March to mid-April

Our little Caraline turned two March 1st. It's really hard to believe. She is by far the most spunky of the Smiths, even though she has a limited vocabulary. She loves animals, bananas, and playing outside (usually dogs with the other sisters). We are loving seeing her grow, even if it's pretty exhausting keeping up with her.

 A low key party...cupcakes and pizza with the Burtchs. We had visits from the Wilsons and Nani around that time and she really enjoyed opening all of her presents. Every 2 year old needs a camera and computer, right?

March was also highlighted by a visit from the Stevens! The girls were soooo excited to have a 6-night sleepover with their cousins from Indiana. We did a lot of playing in the backyard, which Jeremy now calls our midwest version of a basement, but also took a trip to Marine World, some area parks, and the adults got to go our one night to House of Prime Rib to eat pounds of food. It was a really fun trip and the kids got along great!

 

Our front yard egg hunt. Olivia wore a bathing suit for the occasion.

We got season passes to Marine World and the girls love this place!

 Fun with the Burtchs. Caraline REALLY likes the rides at Marine World. She is a nutcase!

 

Another fun trip this March was when the Stanley boys/man came out for a visit and we got to 'tag' along with them for some Spring Break fun in Tahoe. Again, my mom and good friend Emily Ann were kind enough to watch Caraline. The snow had alas melted but the girls had a blast in the pool/hot tub, and enjoyed hotel freebies like decorating cookies, and face painting/hot chocolate time in the afternoons. They even went to a Zumba class with me, but just watched the craziness. The guys did get some skiing in and Daddy took Saturday off from that to enjoy the day with his girls. The only bummer was Olivia's barfing incident on the way home, most likely due to eating a 6-day old cheese stick that had been in the car! Yikes!

January & February

My folks graciously watched Caraline and the two big kids and parents headed up to Tahoe for the weekend. There was some snow to sled in and it was a blast. Even met the Wilsons for sledding on Saturday.

The girls played in a field next to Lake Tahoe for some time. They were adventure girls having all sorts of adventures. Their shoes and snow gear were soaked through but they really enjoyed themselves!

Fancy Nancy Valentine's Day fun with Abigail at school. I got to go because the Indiana Smiths were here for their winter visit. We had a fantastic time together as usual. Great weather too!

Also got to go on the circus fieldtrip with Abigail's class.

A trip to the Marin headlands and the beach. It was a cold, windy day that was perfect for winter coats and flying kites.

 

Note: this seal is not real.

Kites fly when you lay down!

Jeremy flying Caraline!

More great views by the lighthouse.