By that I mean that Amelie now loves (and I mean LOVES) cats and dogs! This is quite a breakthrough for this little one. Up until recently, any dog or cat in her vicinity elicited high-pitched screams and cries to be picked up. Seriously. So, I was, understandably, a bit worried about our recent trip to North Carolina where we would be sharing a house with two cats and a dog. But she did great! In fact, she couldn’t get enough of them and even let them lick her and snuggle her. I think we have Pepper (Tony and Sarah’s dog in Seattle) to thank for the miracle. When we were there at Christmas, she just wooed Amelie and showed her how sweet animals can be. Thanks, Pepper!

In other news…

Here's our leftie, up to bat.

Tower building is a favorite pastime in our house. Gotta love the cheesy grin.

Teaching Calder how to wipe the table clean. I'm constantly amazed by the joy children find in helping out around the house. Well, unless it's cleaning up their toys.

My baby got beaten up at Church today. By a pew. I was finishing up with the ward choir (I'm the director) and heard her screaming. When I got to her, she was lying on the floor just sobbing. I think she was running up the aisle, tripped, and smashed her face against the side of the pew. Poor thing--a bleeding lip, a scratched up nose, a big goose egg accompanied by several scratches on her forehead. No fun.

Amelie’s excited for summer. She can’t stop talking about going to fairs (each city in our valley has its own day of celebration that includes a parade and carnival), going swimming, and playing at the playground. It’s going to be great.

This little boy is just growing up right before my eyes! He says something new every day and is just loving life right now. This morning, he was playing with Bryce on the iPhone and said, “Can I hold it, Daddy?” and one of his favorite things to do is help me sweep our floors with his pint size broom and dustpan–such a sweetheart. We recently returned from a 2.5 week stay in North Carolina where he had a fantastic time playing with various cats and dogs, eating popsicles, and going on walks with Grandma and Grandpa Austin. Pictures from NC to come shortly.

A bit of what he’s been up to recently:

This one definitely has a love for his toy tractor, trains, and trucks. I love the sounds he makes to accompany them.

This picture makes me laugh. On the one hand, he looks so grown up--almost like he's delivering a speech. On the other hand, he's wearing a diaper and has stickers all over his naked belly.

This is what happens when you share a room with your sister and she decides you need a toy or two during nap time.

Sour Cream. That's all I have to say about this picture.

Well, we already knew that he loved his blankie. And, yes, those are pink sheets.

See? I told he was all grown up. Not too grown up for lots of hugs and kisses, though, much to the delight of this mother.

Should be a fun and active summer with Calderoo in tow. I’m planning lots of time at the playground, the pool, and in the canyons. Yay for summer!

I can’t believe it’s been over 2 months since I posted! That’s the longest I’ve gone without posting since I started this blog. Where did those 2 months go? File them under: Sickness (Kids and Adults). In the past 2 months, Amelie and Calder have had several colds, Bryce got the Can’t-Emerge-From-the-Bedroom Flu followed by a lingering cough, Bryce got a bacterial infection, I got pneumonia, and Amelie got a slight case of pneumonia. Don’t ask me what’s been going on. We take our vitamins and I clean our house, I promise!

But, anyway, that’s part of the reason I haven’t been posting. So, here are 3 posts to help me get caught up.

In family news, Bryce just ran his first half marathon and did a fantastic job! I was there with Calder and Amelie when he and Brad crossed the finish line and they looked great–not even winded! They did have some knee problems that they feel slowed them down a bit, but they finished the 13.1 miles in about 2 hours and 6 minutes, which I think is amazing. I think it’s so great that they got to do this together and be there to encourage each other. I’m so proud of both of them!

Oh, and here's the famous beard that Bryce is growing in anticipation of auditioning for a Church film.

The conquering heroes. Next stop: full marathon! I can't even imagine running 5 miles, myself, so I am definitely in awe.

Click here for a video of them crossing the finish line. Great job, guys!