We hate to see them go

My parents made a short, but sweet trip up to visit us this weekend. They got in late Friday afternoon, and left Sunday morning. We always love having them come visit, and of course the kids just adore their Grandma and Grandpa Hill! Friday night we enjoyed a quiet dinner at home (hamburgers, made from Grandpa's famous cows of course!). Then Saturday we packed up (literally, I mean, who knew kids needed so much crap for just a day trip?!), and headed up north to Mount Vernon for the annual Tulip festival. The tulips bloomed early this year, so we barely made it before they all get "topped-off" (this just means they cut off the flower part of the tulip so that the good nutrients from the stem goes back into the bulb, and the bad nutrients from the flower don't). All of the fields had already either been harvested, or topped-off, but Tulip Town was still a'bloomin'. Mostly at least. It was windy and a little rainy, but we still enjoyed ourselves. The kids especially enjoyed the tractor ride, and of course my Dad asked if he could drive. Maybe next year they said! Ha! But I have to say, I think the hit of the whole trip was once again riding in Grandma and Grandpa's posh travel van. Brooklyn and Troy were in HEAVEN watching DVD's on the big screen tv (ok, big for a car that is, I think it's like 28 in?).

When we got home, we even got a little work done (and when I say we, I mean my Dad and Erik). Dad brought his chain saw and cut up some trees we had laying around from recent winter wind storms. They even brought us some more meat! Yippee!! We loved having them here and hated seeing them go. Troy cried when they left. Poor kid. Only a few more months though, and we get to spend all kinds of time with them in Boise! So for now, the kids will be counting down the days until July when they can see Grandma and Grandpa Hill again (and of course all our other family in Boise). Thanks again Mom and Dad!

See? What did I tell ya? They're glued to the tv.

Can you believe they will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this August?!

I love how hard my Dad is trying to get Brooklyn to smile in this picture. Classic.

It was so cold! But at least we were staying somewhat dry on the ride.

This is a big one

Using the jeep to rent a thatcher=special treat for the kids...watching TV in their car-seats! Brooklyn's little friend, Ellis, turned 3 last week, and threw a fabulous dance party! All the little girls were given wings, and Tinkerbell crowns. They were all so adorable! Birthday girl is in black, isn't she a doll?!

Becca and Brooklyn

Doing the jig

Lunch time!!

The birthday girl opening her present from Brooklyn.

"It's my party and I'll cry if I want to!" Ellis was a little disappointed she wasn't able to play with all her new presents right away. And rightly so! lol

Blowing out her candles. She had an amazing Tinkerbell cake. So cute!

The kids have been going a little stir crazy, so for FHE this week, I threw them in the tub with some paints and let them go to town. I haven't done this in a while, and I kept asking myself why! What kid doesn't love to paint?!

Brooklyn and her little friend Addi. She's about 9 months younger, and the same size, but Brooklyn still thinks she can boss her around.

Brooklyn had her first visit to the dentist this week. And this wasn't just a "meet and greet" kind of visit that I was expecting. They actually cleaned her teeth and everything! She was such a champ, and SO excited! The hygienist gave her an awesome ride on the chair (as high up as it would go, literally to my shoulder!), a new toothbrush, floss (which Brooklyn calls "bubble-gum" and pulled all out by the time we were half-way home, and she cried when her "bubble-gum" was all gone), and a coin to pick out her very own toy from the toy tower. When the Dr came in to check her teeth, she got all quiet and shy. But he said her teeth are gorgeous and that her spaces are perfect for her eventual permanent teeth. I'm just hoping she doesn't inherit her Daddy's terrible teeth! Maybe if she stays away from soda she'll be fine? :)

Right before leaving for the dentist. I'm so ticked with myself that I didn't bring the camera with me. Totally a first-time mom right?! But it really was humorous watching her try and talk with her mouth wide open.

Bonjour Madame!

Today, my gorgeous (gorgeous is an even fancier word for beautiful!) friends, Gabriella and Becca hosted a fabulous lunch soiree. Soiree is a fancy word for party...We wore all our fancy outfits and jewelry, and had a FABULOUS time. We ate fancy grilled-cheese sandwiches, with the Ifle Tower on them and everything! And of course, the hostess asked if we wanted dessert..."Oui, oui, oui"!!! We made our very own beautiful beaded bracelets, and danced around like ballerinas. I had a marvelous time and can't wait for the next soiree with my friends!

My Mommy did my hair all fancy for the party!

Me in my beautiful "French" tutu.

I was SO excited, I could hardly contain it!

Here I am with a couple of my gorgeous friends.

Just look at that table-setting!

Me and all my gorgeous, fabulous friends.