We were REALLY happy to see March. This winter was so rough that spring was particularly sweet.
Above: Audrey's latest fashion designs, and a picture of Olive Olson.
These kids are total puzzle masters. I can't wait for them to get old enough to do 1000 + piece puzzles with me all the time.
Claire went to the movies with Dave for her date this month.
Audrey and I got to go out to celebrate her "becoming a woman"! She kept announcing that while we were out. At the shoe store, I'd suggest we look in the children's section, and she would firmly (holler) "But I'm a woman!" When we went to the restaurant, the waitress asked her if she wanted a kids menu; she firmly told her, "No! I'm a woman." It was hysterical. She's been a total sport about the whole thing, and I love that she's been so open with me about everything so I can help her out. Plus, it was an excuse to go shopping! :)
Warm weather = kids playing in the common area. My favorite sign of the change in seasons. This is one of the best parts about where we live. All the neighborhood kids are so cute playing together. In fact, since I'll probably forget to mention this in July's update, Audrey went out to play night games the other night with the bigger kids and she had a blast. I love our neighborhood. It's not the country, but it has it's charms.
Jane turned 9!! She asked for a pretty cake, but I couldn't give her one. My cakes are always such disasters. This one had to be turned into a trifle. It went over well, though.
Potty training commenced!! She did great . . . now that I'm looking back on it. But during it, it was horrible. A lot of pooping in panties.
Mom came and watched the kids so Dave and I could go on a trip just the two of us!! It was so fun. I am so grateful that she was willing to come and do that. And it was especially hard with the kids getting sick while we were gone. Thanks, Mom!
For our trip we drove up through Idaho's panhandle and saw the most beautiful parts of the state that we'd never seen before. It was so fun to just take our time and relax. We listened to this great book called You Belong Here: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live which was so perfect since we were also scoping out possible counties we'd be willing to live if Dave decided to apply for judgeships there.
This was a little roadside stop that overlooked the site of a battle between American soldiers and the native tribes that lived in this valley.
Most of our trip was kind of yucky weather, but we expected that and didn't let it dampen our fun. The main stopping point of our trip was up in Sandpoint. This is the view from our hotel. Seriously, Idaho is so beautiful.
Our favorite town was Grangeville. These pictures show a moment of snow flurries that made it look kinda blah, but it was absolutely beautiful and looked like a good place to apply, if it ever opens up, which we suspect it won't.
This house was for sale and it had the most gorgeous views on all sides. It had quite a bit of acreage, views of both the mountain (and quick access to skiing), and the pastoral valley, and it had trees. I could have bought it on the spot, but it turns out that the builder was going to finish it for himself. Oh, well. At least we'd found a good example of what we liked for the future if we ever move.
This was a rainbow over Grangeville, which we took for a good sign.
That was pretty much our trip. We were gone for about four days, and I can't wait to do it again next spring.
Darcy did finally manage to poop in the toilet instead of her panties and was rewarded handsomely! She earned this lovely ensemble, and she wears it most days.
Claire has started losing teeth and there's no stopping her. She recently (July) lost one in the swimming pool!
I finally replaced those old rickety bar stools! I took a cue from the Olsons (and allowed myself to be persuaded by mom) and picked up some super sturdy ones from Target when they went on sale. Dave wasn't thrilled about the yellow ones, but I think they're so pretty and fun.
