easter hunt pictures

lately

lately there are princesses around every corner....

 hugs from sisters are the best...

 dancing can get silly....

 and happens often...

 she just seems to get cuter... and funnier...

 these two are such a source of joy

the gift to mother these two wonderful little ladies is something i am grateful for everyday.  sure sometimes they drive me crazy but in these simple days i find such joy in being their mom.  and to see them love each other is beyond beautiful.

thank you Jesus for Sam and Clara.  they are gifts from you.  and today i again say thank you.

clara's faces

Clara's words

Clara Louise is beginning to speak in words.  Her little voice is delightful and I love when it is used to speak and not scream :) 

Her first word was up - of course.  An appropriate choice. 

Quickly following have been - mama, dada, hi, bye-bye, baby, na-na-na-na (no), wa (for water - aren't you glad i am helping explain), and owl. 

She is definitely more mischievous than Samantha was at this age.  She is super cute in a time-out - putting out a huge lower lip.  She is smart.  I wondered whether she would sit in a time-out and sure enough - worked like a charm.  She is always wanting to be in her sister's business.  Like now for instance, so I should probably cut this short. 

Clara Louise - we love your voice and are listening to what you have to say.  :)

cookies

Sam and I continue to enjoy baking together.  Here she is at the second attempt of taking pictures.  The first attempt started with her falling off the chair.  Afterwards she insisted I show her the picture of her falling off the chair - not understanding I did not document the event.  

 "Mama take a picture of me with my chocolate chip."  (This may have been the incident where she ate way more chocolate chips than I realized and didn't have room for dinner hours later...)

 thankful for these special times together!

other december fun

Auntie Dee dee came over and we made Christmas cookies.  

 getting so big...

 And Meema and Heeho came to visit for Clara's dedication.

More than anything Clara loves to read books!

 Sam and Heeho may have had a blast playing Memory...

ballerina show

One of my first dates with Sam involved going with another mother/daughter pair to a "ballerina show."  The first half of the show was a bit stressful as Sam tried to figure out what exactly was happening and why she couldn't participate in the show.  I don't think she stopped moving.  Once the second half started she settled in better.  It was fun to experience her first ballerina show together.  We were super excited to go with my mentor and her daughter (who happens to be the girl's babysitter).  

dates with Sam

Tim and I have made a new commitment to take turns taking Sam on dates.  and the other has a stay at home date with Clara.  Here is one of Sam and Tim's first dates - to the touch tank near our house.  She had a blast... 45 min putting your hands in freezing cold water touching hermit crabs is awesome.  The only down side is when you leave and realize your hands are numb...

cousins

Sam and Ellis played almost non-stop, slept in the same room and rarely fought.  These two couldn't be cuter together.  

 funny faces

 sweet girls

 still interested

 last lady standing.  any guesses on who loves having her picture taken?

 loving life.

thankful for cousins who are also dear friends.

birthday celebrations

We celebrated four birthdays while we were in Colorado.  Clara.  Tim.  Vickie.  Janae.  

Clara got her own cake - everyone else had to share.  Here is meema holding the cake for Clara and I am holding the Knipp birthday headband in place.  

 Classic.  older sister blows out the candle while little sister looks on...

 She was so cute as she went face first into the cake.

 Sugar smile.

 Sam also got to blow out the big people cake candles.   It was a great night for Sam.

 Lets eat the chocolate cake!!

 Every night Heeho read books before bed.  These precious moments were some of my favorites!!

sharing

Clara always enjoys other people's food...  

"oh Maci, i notice you are eating..."

 "yum..."

 "here i will pat you in gratitude..."

 cute cousins