Snow Day in Warm Weather

We had a snow day in 70degree weather!  I bet you are wondering how that might be possible?  Well, we have magic snow that when mixed with water feels like real snow.  I set up two sensory boxes with snow and animals for the girls to enjoy.  This activity kept the girls happy and occupied for over an hour! It was fun for me to watch the girls play.  Isabella enjoyed giving voices to each animal and Sophia enjoyed  the feeling of the snow in between her fingers.

Isabella sprinkles snow on the cub

Sophia takes boots for a walk in the snow

Luna likes the play tunnel

Water Water Everywhere

It might not be summer yet but it has been a week full of water fun!  Last weekend the girls played in the mini pool and water table at home.  Since we were on the water fun kick, Isabella started a swim class at the Y  two weeks ago.  Isabella loves her swim class and has even jumped in from the side and went under!   Sophia wants to be a part of the class with her big sister so I took Sophia for a dip during class and she was so happy to be in the water!  My girls love the water!

Time for a dip!

Fifi loves dumping water on her head!

Sisters who sun

Abby & Isabella

First swim class

Sophia enjoyed watching big sis swim

Look at that big smile on my little swimmer!

Introducing Luna

In Latin, Luna is the name for the Moon.  In Roman mythology, Luna is the goddess of the moon.  In Chemistry, Luna is the alchemical name for Silver.  In the Schaefer household, Luna is the name of the newest addition to our family, our cat.  We welcomed the cute kitty into our home last week.  She has a sweet, loving personality and always wants to be with us.  Her oval eyes are sapphire blue and her coat is as soft as silk.   Luna, is a Ragdoll bred cat and her temperament is a great fit for our family.  She fills a special place in our hearts and laps!

Dinosaurs

Isabella has become interested in Dinosaurs and I wanted to seize the teachable moment while the timing was right.  So, the girls and I stayed an extra day in Maryland to visit the Museum of Natural History. The girls were a bit scared when they first discovered how large the skeletons were but they loved learning about all the animals.  It was a fun day and the weather was perfect.  We were excited to have Pop-Pop and Samantha with us which made for a special trip.  When I later asked the girls what they loved most about the day they said it was taking the Metro train to DC!  Looks like we might need to hit up a train museum next!

Awesome tree sculpture

Isabella & PopPop

Sam , Bell and a large Sloth skeleton

Mommy, Isabella and the elephant skeleton

PopPop & Sophia checking out the hippo

Sleepy Cousins who like to snuggle

Cousins

Sisters love to snuggle!

Checking out the train from the window

Bonnets, Baskets and Bunnies

Easter festivities continued with a spring concert at Isabella's preschool.  The kids looked cute in their Easter Bonnets (which I helped make for the class).  On good Friday, the girls were surprised to find baskets full of goodies waiting for them when they came down for breakfast.   The Easter bunny decided to come to our house a little early since he knew we were heading out of town.  That is one smart bunny!

Isabella & a few classmates in their Easter bonnets

Flopsy & Mopsy

Exploring their baskets of goodies

 On Saturday, the girls went the the circus in DC with Daddy & Grandmere.  Isabella has wanted to see the circus for a few months thus was eager to get up that morning.  She came in our room before 7am and said "Mommy, its time to get dressed, today is the CIRCUS!"    From what I hear, the girls enjoyed seeing all the sights especially the elephants.

Sophia, Grandmere & Isabella

Grandmere enjoys the girls first trip to the circus

On Easter Sunday the girls met the Easter Bunny after mass at church.  Isabella pranced up and posed with the bunny for a cute photo op.  Sophia on the other hand was more reserved and did NOT want to sit with the Easter bunny.  She took Will's hand and approached with caution for her Easter egg filled with a sweet treat.  

Isabella & the Easter Bunny

"Come on Sophia"

Daddy's girl says Hi!

Back at the Schaefers house, the girls were excited to have an Easter egg hunt.  It was so much fun looking for eggs that we re-hid them a few times.  Isabella was a great big sister and gave most of her eggs to Sophia.  After a small dose of sugar and family fun the girls were tuckered out.

Who is ready for an Easter egg hunt? "I am"

Patiently waiting while the eggs were hidden in the yard

Daddy - Daughter Easter Egg Hunt

The hunt continues

Notice Sophia's full basket courtesy of Isabella

"I found it!"

Mommy - Daughter Easter snuggles

Queen of the mountain

Sleepy Fifi with Aunt Mere

Awesome basket from Aunt Meredith & Uncle Sean

The Schaefers on Easter 2012

I love to the see the joy of the holidays though my daughters eyes.  They were delighted to experience all the joys of the season and I am blessed to have such a darling little family.  Happy Easter everyone!

Stay tuned for our DC museum adventure...

Easter Eggs

'Tis the season for Easter Eggs.  So far this week has been full of Easter related fun!  We kicked off the week by dying our Easter Eggs.  Isabella was confused about "dying" the eggs and thought they were going to heaven.  Obviously, I set her straight that we were just going to color the egg shells.  Sophia was excited to get started coloring eggs but apparently had quite a grip on the eggs, thus a few broke in half.  The damage is in the photograph.

Coloring Eggs

Sophia's eggs

 Today our playgroup had an Easter Egg hunt.  The girls were excited since there was actually stuff inside the eggs!  It was great to watch the kids run around and have fun!

Playgroup Easter Egg Hunt

Let the hunt begin!

"I found it!"

Isabella  enjoys the stickers in her eggs.

My little jellybean enjoying a jelly bean!

Ellie & Sophie checking out the crazy big kids

Isabella keeping her eggs close

Stickers!

Isabella & her buddy Madelyn 

Sophia sports her pink cream cheese mustache.

Me & my girls!

Stay tuned for more Easter fun to come!

"Hoppy" Holidays!