princesses

It seems like most little girls go through a princess stage.
(At least this is my observation from watching my nieces and Hannah's friends.)

Hannah is definitely there.

thank you Aunt Liz and Aunt Hope for all the princess dress-up clothes

Some recent quotes to illustrate this:

"Look, I a fairy godmother."

Mommy: "Hannah-bean..." (one of nicknames for her)

Hannah: "Mommy, I not a bean. I Hannah Joy Robbins Sleeping Beauty"

Hannah: Mommy is Belle, Daddy - you Jasmine, I Beauty

Daddy: Can I be Aladdin?

Hannah: No, you Jasmine!

parenthood

heading out the door to the hospital

3 years ago tonight we headed to the hospital bursting with anticipation about becoming parents and this new little life to join our family.

(must note - that I am not in labor at this point - hence, the great smiles of happiness)

in labor post-epidural

Tomorrow we celebrate not only Hannah's 3rd birthday, but 3 years of being parents!

first outing with baby Hannah - to Peet's to get some coffee for these tired parents

And look how our family has grown!

For the record, I must say that I am so grateful to be here at this point!
The beginning is very special - but being a seasoned parent also has its benefits!

relax

A couple of weeks ago I got time off from being a mom, a wife, a house cleaner, a personal shopper, a diaper changer, a face washer, a gardener, a sleep trainer and so much more - to just go & relax!

Here's how I spent it:

beautiful scenery

delicious food

good friends

Can we do this again next weekend?

Easter

This year (due to a last minute turn of events) we hosted the Robbins' Family Easter celebration!

It was my first time hosting the whole family - 17 (minus Liz & Craig).  And it went surprisingly well and stress-free.

here are most of us around the table

After the meal, Matt's mom/Grandma initiated a game to see who among the grandkids could make the angriest face.

 And after reviewing the pictures and some minor deliberation....

Hannah won, 

with this face!

watch out for when this girl gets upset!

 And then on to the Easter egg hunt.

We've spent a lot of time in recent weeks transforming our backyard from an over-grown jungle with paths - to a welcoming place for kids to play.  It was wonderful to see the fruits of our labor!

Peter and his uncle Tim matched with their green & white stripes!

We finished off the day with some dessert!

Peter is looking forward to being able to participate in the egg hunt next year!

risen

The phrase "He is Risen" struck me in a new way about 10 years ago when I spent a month teaching English  in Thailand.  One day I went to visit a large sleeping Buddha, where many of our Thai students went to worship.  As I walked around the cave/temple I saw the backside of the Buddha...and it was not finished.  I could see the brick and mortar that lay under all the ornate finishings of the front side.   

In that moment it struck me how profoundly different the God I worship is.  He is not made from human hands.  He is not immobile.  He is Risen!  He is alive and he has overcome death.  

Wow!  So much to celebrate!

"Christ is Risen"

"He is Risen Indeed"

things and stuff

Last week after a long telephone conversation I asked Hannah what she talked to her Grammy about.  She said, "tings and tuff" (translation - things & stuff).
I couldn't help but smile.

I thought I'd share some of the things & stuff going on around our house with you.


these sweet little baby feet are anxious to walk

dress-up is more fun when you have a real baby to practice on 

it turns out that wearing your sister's tutu around your neck makes it hard to crawl

the parade at Picnic Day was a highlight for our family

Toby had one great catch in the frisbee dog competition (don't ask about the others)

and well, diapers are becoming optional 

just kidding - but Peter is definitely becoming one difficult child to hold in place and get a diaper on.

What things & stuff are going on in your family?

siblings

A new point has been reached in Hannah & Peter's sibling relationship.

She has figured out how to put him to work!

See for yourself: