Alyssa's 1st Haircut

We took both girls to get their haircut at Great Clips, since I was struggling for them to sit still at home.  We figured with strangers and getting a sucker at the end maybe a more successful way to get their hair trimmed without anyone getting hurt :)  Shay was a champ.  She did very well sitting still and enjoyed picking out her sucker.  Lyssa did not know what to think of her first haircut.  She was shy/afraid of the hairdresser (who was really good) and also of the spray bottle.  Lyssa did a great job holding still until she found out Shay was done and had a sucker.  At that point it went downhill until we got Alyssa a sucker and finished up the trim as quickly as possible- I was glad we were not trimming bangs!   All in all, a good experience.

She has such a cute profile!

Having her have control of the spray bottle worked better for everyone

Proud big sister- she was so excited to show Lyss how to do it

Lyssa sitting still

Seriously this is the best "after" picture we have

Alyssa immediately put her hands (with sticky sucker stuff on them) in her hair. Oh well.

Sister Time

Lyssa:  nonverballing communicating "Shay, don't help right now"

"Really don't touch me, I don't want your help"

I told you I didn't want your help and you didn't listen, so I had to do something

Shay and Alyssa often like playing together, but there are definitely times where they do not appreciate each other's company.  Shay will get upset when Lyssa is disrupting her play or takes toys that she has set out to play with (such as having all her princesses out each in a special place on the floor or couch and Lyssa goes by and takes one).  Lyssa will get upset when she wants attention from Mom or Dad, or wants something like milk and Shay steps in to try and fix it.  Alyssa also doesn't like to be comforted at times, as you can see in pictures.  All in all though, they usually end the day with goodnight hugs :)

Happy 2nd Birthday Alyssa!

It is so hard to believe that the baby in our family turned 2 this past weekend!  We celebrated by having 2 family birthday parties.  On Friday night the Carroll family got together for dinner, cupcakes and gift opening.  The girl cousins all enjoyed "helping" Lyssa open her presents.  On Sunday the Sturm family came for laid back afternoon of visiting, playing Mexican Train, and opening gifts.
It has been so fun to see Lyssa grow.  She is a determined, spunky, sweet, vocal 2 year old who loves to cuddle and still sleeps quite a bit (she just stopped taking 2 naps a day!).  Love you Lyss!

Lyssa practicing blowing out her candles

She also practiced singing the "Happy Birthday" song.  She greeted everyone who game with "Happy Birthday to You, Lyssa"

Enjoying her cupcake :)

Olive (5)

Millie (3)

Becky and Gus (5 months)

Notice who is actually opening the presents

Rachel and Grandma Ginger

Amma

Same routine for party #2

Our not so great family picture

New raincoat and boots

Trying out her new shoes

Fun with Friends

We have been lucky enough to spend a lot of our weekends with friends.  It is such a blessing to be surrounded by people who you can talk with, laugh, complain, tease and just have fun!  In the last couple of weeks we have hung out with the Burns family, Pengelly family and Bliss family- lots of fun with lots of boys!

The Burns boys came down to visit and we all had a blast!  A few of our activities included: going on a hike, Bounce World, putting the boats in, Mexican train, and a pontoon ride.  It is so much fun to get together with them- the adults have a really good time too!  Can't wait for this summer.

Masks from Bounce World- Cullen the Puppy, Shay the Elephant and Breck the giraffe

Go Shawn!  (Adults can have fun too :)

 Oldest (by 12 hours) to youngest

 Fun at the Lake!

Reading with Shay, Owen, Panda and Bear-Bear

Anders and Alyssa

We were able to attend Patrick's 4th Birthday Party- which was construction themed and a blast!

Celebration #4

We had the Sturm family over to celebrate Shay's birthday a little bit later, to spread the birthday fun over several days.  Shay was very excited to share her princess birthday cake with Taylor.  It was gorgeous weather again, which we were able to enjoy between eating cake and opening presents.  What a great way to spend your 4th party!

 Cousins

Megan and Jake

 Alyssa thoroughly enjoyed her cake

 Seeing Great Grandma's reflection