Happy Easter!

Every year it seems like Easter Weekend gets longer and better! I just LOVE Easter! It may have to do with the fact that I am 28 years old and still get an amazing Easter basket from my mom. I love that Easter means WARMTH outside! We had a great holiday. It started on Friday with playgroup with all the "wives" in Sandy. Emily arranged a great egg hunt, Easter game, and cookie decorating for the kiddies. Saturday, we went to Grandma Jilly's for the annual festivities. She, too, had an egg hunt for the kids, and one for the adults. Who found the "golden egg" that contained dinner and a movie (including free babysitting)? Yes, it was me, and I loved it! We ate a yummy brunch, and of course, opened our baskets! Later that day, Grandma and Grandpa Payne stopped by darling little baskets for the kids. Right after that, we took the kids to the Dinosaur Park in Ogden for their egg hunt. Luckily it was free for us (we have season passes) because it was LAME! Each kid only got 5 eggs, and well, it wasn't very fun! On Easter Sunday, the kids loved opening their baskets and surprises from the Easter Bunny. London got the Barbie My Sized Throne, which was so cute! It came with a princess dress, a twirly skirt, and lots of terrible jewelry. She loves it! Beck got a cute wooden puzzle; not fair, I know, but he still doesn't get the whole Easter Bunny bit. I took the kids to church (Matt had to work his first Sunday, ever, and of course it's on Easter) and after naptime, we headed to Matt's mom's house in Sandy. We did a final egg hunt, and had a great dinner. We were all a bit spoiled this weekend! We love Easter!

Playgroup. I dressed my kids like it was actually warm outside. It wasn't. I love that Beck's shorts are almost pants on him, and that the basket is as big as he is!

London and Beckett's baskets from Grandma and Grandpa Payne

Matt and London opening baskets at Grandma Jilly's

The kids' baskets!

Way to go, Beckett!

Beckett went pee on the potty today! I know that a one time incident is far from being "potty trained," but we're still pretty proud! For the past week or so, he keeps saying, "I go potty!" and we'd put him on the potty and he'd just sit there and smile. Occasionally he'll push a bit. Today, he told Matt he had to go potty, and actually went! I'm pretty sure it was just lucky timing, but we're still excited! He's getting so big!

Dress Up!

Do you ever want to put a post it on your kid when you're out in public that says, "they've dressed themselves!" I let London dress herself a lot, but usually just if we're staying home, or if I don't have the energy to fight her. Yesterday, she chose white jeans, and a halter top thingy. (It was snowing outside) I only talked her into putting a white shirt under it by telling her to put her garments on too. (her short sleeved white t-shirt) It doesn't help that she prefers to dress in layers. Today she went in her room for a minute and came out with 3 layers on. A long shirt for a skirt, and two dresses layered on top of that. Luckily she had a halo of terrible silk flowers in her hair to complete the look. She's also on a wedding kick. She pretends to be getting married (dress, veil and flowers) on a daily basis. At least she's creative, right?

















London playing dress up (on laundry day) in a fitted sheet, camisol, and using Matt's G top for a veil. Very resourceful!

This is for Amy! She wanted pics of the paintings I did for our bedroom. How about you come see them person! Syracuse isn't that far away!

My Little Clingon!

So, most of you that know us well, know that London is crazy independent. She always has been. Then there is my cute second born, Beckett. Well Matt blames his clinginess on me, beings that I held him ALOT when he was a baby. He was just so squishable! Plus he didn't walk until like 15 months, so I was always carrying him from place to place. Well now he's 19 months and is a complete mama's boy. He follows me around the house ALL DAY saying, "I hold you, Mommy." Seriously, it's getting to the point that he's HYSTERICAL if I even go from the living room to the kitchen without him. I'm going crazy! He does a little better when we're away from home, but when we're here, he never leaves my side. He won't watch a show unless he's on my lap, and the only time I can get anything done is when he's sleeping. Please tell me this is a phase that will end! Any advice from all you mom's out there?

Happy Beckett, getting stuck in the Bumbo

Not so happy boy! (We had just gotten out of the shower and I went around the corner for a towel for him. I guess he missed me!)

Pics of London

I love to take pics of the kids! London was being super cute today, so I thought I'd capture the moment before she turned on me! I love how whenever I go to take a picture of her, she puts her cheek on on shoulder, hands on her hips, and says "cheese"! Today she was playing with a measuring tape while I was trying to take a picture. She really wanted the tape in a picture or two. I love this handful of a girl!

She looks so angelic here! If you only knew! (she was just playing with the measuring tape...)

Tuesday Traditions!

As of late, we've had a great routine on Tuesdays. Gym at 9:00 am. Storytime at the Syracuse Library at 10:30, and lunch immediately following at the Arctic Circle. My friend Natalie and I do this every Tuesday, and we have so much fun! Today was no different, except London was especially grumpy. My cousin Malea and her little girl, Emma, joined us today. The girls were so cute with their new kids meal bunnies!

Beckett during the storytime. You can sort of see that he's wearing one of my shoes around with him. He loves to go look at all the books!


Notice the "Do Not Climb on the Equipment" sign that London is laying on!

Emma, Chloe, and London with their new bunnies


Beckett playing with the big kids on the toy

What's In a Name?

I stole this one from Tasha's blog. So funny!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Taddles Altima
2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Chocolate Brownie Chocolate Chip
3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) J-Tho
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Blue Turtle
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Cooper Layton
6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Thojy
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Green Lemonade
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Kenneth Jay
9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Modern Reese's
10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Lee Payne
11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Pennington Pitsburgh
12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Summer Daisy
13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Strawberry Ringy
14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Oatmeal Aspen
15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)The Painted Rain Tour
So fun! Give it a try :)