City Girls go to the farm

It's funny how some things are a novelty to some and very common for others. I remember how excited my nice and nephew were when they visited last summer over all the fun parks and "city stuff" we had here... 

And Morgan was so, I mean SO excited about farm animals this last trip to PA.  She got to hold a chicken at her Aunt Bethany's house, she got to feed the goats during an outing with Mimi, and she got to go to an actual farm.  You would have thought I was taking her to Disney world the way she was talking about the farm on the way.  I was nervous about a let down but no...  She loved every minute and was running from one thing to the next with equal excitement.  I didn't think I would ever get her to leave.  

Maya was just about as excited as her sister at first but it wore off some as it got closer to lunch and her tummy started to rumble.   Maya also wasn't too sure about the chickens at Aunt Bethany's or feeding the goats.  I guess she needs to get a little older yet to appreciate those things.  

David's Graduation!

I now have a movie pitch for Hollywood!
An infant boy abandon at birth, catches pneumonia and is hospitalized.
Because of this is placed with a loving foster care family who nurses him back to health, teaches him how to eat and what it means to be loved.
Through this family he meets his future parents and sisters, whom a Dr's told it was crazy to take him in since he "shouldn't live past age 5 and will never walk. You are wasting your time on him"

He learns to walk, talk and is able to go to school.
His adopted family loves and cares for him.  Helps him get the extra help he needs.
With all the extra care and attention he makes it all the way though to age 21 when he then walks across a stage as they call out "David Malcolm Crane".
He defied all odds, wore a cap and gown and graduated from High school!

Triumphant ending!  Well kind of.  The only thing is his story isn't over!  I am grateful that his story isn't over, but it's scary not knowing what is next for someone like David.

David you are so loved! and I wish I could say it's smooth sailing from here on out, but only God knows the path you are on.
I pray that there is always a place for you where you can feel safe, have things to do, and get your DVD player! :)

Picture from several years ago but I love it! 

Morgan's 4th Birthday

This year we decided to do something different for Morgan's Birthday.  We asked her what she wanted!  

Morgan decided she wanted to have a tea party for her birthday.  So we started planning.  First step Morgan and I picked out her invitations and sent them to her friends.  Then we went to a thrift store and found some really nice tea cups and tea pots.  I admit I went a little crazy and ended up having so many tea cups I had to get creative in how to use them all.  

Once we had the tea cups and pots we were off for decorations.  I found a sheet at the thrift store as well that made a great table cloth.  Then I found some odds and ends at Party City in their 99cent section.  

Then (thanks to Ben and my dad) we needed activities.  For some reason boys don't think drinking tea is enough... I have to say they were right!!  but Ben's and my definition in activities were worlds apart.  We settled on making bead necklaces and then my dad found those fun bead ironing crafts, so we added those in as well!  

Finally Party day arrived!  Morgan came down stairs to find her party table all set up and her princess cake out on the table (she hadn't seen it yet).  

She was too cute!  It felt like Christmas morning all over again.  She checked out every detail at every place setting at the table and just chattered on about how her friends are going to have so much fun etc.  

She had 6 little friends come over for the party.  They all arrived in their pretty tea party dresses.  Found their names on tea cups at the table and sat down to some girly fun!  

They were so cute!  We served "apple tea" (or apple juice) and some snacks, and followed with the cake latter.  

They enjoyed the crafts and were super quiet while working and supper giggly girls the rest of the time.  Oh the fun of having little girls! :)  

At the end of the party all the girls went home with their crafts, a tea cup with their name on it, a little plastic tiara, and a star wand.  

I would do that party over again in a heart beat!  SO FUN!!  

The party table 

Morgan's first look at her cake

The oh so hard to make cake 

Making bead necklaces 

The girls (yes they were having fun! they just wouldn't smile for the camera, I promise) 

Drinking Apple Tea

Cake Time (the little girl on Morgan's right asked if she could eat 1/2 of the doll's dress...) 

They never do tell you how to cut these cakes! 

Present time.  (after the party and nap time) 

Easter Sunday 2012

Easter Sunday was a lot of fun.  We went to church in the morning, the girls all dressed up in their matching dresses and shoes.  After the service they had an Easter egg hunt for the kids and both girls just loved that! 

  

 Morgan spent her time casually picking out each egg making sure it was the right color.  She wouldn't want to get one that might not be just right now after all.  (not sure she got the concept).  All the other kids were running around like crazy picking up every egg in sight.  

Maya got to taste her first candy this Easter.  I think we created a monster! She loved it a little too much. 

 After the hunt Morgan and her best buddy Wyatt looked over what they had found intently comparing every single candy.  It was kind of funny to watch and listen to.  

At the end of the day even after all the candy and fun non religious Easter stuff Morgan was able to recite the whole Easter story, including a sad day (Good Friday) and a happy day (when Jesus rose from the dead).  And she concluded her story with how Jesus is in heaven now alive and taking care of PopPop Mangrich.  

Sleeping babies

For a Baby who didn't seem to like sleep Maya certainly is making up for all the lost time in that first year.  She finally started sleeping through the night in January with a few relapses here and there.  But I do have to say even though she didn't always stay asleep very long she was always able to fall asleep easily.  Now all she needs for a good night sleep is her blanket (Called "dadit") and Ernie.  

Honestly there truly is nothing better than a sleeping baby!! 

Except a sleeping mom at the same time!!  

Oh yeah and a sleeping Morgan along with that! :) 

Now if someone could just teach me how to get a consistent nap with a second child 

or how to get them to sleep in I would be golden! 

Dress Up Fun

 Our Morgan Loves many things, but I would have to say one of her favorite things is playing dress up!  She loves to put pretend outfits together and prance around the room making up all kinds of fun adventures (most of them where she is Cinderella).  She also loves to put her daily outfits together; you know the ones she wares out of the house. (some days are a real challenge)  I find myself telling people (who usually don't even ask) that, "She dressed her self today."

Use Feb Pics and some March etc..

Since we've Been Home (March 2012)

Since we have been home from our trips to Florida the girls have been very busy!  Just take a look!

Maya is trying to convince us she should learn how to drive! 

Morgan is always trying to sneak up on us. (little does she know we're not too surprised hence the camera!)  Now if only she can learn to do it quietly

Morgan loves to read (quote memorized books) to her little sister. 

Maya loves it! 

Morgan has learned to scale the metal things (I'm sure they have a name) on our back patio.  

Our whole family got the stomach flu!! (yes that's why she has that face)

But Morgan looked the cutest while sick. (even cuter than little Maya...I think it was the hair) 

They convinced daddy to climb on the rocks by the beach with them so they could look over and see the dogs at the dog beach. 

Maya has mastered the art of drinking milk from her sippy cup.   Now to teach her that Milk is not an endless supply we have and that water is good too.  

They both have learned to play very well together out side.  And Morgan is excited to have a play mate not just a baby at home now.  

Lastly for the month of march Maya has given up crawling!  She is now a walker all the way even seems like she's running half the time.