big personality?

Oh, my dear child. I love watching you blossom into your own person. If I were asked to describe you, my baby girl, I would say you are loving, caring, intelligent, fun, outgoing, and even stubborn at times. When it comes down to it, you could say you have one BIG personality. Each day, your personality shines more and more. You continue to make me laugh and remind me to enjoy the small things in life. The other day, as I watched you grab your mic and belt out a song you made-up on the spot, I was mesmerized by the sheer joy and enthusiasm you put into it. Thank you for being you...

we have butterflies!

We are happy to announce our caterpillars have now become beautiful butterflies. You may remember them from this post and this post. After weeks of waiting, our butterflies have broken free. It was fascinating to watch these amazing creatures transform into their chrysalis and then break free as a wonderfully coloured insect. It was awesome to finally see our little friends take flight. This was the perfect activity to do with the kids; I loved watching Little Miss L. experience each step along the way. To tell you the truth, I think I may have enjoyed it more than the kids. I was like a kid on Christmas morning... as soon as I woke, the first thing I would do was check on our little friends. I excitedly watched each day for changes and was a proud momma when they made their appearance as a butterfly. I believe this will be a yearly event in our household.

Transferring the chrysalis into its larger home.

Once the chrysalis hardens, it is not necessary for it to be hanging upside down.

One proud little girl. She checked on her friends several times a day just waiting for that moment when she would witness them break free.

The morning arrived when I woke to see the butterfly had made its appearance. I am sure it only happened moments before I checked on the little guy. As soon as Little Miss L. woke, I told her we had a surprise for her. 

I absolutely love love loved her reaction. She was so happy to see her caterpillar had turned into a butterfly. She screamed out "butterfly" and immediately told the butterfly it was so beautiful.

Our momma caterpillar drying its wings.

Time to let momma butterfly free. 

Momma butterfly takes flight and lands on a blade of grass close by. I was able to get this shot of the little one. 

Little Miss L. telling the butterfly that it is okay to fly away now and make new friends. 

It's now time to let the baby butterfly go. Baby D wanted to get in on the action too. He loved watching the butterfly fly around. We were sure to get a few giggles when it fluttered it's wings.

We opened the container but this little guy didn't want to leave. I had to laugh as the kids waited patiently for it to take flight. After a few moments...

Our friend finally made the decision to go and it sure surprised the kiddos. It only took a few seconds before Little Miss L. was getting out of the way. The little guy decided to fly right into Baby D, I guess he just wanted to say one last goodbye. Little Miss L. helped mommy draw the arrow for all of you to see our friend.

weekend catch-up

I always look forward to the weekend with good reason - it's usually busy but I love love love that feeling of trying to shove a million things into two days. If I only accomplish half of what I planned, I still end up feeling good as I check a few things off my to-do-list.

Saturday morning was spent at a workshop and daddy took the kiddos to enjoy the beautiful weather in the park. After my course was all finished up, we headed over to the in-laws to spend some time with our nephew. Grandpa set-up the sprinkler and a mini pool and the kids were over the moon excited about it. Little Miss L. and Mr. L had a blast running through the cold water and chasing each other around the yard. Baby D also loved the sprinkler and pool. He splashed about for a good hour on his own. It was a wonderful afternoon spent outdoors... days like these make me wish we had weather like this all year round.

Sunday again had an early start. Do you see a pattern here folks? I tend to always start of by saying it was early because I don't even remember sleeping in past 6:30 am anymore. It was time for me to clean the mess the tornados left behind and the hubby hit up the lawnmower. After we managed to get a few tasks done, we cleaned up and headed out to "festa" for the afternoon. Little Miss L. had a great time dancing with all the new friends she made.

I love love love watching these cuties play...

Baby D loves the swing.

Little Miss L. and Mr. L loved pushing Baby D on the swings.

Showing off their mad climbing skills.

Holding onto her big cousin.

Baby D loved the mini pool. It was the perfect size.

Get ready for it!

The fun begins...

Little Miss L. thought it was a little cold.

Enjoying the awesome spring weather.

Baby D had to get in on the action too.

My babies both love the water.

Cousins.

I love my handsome nephew.

Little Miss L. catching some rays.

I turn around for one minute..

Getting ready to dig into a yummy Portuguese feast.

Little Miss L. was having a great time at the festa.

chocolate chip cookie dough recipe

Sorry, the pic is a little blurry but I was just so excited to dig in, I couldn't get a good pic.

