A pleasant duet?

Vanessa and her cousin Audrey enjoyed performing together yesterday:

Spring Fever

We're definitely feeling the fever! Yesterday was perfect for cleaning out flower beds, and Vanessa was able to enjoy being outside. We were outside for almost two hours, and Vanessa would've stayed out but didn't really fight coming in. She actually got to a point where she insisted on taking off her jacket and was running around in short sleeves. She'd cover her arms every so often, forgetting we were watching, but remembering shortly after putting herself in a crossed-arm stance that we knew she was cold.

(Gardening is rewarding!--see before and after pictures below. :) And it's great exercise! I was able to do the front beds last week while Vanessa napped, which worked out well since the front isn't gated!)

This was actually taken near the end of our time outside. Vanessa likes to order us to sit down in that chair. She then taps the table in whatever beat:

She tried to help clean out the beds but thought it was pebble rock we were after. She apparently has an opinion on the pebble rock surrounding a stepping stone:

Vanessa enjoyed sitting in the swing, but had no interest in feeling the funny sensation you sometimes get in the pit of your stomach. Every so often she tenses up when swinging. It's interesting that it sometimes gets as intense as it seemingly does for her.

(Adam put the swings back out last Wednesday or Thursday. Vanessa noticed soon after her nap that day. She melted down when she learned that we couldn't go out right at that moment. It seemed like child abuse from the crying tantrum she threw. It was a good lesson in patience and extra incentive for us to keep her out as long as she wanted last night.)

Vanessa scored a climber from her greats Uncle Leonard and Aunt Tammy. It was very thoughtful of them to share! Vanessa's friend Daniel has one just like it and she loves to play on his with him. They're learning to take turns. So now Vanessa has her own that she'll need to learn to share:

Boisterous Brood

We were able to help out by having Vanessa's cousins Rachel, Joel and Luke over for the afternoon. I can't get over how well-behaved they were! Once again I asked their mom if she bribed them. She answered that she hadn't! So anyway, our day was extra exciting. Both girls enjoyed the extra company.

Vanessa just had to be on Rachel. Rachel giving up:

Luke and Vanessa watching Rachel play window games with her Uncle Adam:

Rachel addressing envelopes for a chance to win tickets for Thomas & Friends Live (I figured we had to try for the little ones!):

Joel practicing handwriting (And he's quite good at it!):

Rachel also did school work and made felt bunny puppets with Joel. Lilly slept a lot and Vanessa and Luke moved from thing to thing!

So . . .

*The title is dedicated to Grandma. ;->

Vanessa had an overnight at Grandma and Grandpa's a couple weeks ago. She apparently gave an exhausting performance . . . Vanessa has been waking in the middle of the night recently, as most her age might. She requires a little reassurance but usually goes back to sleep. Unfortunately Grandma and Grandpa were given a special treat by experiencing one of her first nights in this stage.

As Vanessa becomes more familiar with her environment and develops independence, she'll begin to understand her special connection to warm and loving grandparents. She's obviously very fond of them already. And how could she not be when her time with them is so fun and exciting?! They're great at letting Vanessa be the wild little person that she is!

Vanessa calls this picture "Meeeooowww . . .":

Grandma said that Vanessa had to wear Cousin Celia's Snoopy pants overtop her sleeper. Apparently the hat and jacket were nice accessories:

"Grandma and Grandpa, you are special.

Your love knows no bounds.

A room takes on a special warmth whenever you're around.

You think I'm cute and talented and maybe, even wise.

But I know that's because all grandparents see through loving eyes.

Every day with you is precious.

I'm so grateful for the time.

Of all the grandparents in the world

I'm thankful that you're mine. "

~Author Unknown

Spring Shoot

Today was a great day for pictures!