Playing Catch Up

I have been telling myself I was going to catch up on my blog, but of course, I haven't gotten around to it. So, tonight, although I am very tired.... I am determined to get this done for those grandparents that have been asking!!! So, here is a snippet of what has been going on in the Pierce household.

First of all, we have been attempting to get Julia to start baby food. She really doesn't like it. Turns out she likes me or a bottle much better, but we are trying. We also had fun with Abigail pretending like she was the baby!
We also had some fun end of year activities with the kids. Most exciting... Abigail had a preschool graduation, complete with cap and gown (or her nightgown as she calls it). It was a very special day for all of us. We also celebrated A.J. completing 2nd grade (pictured below with his teacher Mrs. Barnes). Summer break here we come!!!

Julia.... the poor 3rd child... doesn't have as many pictures as the others did, but here are some of my favorites!
We also celebrated Julia's baby dedication. I believe all children are a true gift from God, but when they come as a surprise to us... they seem even a little more special!!! Here are a few pictures from Julia's baby dedication, including the altar flowers from Grandma and Pa and Nana and Papa.
The same day (Mother's Day), Abigail was a pumpkin in the Cinderella ballet. We took a few pictures before we left. She was so proud to get to wear make-up!!

Since it is getting VERY hot here, Allan entertained the big kids by making them a redneck slide. For my northern family... that means he laid a tarp on the grass and put dish soap on it. They had so much fun together!
And, to close out this quick update... a few more sweet sibling moments!

Abigail "reading" to Julia... (and by the way... she does everything in her dance costume now that her performance is over. You never will know what that girl will be wearing at any given moment!)

March and a Little April

Here I go again... catching up a whole month of blogging at one time. I am afraid this may start to be a pattern. Here are some of our events in March and the first part of April:

A.J. has never cared much about riding his bike. And, since we have a very long gravel driveway, we haven't pushed it. Recently, he asked Allan to take off his training wheels and he started riding it in the grass. We took him out to pavement to see how he would do, and it turns out that he can ride a bike! Great job A.J.! Next step... a new bike that is big enough for him.

As we have done several years, we we were at Grandma's house for St. Patrick's Day. I have always found it funny that my mom loves the day so much when she hates the color green. Either way... the kids always have a lot of fun on this day with Grandma.


Here are a few more pictures from our Spring Break in Thomasville:

A.J. also had a performance with the Jeter Singers at Monkey Park, and one night, the kids all decided to wear their big/little sister/brother shirts to church. Here are those pictures:

The month has also been filled with Easter activities and the first part of A.J.'s birthday. The Pierce side of our family came to celebrate both with us. The second part is still to come! A.J. got an iPod nano, some new orange crocs, and a book from Abigail. Oh.... to remember the days where your birthday lasted a week!

And now.... THREE EASTER BASKETS!

It's About Time...

A lot has been going on, and I have been horrible at blogging. Now that I am back at work, maybe I will get better at being on a routine and be able to keep up with things better (yeah right).

First of all, I went to my doctor's appointment and took Julia to see the doctor who first welcomed her to this world. Here is Julia with Dr. Rob Marino. Great doctor! (And yes... he is young, but I did ask... he is at least a few years older than me!)

A really big thing happened this month. Julia found her thumb! She is a little younger than Abigail was when she started, but she also is sucking her left thumb!

The biggest news around here has been the snow. First we had the waiting....
Then, we had the playing....
All the snow resulted in lots and lots of laundry. Allan took this picture and just thought it was hilarious. Don't worry... the clothes were clean.
We also had a Pierce family visit. I have gotten really bad about taking pictures, but Michael did capture a few for me.
We also took a weekend trip to Thomasville. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins, Emily and Christian. We spent the afternoon at Paradise Park (and it was rather chilly).
We also spent some time with the Perry family. Here is Julia with Summer (hence the name Julia Summer). She also was held by Ian, who was practicing for his turn with a little sister coming soon.
I also had the blessing of spending time with my girls from home. Thank you so much Brecca, Ashley, Summer, Cindy, and Lesli for coming for a visit. I am so sorry I didn't get pictures. And, I miss you all so much. Thank you mom for all you did to have them over!