You may remember a few weeks back when I had a girls' night to watch the Bachelorette and told you all about filling our bellies with some goodies. One of those goodies was a chocolate chip cookie dough dip with cookies. I have had several requests for me to share the recipe with all of you. I love me some sweet stuff and this recipe did not disappoint. I went on the hunt for the perfect recipe and good ol' Pinterest pulled through as I found this recipe over at thewaytohisheart . I didn't seem to be the only one who thought it was quite yummy as there were plenty of times in the days following after our girls night I walked into the kitchen to see someone dipping into it. Animal crackers were a great choice to use to scoop up all that creamy goodness. Next time you are having a girls' night in, give this recipe a try. This is definitely a sweet treat and probably not the best choice if you are trying to eat healthy but hey, every now and then it's okay to spoil yourself.

Ingredients 

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus extra for sprinkling (I used the normal sized chips)

Directions

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the brown sugar until it dissolves and the mixture starts to bubble. Stir in vanilla and set aside to cool.
• In a separate bowl, cream the cream cheese and powdered sugar together for 60 seconds.
• With the mixer on low speed, add in brown sugar and butter mixture, then the salt. Mix until combined. Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
• Garnish with additional mini chocolate chips. Serve with animal crackers, Nilla wafers, or graham crackers. I found that this tasted better the colder it got.

sisterly love

If the walls in our home could talk they might say the following- "stop pushing your brother," "don't hit your brother," "no, you can't pick your brother up," "please, give your brother back the toy you just took from him," and "please be gentle with your brother as he is just a baby" about a million times a day. Little Miss L,  I know you are only doing it out of love for your brother. I often hear you say that he is your best friend and that you love him. I know we have many years ahead of us that will consist of fighting and bickering, but I love the moments you wrap your arms around your brother and tell him how much he means to you. One day, your brother will thank you for being such a loving and caring big sister. I love love love watching these two little people building their sibling bond.

long weekend fun

Long weekends are spectacular - that one extra day seems to allow you to accomplish so much more in a weekend. I really think a four day work week should be mandatory. This past long weekend did not disappoint. Saturday, we spent the afternoon around a table full of food catching up with good friends. Sometimes it's nice to stay in the comfort of our home to entertain; everyone just seems to be more relaxed and carefree. Oh yes, let's not forget dining out with two children can be quite the handful at times. Thanks Meg and Marc for the visit, hope we can do it again soon. Can't wait for you to become a family of three, it just means more fun to be had. 

Sunday, we woke up bright and early and headed down to my parents' house to spend the day out on the river. I have been looking forward to this day for months. I know Little Miss L. has been looking forward to it since the beginning of the winter. The sun was finally out, and it was the perfect time to get on the boat and head out on the open water. I love love love days spent out on the river. There is just something about it that always leaves a big smile on my face. It was the perfect day to take out Baby D for his very first boat ride. I was a little nervous, I really hoped he would enjoy it or I might have been a little sour about the whole thing because I plan on spending lots of time on the boat this summer. 

The first boating trip of the season was a success. Little Miss L. was over the moon excited to hit the water again after several months asking to go out and momma replying "Sorry, not today as the water is frozen" I could finally say "Get your sunscreen and hat baby girl because today we are going boating!" Baby D took a liking to the boat as well. It wasn't long before he was smiling as the wind was blowing through his hair. It was a wonderful day spent with my parents who always spoil us with their delicious cooking to end the day. It didn't take long for everyone to hit their beds - the day spent outdoors tuckered everyone out. 

Monday morning was another early start. It was finally time for our family to plant the garden. We had a nice surprise visit from my in-laws who brought some goodies for us. Little Miss L. loves it when she sees her grandparents pull in the driveway as it usually means they have timbits in-hand. Grandpa also brought along two trees for Little Miss L. and Baby D to plant. They both loved planting their trees and Little Miss L. has promised to take good care of it. We also received a quick visit from my parents who also love to bring us goodies - thanks again for filling our freezer with fresh tomato sauce.... I love love love it!  

It was a wonderful weekend spent with friends, family and awesome weather. I hope to have more weekends like these in the months to come.

The perfect Saturday afternoon.

Little Miss L. showing some love to Baby C.

Little Miss L. can't wait for her God-mommy to welcome a new little friend for her to play with.

Grandpa and Baby D ready to hit the water.

First boat ride of the season.

Just relaxing while munching on my crackers. Not a care in the world.

I love weekends where this is the scenery for the day.

A quick stop for bubble gum ice cream.

Baby D couldn't miss out on the action too. Love how Little Miss L. is demonstrating to her brother how to lick the ice cream.

Okay, that's enough little brother.

Enjoying the sunshine.

All pooped out, time for a little nap.

They love being out on the water just as much as I do...makes me one happy momma.

Momma, I hate wearing this thing!

One little girl was brave enough to jump into the ice cold water.

Such a good helper. Ready to dig a hole for her new tree.

Grandpa and Little Miss L. planting her tree.

She has mad gardening skills already.

Baby D plants his tree too!