Big bowl of cuteness.

Ava calls this thing the "spinnin' bowl". Stryder is starting to really enjoy the playground.

Play buddies.

I'm still amazed that these kids are this big. It's been fun to see Ava's friend Cyrus grow along with her. They are so cute together, playing side by side.

Grandma and Stryder-bear.

Jo's been patiently waiting for months for Stryder to let her hold him. Finally, we have been able to bribe him with a book. Ava was the same way, for a while. Soon he will discover that Grama Jo is one of his favorite people, and lots of fun. I can't wait.

Cute little shoes.

I just couldn't resist taking a picture. Grama Jo gave these to him way back at Christmas-time. Thanks again, Jo.

Peek-a-boo.

I'm constantly amazed at how smart my little babies are. So far Stryder can say: Mommm/Mamma, Dadda, Ava (Ah-vuh), I did it!, toot, tag, buh-bye, and good. And he can sign 'no' and 'milk'. He could probably do more, except that I haven't taught him any others yet. I guess I better get on top of that.

Big girl swing.

She's finally learning to love swinging in a regular swing instead of just the baby one.

Teeter-totter or see-saw.

I still can't ever decide what to call it. I grew up saying teeter-totter, but something tells me that could just be some more Utah/Idaho slang. I guess it doesn't matter much now that they're pretty much extinct. Just look at that glee-face she's making! How could anyone want to keep thier kids from that?

Swinging together.

This is my favorite thing about Stryder getting bigger. Now he can do fun things with his big sister!

First baby swing.

It looks like it's a hit.

Meow meow beautiful.

Daffodil time!

Spring chicks just hatched.

They get really quiet when we go out, in awe of everything there is to see and hear. It seems like opposite of most kids when released into the open.

So wild!

That's ma boy.

Just learned to clap!

We are so excited about this new feat 'cause he's been longing to do it for so long. Now he can pattycake! Shawn and I were busy talking to each other when I heard Ava say "Stryder is clapping his hands!" I look over and see him smacking his little round fingers together. I think it's so cute that she was the first one to notice him clapping.

Another first.

First ever parted-in-the-middle hairdo. One side stayed a little puffy with resistance to being parted opposite, but still darling.

First french braids.

Probably won't be doing these very often, but we had some time to kill while Stry. took a late nap. I think they're cute but also kinda "plig", if you know what I mean.