Dane, three years old!

Today, Dane, you turned three years old! Your dad and I cannot believe how simultaneously long and short the last three years with you have seemed. You are an amazing, creative, funny guy who loves to cuddle, LOVES to run, loves to explore and help mom and dad. Your favorite song right now is Somewhere Over the Rainbow, your favorite food is "hotdogs, mini pieces", and your favorite girl is Aria, of course. You're really smart, using all kinds of tools to get things done, and you love technology, be it phones, iPads or computers. You are going through a phase of pushing our limits, and while the rebellion right now is hard to deal with, we also see glimpses of the good side of it, a little boy who knows his own mind. We love the funny things you say, like calling everything "amazing!", or when you tell us specific details from things that happened days ago. You have just (at your birthday party) started to understand and initiate praying, and love reading Bible stories every day at lunch. When asked what we should name the new baby, you always say "Baby Isaac!" referring to the story of Abraham and Sarah. We love the sweet side of you, and continue to see your awareness of how you treat others growing. We went through a phase where you were kicked out of the gym childcare for weeks because you were too aggressive, and then, after the wait was over, and after MANY conversations about what behavior was okay, you've done great. Your "teachers" even compliment you on how empathetic you are toward others. We pray each day for that side of you to be developed more, and thank God for how smart and funny and curious you are naturally. We love you and look forward to another year of laughter and growth with you!
Love you,
Mom and Dad

Dane's 3rd Birthday Party!

All of the busyness of life has made it impossible to have a big party at this time, but we were able to get some family down to Wheaton for a fun day of celebrating the big boy! We started the day with a fun trip to the zoo, then had birthday lunch and presents and ended up with cake. Dane got in his typical trip to Dunkin' Donuts with my dad, and was thrilled to get a slot car track. He was mesmerized for hours...until the batteries practically gave out. It was a great weekend, and one that we were excited to share!

Weekend Downtown

In an unexpected turn, we found ourselves with a hotel room downtown and no one to watch the kiddos. Hence, Mark decided to take Dane downtown with him for some much-needed guy time. It was super fun; the fact that it was St. Patrick's Day made it that much more so! They hung out at the beach, walked Michigan, had some Chik-fil-a, and then survived a croupy boy overnight, but overall it was a huge success. The next morning, Ari and I drove down so we could enjoy Lincoln Park Zoo together for the first time. The kids had a blast, albeit ending up very tired (they both passed out before we left the parking lot) that afternoon. It was nice to be out in such beautiful weather and to share some of the things we love with our little ones. Also, as Mark said, if we held hands, and looked away from the kids for a minute, it was almost like we were on a date:)

 This is where pink-eye comes from! (She came down with it the day after:()

 They weren't really down with a group photo.

 Big cat house.

 Photo booth.

A typical afternoon

We had a slow afternoon recently and amongst the fort-building, cartoon-watching, ball-tossing, etc, we took a few minutes to color and chat about life. This is certainly the most calm I think they've ever been simultaneously, which I enjoyed while I could!

Ari at 17 months

Loves to dance, loves to sing, loves to wear hats or anything else as a hat. She talks all the time and loves to mimic anything we say or do, especially when Dad's around. She's a ray of sunshine!

Spring!

With the beautiful weather we've been enjoying for the last couple weeks, we made it out to a park near our house for some family time while Dad was home. It was a super windy day, but it was so much fun for the kids to get out and explore, especially WITH dad:) We also hit up Cosley Zoo, and then downtown Wheaton for our first ice cream of the season. We have been SO thankful for the fun outside and the time together as we come toward another really busy month for Mark!

 Still in winter coats, because the wind was kind of sharp.

 Now that is some RED hair!

 Typical Mark.

 At Cosley.

 Excited to be holding hands for the first time:)

 Even once it turned into drag-fest.

 Her first ice cream cone! I think she likes it!

Winner!