Today we kicked off the pre-Easter season

by exploring a nearby-community's Easter egg hunt.

It is March in Wisconsin,
so.... there were no spring outfits worn here!

(see below for Hannah's outfit selection)

We were able to grab a quick lunch,
and then eagerly headed outside
where daddy gave us the low-down/instructions.

then we waited...

Elijah was along for moral support....
(despite his return-of-the-respiratory and ear infection gunk :(

my face in this next picture
pretty much summarizes my experience....
started worrying about "the hunt"
about 5 minutes before it started
(followed by an emotional meltdown during the hunt
because "I'm not fast enough".)

Hannah did well with the hunt, but you could hear
her shrilling-shrieky-scream
from a mile away any time the Easter-bunny
came within 15 feet of her.
Shear terror!

But, within 10 minutes we were all back to smiling,
and looking forward to our next group destination
- the local park!

boy are we going to love when it actually gets warm outside!

"spring cleaning"

Today Mommy introduced us to spring cleaning!

We got out the antibacterial wipes....

dumped our toys in the middle of the room...

and went to work!

Today we really were on our best behavior!
It was fun to see so many smiles on Mommy's face!

captured moment

Mommy just had to post this pic....
Hannah and I are really discovering the benefits of having playmates in each other.

more precious moments ahead!

bouncin' boys (+ Hannah)

Last weekend "the gang" headed to Bounce U in Madison, where we fully embraced the loud, energetic atmosphere (despite the scary school-aged people that were a little intimidating)

Here is Hannah...doing her pre-bounce night "warm-up"

Being a veteran to the bounce-house environment,

I (being the loving brother that I am)

showed Hannah the ropes.

She wasn't necessarily convinced on her first super-slide down the big slide,
BUT...

after watching her little friends squeal with delight -

she turned around and started getting into it too.

(smile of approval)


Mommy's and Daddy's alike got to part-take in the fun!

(we missed you Mr. Jonathan! but congrats on passing your test! I guess the studying paid off :)

E-man didn't get to participate,
but had a watchful eye on all the activities as they took place around him.

Here is a look of contentment (and exhaustion) as we headed back home.

Fun times....more fun times ahead!

the troops

Last Friday mommy welcomed "lil" Wesley
and our buddy Carter over to our house for a little play fun.

We are kinda like family really....

What else do friends do, besides....

Good eats -

good books/story time....

and good play times....

Mommy hopes to be able to get a "duplicate" pic in about 10 years!
won't that be fun :)

Oh sunny days

Ok, so the sun isn't exactly real warm yet,
but...the fact that we see sunshine is a HUGE comfort.

We have been trying to take advantage

and get out a couple times this week.

So, here are a few pics of our transitional winter/spring activities!

Here we are, getting "geared up" for all our outside adventures.

(We recently discovered the back of the cereal boxes!)

which usually results in fighting over them,
BUT....every once in a while we thrill mommy to pieces

and actually share!

here is my newest invention....
sledding down the melting slopes of our driveway piles,
on a shovel

(come on, if this isn't an indication that we need a new season, I don't know what is!)

Hannah doing a little driver's education....

and even our first neighborhood walks.
E-man has finally graduated to stroller-hood, and does great!

Mommy's just thrilled that it's warm enough (35 degrees)
to have him come out with us without him being miserable.

Sunshine = SMILES