April

Are you sick of pictures from the botanical garden? Since we live in an apartment, we treat the garden like it's our backyard and try to go as often as we can. I think I take more pictures when I'm really happy, and I'm really happy when we are outside running around, enjoying nature, and I don't have to tell the kids "no" or "don't touch that."


We took off the weekend following Randall's shelf exam to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Virginia: Charlottesville. We visited Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's estate) and took turns entertaining the kids so we could each enjoy the guided tour. We also happened upon a local fair and let the girls ride on the carousel and experience cotton candy for the first time. We stopped for lunch at a pretty park after church and let the kids get their wiggles out before our long drive back to Norfolk. This turned out to be one of our best short family vacations yet--fun for all!

March

So our silly news of the month is that I found out I'm allergic to ferrets. Randall found two young males with their cage and supplies really cheap online. He has been dying to have ferrets for as long as I can remember and is always looking for someone giving them away. I finally broke down and said we could try them out--provided they live outside on our balcony. The girls were crazy about the ferrets. They loved chasing them around the apartment and picking up their long, floppy bodies. They named the dark one "Ratatouille" and the light one "Mr. Moon." They were really cute and playful and it melted my heart to watch the girls with them. Well, anytime they came in the house I would have sneeze attacks, a runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. We promptly reposted them on craigslist and found a new home for them quickly. It was actually pretty convenient for me that I was allergic because for being so small and cute, they sure have a lot of stink! I would have wanted to get rid of them pretty soon anyway :)

The first real signs of spring were out at the botanical garden--daffodils and dogwoods. Wow it was gorgeous! I'm glad we get at least one more Virginia spring next year.

February

The Norfolk Botanical Garden recently called for entries for a photography exhibit "children in the garden." I wanted to submit this cute portrait of Noel in the Renaissance garden, but true to form I missed the deadline. My kids love playing tag and balancing on the walls. This was a particularly mild day for February, but we love going throughout the year in all kinds of weather.

I bet these cookies are making your mouth water. Don't let looks deceive you--these are not chewy, double chocolate cookies! These are regular old-fashioned chocolate chip cookies that Randall forgot about and cooked for almost three hours while we were out of the house...Mmmmmm.

One of the most special experiences of this year was going to the Washington D.C. Temple with Fred, Casey, Sarah, and Samuel Hafer. We love this wonderful family and were so pleased they invited us to escort them for the first time and witness their sealing. I will never forget the incredible peace and joy I felt when Sarah and Samuel walked into the sealing room all dressed in white to join their parents. They looked like angels in one of the most beautiful places on this earth. Thank you for sharing this moment with us, Hafers. We love you!

I got spring fever when I saw these gerbera daisies at the store and couldn't resist bringing one home. Is it just me or does it make you smile, too?