Tulip Time...Without the Tulips

So this year, the tulips bloomed way early which unfortunately meant no viewing of them during a trip to the festival.  But we still had a great time!  The morning was all hazy and gloomy but literally as we got out of the car in Pella, it was bright, sunny and hot.  We enjoyed getting to go as a family this year.

All ready to go. I love how her shades are a little wonky on her head.

First stop: Jaarsma Bakery!!  I got my pastry fix and Lily certainly wanted to help devour them right along with me!

So sweet.  I do have to be honest though...this was after about 30 minutes of her not being very sweet on the way home.  So we pulled the car over, disciplined her and had a family heart-to-heart in the backseat.  After getting back on the road, she was asleep in about 2 minutes.  It was like a total reset button for her.  Thank you, Lord for giving us the ability to be consistent even when we don't want to!  He shows us the rewards time and time again.

We're looking forward to going again next year.  I'm sure Lily will have a blast showing Baby J everything! 

A Pro Chiropractic Patient

Lily loves going to the chiropractor.  She's come a long way from when she used to scream as a baby during her adjustments.  Now she climbs up on the table herself, lays down on her tummy and puts her head down into the little space - she's got the whole thing down!

Braided Pigtails

Hey, I don't claim to be a hair stylist but I thought it would be fun to make Lily's pigtails into little braids the other day.  Now that her hair's getting a little longer, I'll have to learn how to do some fancier things.  Doesn't she look cute?

Lily Spelling Her Name

I was so surprised one day a few weeks ago when Lily picked up her nametag from Story Time and said, "L-I-L-Y, Lily!"  This video isn't as good as the first time she did it but close.  She's learning so much right now, I just love this stage!

Bubbles in the Basement

Anytime we go down to the basement to play, Lily requests to blow bubbles.  Well on this particular day, Daddy had it timed pretty good to catch them on the wand so Lily could carry them over to me.  She loved it!  It kept her entertained for a half hour easily. :)

Easter

Easter was wonderful for our family to take time and reflect on what Christ has done for us.  Our church had a first-ever 4 hour service on Good Friday that Justin and I attended.  To say that it was amazing & powerful is quite an understatement.  We enjoyed taking the time to slow down and soak up the Scriptures.  On Saturday, Lily had her 2 year photos taken.  Once again, Cristi with lemon tree photography did an awesome job!  You can check out the preview here.  Then on Sunday we watched Cornerstone's production and later had dinner with our friends, the Carsons.  We are blessed!

We Interrupt This Silence.....

To declare that it's for a very good reason that this blog has not seen or heard anything but crickets chirping for the past few weeks.  If you're friends with me on Facebook, then you're already aware that our family is expecting another baby this coming November!  What you might not know, however, is that Weeks 7-10 of this pregnancy left me curled up on the couch in a fetal position most days fighting off the urge to go stick my head in the toilet. :)  I know, I know, exactly the image you wanted in your head.  Anyway, I'm feeling much better the past few days and I'm excited to get back on the blogging horse.  I have so many posts to catch up on so don't be surprised if your Reader is flooded with new activity in the next couple days!  For now, I'll leave you with this mediocre quality photo of Lily sporting her new shirt. (She was not in the brightest of moods when it was taken). She's been quite talkative about her new brother or sister on the way though!