Preparing for Easter

Over the weekend we got into the Easter spirit with a few activities. We are hopeful that the warmer spring-like weather upon us will stay around for a while. It has been a very long winter!

The girls hanging out late last week. They are getting so big!

Friday morning, Gabby decorated her Easter basket for school. It is made out of a gallon milk jug and as a family homework project we were to decorate it.

First, we covered it in two layers of pink tissue paper.

Then, we decorated it with Easter and spring stickers and decals. Gabby had a lot of fun.

Friday evening, we colored eggs. They girls had a good time. Gabby loved using all of the colors and Adriana enjoyed watching her.

All done!

On Sunday, we went to Manhattan to hang out with friends and family. Nana surprised the girls with Easter gifts, which included big bubble wands. Daddy and Gabby made bubbles in Nana's backyard.

Nana holding Adriana as she smiled big for the camera.

Food, Bugs and Sleep

Adriana is now eating baby food. She loves rice cereal and vegetables. We will introduce fruits in another week or so after we get through all the veggies.

Yummy!

Gabby found a ladybug. For her birthday she got a bug catcher so she was able to carry it around all day. She was very excited about her finding.

Telling Adriana all about her ladybug.

Love the look on her face!

Yesterday evening Adriana was bouncing away in her jumper. After a few minutes we noticed that she was quiet. Her back was to us but we were certain she had fallen asleep. Sure enough she was snoozing. So, we spun the seat around to take a quick picture. Her cheeks are red because she fell asleep with her face on bouncer and then she picked her head up right before we took the photo.

FLASHBACK!

When Gabby was about one month older than Adriana is now, she fell asleep in the jumper, too. It's always fun to dig out old photos!

Spring Break in Chicago

We had a fantastic trip to Chicago this past week! We arrived in the city on Wednesday. That evening we hit the Magnificent Mile where Gabriella and Adriana visited the American Girl store for the first time. What an experience!

Gabriella showing her excitement as we wait for her doll, Chrissa (AG of the Year, 2009), to get her hair styled at the salon.

Chrissa now has beautiful pigtails!

Adriana just loves Chicago!

Gabby was able to pick out one outfit at the America Girl store and she immediatley fell in love with this ballerina outfit. After her bath, she asked to wear it and she danced around our hotel room. Below is a short series of photos displaying her dance moves!

Adriana enjoyed Gabby's performance!

On Thursday, we visited the Shedd Aquarium. Gabby LOVED it! She didn't want to leave despite how exhausted she was after missing her afternoon nap.

Gabby thought this enormous fish was so cool. She kept squeeling and laughing each time it swam by.

Mommy and Adriana.

Checking out the dolphins and the beluga whales.

The awesome water table.

Thursday evening we headed out to the suburbs to visit with David's family members. Many of them live in the area. We spent the weekend catching up with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in the Hardy and Mueller families.

Great-Grandma Hardy giving Adriana a bottle.

On Friday, we spent the day with Great-Grandma and Grandpa Mueller. The fitness center at their residence has a swimming pool so Gabby had an opportunity to swim with Daddy and Great Grandma Mueller in the afternoon. They all had a really good time.

We stayed with David's Uncle Kurt and Aunt Geriann and their three daughters over the weekend. The girls had a blast. This is a picture from their tea party. They each changed into a special dress and of course Gabby wanted to wear her new AG one!

This is a picture of the girls before bed. It was Gabby's first slumber party - what fun!

On Saturday, we visited David's Aunt Jenny and Uncle Bill and their three children. We attended Elmhurst's St. Patrick's Day parade. It was a lot of fun despite the wet and chilly weather.

Adriana catching a gimpse of the parade.

Daddy and Gabby watching the marching band.

After the parade, we went back to their home and Gabriella and Adriana had a chance to spend time with their cousins and Aunt and Uncle.

Later Saturday evening, we visited with the Hardy family again. All of the cousins enjoyed bonding with the girls.

Some of the cousins tried to help me put Adriana down for a nap, but we were unsucessful. Adriana found socializing with family much more fun.

***This is a special shout out to Sarah who faithfully follows our blog! You are in four more pictures!***

On Sunday, we headed north to Kenosha, Wisconsin to visit the Jelly Belly store. We took a short tour of the facility and it was really interesting and fun for the kids.

We each received a free sample of Jelly Belly candy, but we of course had to buy some in the candy store to take home with us.

Playing with cousins our last night in Chicago.

We had a great time and thank all of our family for making our trip so fun and special!

Spring is in the air!

It felt like spring is just around the corner this weekend. We spent some time outside enjoying the warmer weather. These are some pictures of the girls in our backyard.

Climbing up the ladder so she can slide down again.

Wee! She loves to swing.

Look at that smile! She is now 5 months old! She is rolling around like crazy and has a lot to say to us on a daily basis! We also think she has a tooth coming in. She is sure growing up fast!

Watching Gabby play.