A Month of Firsts

A few weeks ago, we noticed that two of Brooke's permanent teeth were poking through and asked her if the teeth above them were loose. Sure enough, in the span of a few days, one of them was REALLY loose. She came downstairs the night before Matt left for a trip (he hadn't wanted to miss it coming out) bleeding a little bit. Matt asked to "take a look" at the tooth and basically pulled it right out. She didn't even realize it had come out.

She's been wanting to lose a tooth for most of the school year, so she was obviously very excited.

Because Miles and Paige were asleep, she asked to keep the tooth an extra night.

And then she realized she wanted to keep her first lost tooth forever. (She commented the next day on how nice the tooth fairy's handwriting is compared to Santa's.) She got $5 for the tooth, which is apparently the going rate for the first tooth. The tooth fairy's purse strings tighten quite a bit after that.

While we were getting Miles's hair cut last week, I was commenting on her mullet. The hairstylist said that she could at least make it look a little better by layering the back. Paige is all about being a big kid lately, so she was thrilled to sit in the chair.

Miles was very encouraging and reassuring while she got it cut. I forgot to get an "after" shot, but it's definitely an improvement!

And just to cap things off, last weekend, Brooke pulled her OWN second tooth. This growing up really needs to stop.

Organized Athletics of Late

Winter activities are winding down and spring activities are beginning. I would say that Miles enjoyed his soccer practice, but we were all ready for it to be over.

Ditto for Brooke's indoor soccer league.

She showed the most aggression we've seen in her last game, and genuinely seems to enjoy herself, so onto spring soccer we go.

Brooke also finished her session at tumbling. Again, she was always happy to go, but I'm not sure it's something we'll revisit.

Ice skating was the first of the kids' spring sports to begin. Matt took the two big kids the weekend before their first lesson. It was, in his words, "On a scale of 1 to 10...a 1."

Thankfully, both kids really seem to be enjoying it after four lessons.

Brooke took a few tumbles that I think shook her up, but she hasn't complained or said a word about quitting.

And Miles really seems to love it. He's always asking when ice skating day is and smiles most of the time he's out there.

He's asked to do hockey next. We'll see...

Easter Eggs!

Last Saturday, the Wellers had their third annual (see also here) Easter egg hunt. It's always a great time for the adults and kids alike.

Paige was not as excited to see the Easter bunny as Matt was.

She ended up calming down and keeping her eye on him the rest of the time. I think she was more interested in him than the eggs.

She did a little hunting with Grandpa.

Miles and Brooke were pretty into it.

Helping his little sister.

I think the highlight of Brooke's morning was finding a golden egg.

This group of kids has grown exponentially the past couple years. (I'm tempted to use a hashtag and the word "blessed" here, but I won't...so just know that's how I feel.)

Afterward, the kids checked out their loot inside. Paige had fun playing with baby Emma.

Thanks for another morning of great memories, Wellers!

Fun Babysitters and a Birthday

A couple of weeks ago, Uncle Will and Aunt Jamie watched the kids for us for the morning.

The went to get donuts (apparently Paige was NOT pleased about only getting a munchkin) and then strolled around the pet store.

Brooke now wants a fish and Miles wants a baby mouse. I told Brooke we can talk about a fish when she's responsible enough to keep her room clean for four weeks. Judging by how she takes after her dad in the area of organization, I wouldn't be surprised if that discussion never happens.

The kids seemed to have a great time and we really appreciate the help!

Grammie Deb and Grandpa got back from Florida a few days later. Debbie had a new pair of shoes shipped to our house and tried them on, which prompted all the kids to put on their boots.

We also had family dinner for Grammie Deb's birthday this past week. Aunt Jamie and the little girls were matching, so we tried to get a picture.

Of course the kids convinced Will and Jamie to play a couple of games with them.

And what birthday celebration would be complete without cake and ice cream?

Happy birthday, Grammie Deb!