"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." –Lin Yutang

Let's Go Fly a Kite....

Holden had a wonderful first Easter Sunday! Daddy played the drums for Uncle Kevin's church and Mommy wasn't sure about taking Holden to a new church or about going to Salem without Daddy, so they stayed home for the morning and just watched an Easter message on TV - and Holden took a nice long nap so he would be a happy boy for all the Easter celebrating!

We went to Grandma and Grandpa Himes' for lunch and just like every year, everyone went out to fly kites after the meal. It was kind of chilly, but very windy and sunny - perfect kite-flying weather :) Holden loves being outside and had lots of fun watching everyone run around. It was so nice to see all the family. And even though we missed not having Shanti there, it was fun to hear all about her and Uncle Tyler H's wedding plans for when she officially becomes Auntie Shanti! And Grandma and Grandpa gave Holden a yummy chocolate Easter basket that Mommy and Daddy are still very much enjoying.

For dinner, we went over to eat with Mimi, Pap Pap, and uncle Tyler B. Unfortunately, Megan, Corey, and Josslyn had to leave for Texas a few days earlier so they weren't able to be there, but we still had a good time. And since their doggy, Otto, is staying over at Mimi's while they are away, we took our dog, Indiana, over to play and Holden had fun watching those silly puppies run around the yard.

And now that Easter is all over we're thinking Spring and hoping for some warm, sunshiny weather soon!

Mommy and Holden ready to watch the kite-flying festivities!

Kelsey and Brianne - the master kite-flyers :)

Uncle Tyler H getting his Pooh kite all ready

And they're off!



Holden and Daddy watching the big puppies play at Mimi's house

A Little Sonshine on a Snowy April Morning

the big guy



being silly

such a sweetheart

grinning at Mommy

loving being naked :)

An Easter Egg Hunt!

Last Sunday - Palm Sunday - Holden got to watch his very first Easter Egg Hunt.

Since cousin Josslyn won't be in Ohio on Easter, Mimi set up an early Easter Egg Hunt for her. Holden loved watching her run around and find the eggs. And thankfully, we even had a pretty day for all of us to be outside. Even though Holden is too little to hunt for the eggs, he still thought they were all very pretty. And Mimi even helped him hold some!

pretty eggs

Joss showing Holden what she found

swinging with Mimi

Holden's First Baseball Game!

Uncle Tyler B had a scrimmage at home this past week and Mommy took Holden to his very first baseball game! Unfortunately, Mommy doesn't think Holden is a true baseball fan yet. I think we lasted less than an hour. But at least we got to see Uncle Tyler B get a hit! Maybe Holden will like it when it gets a little warmer out and he doesn't have to be so bundled up. He likes to feel free :)

Daddy and Uncle Corey's Birthday Party

Since Daddy and Uncle Corey have birthdays only 2 weeks apart, Mommy and Aunt Megan decided to throw them a birthday party together this year. And since they were both so into the new Batman movie this past Christmas, we thought it would be funny to have a Batman party. And we were right.

The Birthday Boys! (being very good sports)

Holden's silly Mommy and Daddy

Holden trying Daddy's Batman mask

Silly Daddy

Holden thought Daddy was funny




Sitting with Aunt Megan and watching the party




Such a sweetheart

Holden's first trip to the Wilderness Center!

On St. Patrick's Day, Mommy and Holden went to the Wilderness Center with Aunt Megan, Uncle Corey, and Josslyn. It was an absolutely beautiful day and we had so much fun - aside from accidentally getting on the wrong, treacherous, and seemingly never-ending Pioneer Trail. yikes. avoid it at all costs. But after we finally got back from that, we all had a picnic under the pavilion and then Holden and Mommy watched Josslyn and her mommy and daddy feed the geese and fish. It was beautiful out and we all had a wonderful time. Next time, maybe we can go on a day Daddy can to, too. Holden loved hiking all around outside. He even took a little nap while Mommy was hiking!

Mommy and Holden on that sunny day!

Mommy (carrying Holden), Josslyn, and Aunt Megan

Uncle Corey, Josslyn, and Aunt Megan

Watching Uncle Corey, Joss, and Aunt Meg feed the geese

Holden's New Mobile!

Holden's new Turtle and Circle Mobile!

Another View

Holden watching his new mobile

So... Mommy was feeling crafty and saw this wonderful idea on a friend's facebook page. She made Holden his own brand new mobile with circles and turtles on it to go with his new turtle bedding! Holden loves to lay in his crib and look at his new mobile. And Mommy had lots of fun making it, too!

Holden adores Josslyn

Aunt Megan and Cousin Josslyn arrived back home a few days ago for their visit - Uncle Corey will be here in a couple days - and Mommy and Holden have been spending so much time visiting them, already! And one thing is absolutely sure: Holden loves Josslyn. :) He is so entertained by her toys and all her songs and just watching her play and giggle and talk. And she is so good with him. (She must be getting in all her practice for when she gets to be a big sister soon!!) They are so cute together and we are having so much fun every day playing with them.

Holden sitting on Josslyn's lap

Holden watching Josslyn laugh at the silly wind-up toys at Mimi's house




Josslyn and Megan showing Holden his new train

So Many Fun New Faces!

yesterday Mommy's friend Meredith came to visit us. She got to see Holden for the first time and he was such a good boy! He loved being held by Meredith :)

And also yesterday, Holden's aunt Megan and cousin Josslyn got back into town for a visit! Holden had so much fun last night watching Jossy play with all her Barbies and Beanie Babies. He was completely enamored with her and all her little songs and toys. We can't wait to spend lots and lots of time with them! :)