April

Sometimes our threenager comes out in 

full force... then we get a pout until Daddy gets

home because Mom is the mean one.

Russell loves going to the pet store and 

looking at all the animals. Fish seem to be

the favorites most times, unless they're having

cat or dog adoptions.

Russell likes to raid our drawers in search of 

more 'rescue stuff' to add to his backpack...

On a family walk, Russell wanted to check and see 

if there were any fish in the tiny pond. He had to get 

up nice and close to make sure.

Trying to enjoy the spring weather as long as possible.

That picnic blanket is the best thing. We use it all the time.

Can't remember where I got it... had it since college.

A trip to Little Elm park isn't complete without a visit

to the ducks. Sadly we didn't plan ahead and had nothing

to feed them.

Russell loves taking a bath and choosing 

what color to turn the water. Great present 

from the Easter bunny!

Trying on some nice hats at Costco. He's ready

to work in the garden.

Russell moved into a big, big boy bed. Despite

the picture, he really likes it. There has been a 

slight disruption in his sleep schedule as he adjusts, 

hence the added grumpiness. 

Russell and his specials he brought to the park and 

a few new ones found. The obsession is strong.

Yoga at library story time. It was hilarious to watch.

Russell has developed a love for I Spy books.

We have to check some out each time we go to

the library. He likes looking at all the specials crammed

onto every page.

During quiet time, Russell decided to explore all 

the baby stuff in his closet. He made quite the mess, 

forcing me to finally organize his closet. The swing

was a favorite find. He didn't want me to put it away.

Another visit to the gas station for frozen yogurt.

After the mess last month, he went with a spoon approach.

Busting out some dance moves at the park.

This is also the spot all the toddler boys go to pee

since there is no bathroom. Haha!

At the 'big movie' to see Avengers. I was a little nervous 

that it would scare him. He said it was just loud, not scary.

He is definitely entering the super hero phase in full force.

Easter candy lasts forever... which is pretty 

impressive considering he wants to eat candy

all day, every day!

Easter Fun!

Easter seemed to come up fast this year! It was pretty early. Easter events started in March!

Russell was bumped up to the next age group

for the egg hunt in our neighborhood. There was a 

huge difference between the 3 and 5 year old hunting. 

Luckily Russell was quick and got a couple. 

Pure madness!!

As always, they had the petting zoo. Russell loves the

animals. He was very impressed by this llama.

New this year was a blow-up obstacle course. Russell

and Wesley could have done it over and over and over again. 

Annual Easter egg coloring. Russell went with a 

minimalistic approach this year.

Our egg creations!

Russell the Easter bunny! We apparently 

didn't take any pictures of him and his basket from

the Easter bunny... oops!

Papa, Bear and Ashee were awesome and set

up a egg hunt just for him at their house. He did

much better at finding them this year.

Russell and his loot.

Then came the tradition on Russell breaking cascarones 

over everyone's' heads.

Easter hair brought to you by Russell!

March

Russell pulled out the laser-tag guns he got for

Christmas for the first time. He get frustrated reloading,

but I'm sure he'll be an expert soon enough. 

Had his first 'big boy' dental visit. His first time

on the table with a real cleaning and he did great!

Russell brought a backpack full of stuff to

the park to show everyone. The moms all thought

it was adorable.

Russell the computer nerd!

Stopped by the gas station and got some frozen

yogurt. Russell was a big fan, until he bit off the 

bottom of the cone and made things very messy.

Washed off the frozen yogurt in the creek!

He was so happy. The water was so cold!

Checking out the cool swing. He was happy

as long as he didn't go too high.

Two boys in a cave!

Family ice cream date- our favorite!

Taking Zoey on a walk. Enjoying the cool 

weather while it lasts.

Helping cook dinner is always a good time!

Our backyard is a disaster... Russell is going 

to fix it with his tools!

St. Patrick's Day boy. Still has a little scar

on his nose from the sword incident.

Russell wanted to show Daddy the creek. The

water was a bit warmer this time, but that meant

all the moss was growing, so it was slimy. 

Russell followed the Leprechaun's clues and 

found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

There were cookies!

Our house was home base for nursery toys

donations. Russell was a great toy tester. He wasn't too

sad when we finally brought them to church. I was impressed.

Went to the 'train library' and explored all the 

cool things they have in the kid section.

After many months, we finally went back to our

story time. Russell was front and center ready to listen.

February

Russell is developing a love of helping me cook. He prefers 

to help me make cookies, but anything he can stir will work.

One of his favorite activities right now is having me

build a 'rocket' with his blocks. Then he kicks, punches or uses

various weapons to knock it over... and we repeat over and over again.

Trying to encourage pooping in the toilet with some literature.

Got a car for pooping in the toilet a handful of times in a row!

He's also enjoying the Valentine's candy that is 

starting to appear in the house.

He also enjoys the fluffy Valentine's blanket!

Grandma's Valentines package included a giant 

bag of playdough! So much to chop and poke!

Double the trouble! They had to sample my

snacks for Russell's Valentines for friends. I 

think they passed the test.

Sometimes they are calm and read books... 

Enjoying his score from his first ever friend Valentine's 

Day party! I think he'll want to do this every year.

Cars, cars and more cars.

Collecting things at the park. Also wearing his

slippers that he got for Valentine's Day. 

They had puppies out for adoption on Saturday when

we were out shopping. Russell and I wanted to take this 

one home... Daddy said no, of course. 

Stick guns are super cool to find at the park too.

Somehow Russell managed to fall face-first onto

the ball handle of his plastic sword... He became

Russell the red-nosed toddler for a long time.

He looks pretty adorable with his new Mickey

hat and bandaged nose!

Exploring parks before Wesley's baby sister 

comes next month and we don't see them as much.

We decided to plant our peas earlier this year in hopes

we could get some in before the heat kills them off.