts. Try to ignore the horrible smile Zoie is giving--I have no idea what she is doing!

More V-Day fun...heart shaped pizza!

Kai adores his daddy so much and he does EVERYTHING he does. Very sweet. Bittersweet for me. Every time he does something cute I think about how much I will miss not having a toddler around in a few years.

Life has thrown a couple curve balls our direction lately and I continue to be thankful for the family that surrounds me. No matter how hard the day has been, both of our babies greet us with smiles and hugs and that pretty much fixes everything. I often wonder what exactly the Lord has in store for us and where he will lead us but I never wonder about what my first priority is--this family. I resolve to do better about posting more frequently...at least I will try to do better! Love always, Shan

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy 38th Birthday Daddy!! Thank you for putting your heart and soul into this family every day. We love you--Shan, Zo and lil man