Video!

Totally haven't done one of these in a while. Ruby was asleep, James was cranky and getting his bottle. Hallie on the other hand had a few things to say before bedtime tonight. Thought you all would enjoy.

New Van, Photos of Everyone

So we're sure that many of you know by now but we traded our Trailblazer in for a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan last weekend. We promised to put up a photo or two, and now we're finally getting to that.

Woo Minivan.

Ruby is loving that her brother and sister are getting bigger and seem to be happier. Here are some photos of all the kids.

Ruby and Hallie. Big Sister, Little Sister.

James and Hallie on their playmat.

Hallie, Ruby, and James hanging out on the couch.

Bella's Ball

We recently attended a March of Dimes fundraiser that was very child-focused. It was a family costume party called "Bella's Ball" named after a little girl in Oak Ridge who is alive today because of research by March of Dimes. Ruby dressed up as a ballerina-princess-fairy. James and Hallie went as "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" from Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat."

Dancing with mommy.

Hugs with Lea Ann.

Not sure why they were crawling, but they were having fun!

Getting tired toward the end of the night.

Thing 2 (Hallie).

Thing 1 with Daddy.

Ruby's First Haircut

Grandma Anderson has been telling me for awhile that Ruby needed a haircut. I kept saying no, but when Grandma came to visit, I gave in and took Ruby for a trim. It was a great idea! She really enjoyed the "salon" in Wal Mart. There were no tears and she was fascinated by all of the hair cutting tools. The women working at Smart Style that day were great with Ruby (she even got a cookie when it was all over). The pictures are pretty self explanatory.

Taking care of business ...

Earlier this month Jason had to take a business trip to California for a conference. My sister came and stayed part of the time he was gone and we ventured out to the Little Ponderosa Zoo for a play date and got our container garden planted. Jason made it back safe and sound and Ruby loved to say "Daddy at work. Daddy in California." Her accent is getting more distinctly "Southern" every day!

Ruby's focused on riding a pony.

Baby goats were being born at Little Ponderosa while we were there!

This goat wanted to eat my shirt.

Ruby and Maggie got the fruits and vegetables planted.

Hallie laughed for Maggie a lot.

James enjoyed her too!

Some cute photos ...

Enjoy some pictures:

Peaceful.

Ruby and James sharing the play mat.

Mom, you're taking our picture the wrong way!

Happy babies.

Daddy with his kids.

Smiles.

"I love you, James."

There's a fine line between genius and insanity ...

And our idea to drive to Iowa in one day definitely crossed us well into insanity! We planned to visit relatives in Iowa for Easter weekend, so we left the house at 2:45 a.m. the Wednesday before Easter. Ruby didn't fall back asleep until 10:30 a.m.! And by the time we made it to Iowa we were all extremely irritable and exhausted! But we had a great time on the trip. Ruby had a blast playing with all of the family (though she was a bit sleep deprived and it showed).

We made it to the Iowa Science Center and the Blank Park Zoo. Ruby loved running around both of these places. Plus everyone who wasn't able to travel to Tennessee got to meet the twins.

The drive home was interesting. We did it over two days and spent the night in Illinois. At one point, near the end of the trip, I was leaning over to help one of the babies and Ruby kicked me in the head. I said, "Ruby, we don't kick. It's not nice." And she responded, "it funny, I laughing." I really wasn't sure how to respond to that one. And then, we hit traffic. We were at a dead stop on I-75, miles from the nearest exit, and both babies were screaming in hunger. I managed to feed them, but I'm sure the truck drivers have never seen such an interesting sight!

Anyway, here are some pictures from our trip.

Snuggles with Great Aunt Marie.

Aww.

With Great Grandma.

Snuggling with Great Aunt Clara.

The men and babies snoozing at the zoo.

Ruby, Grandma, and the giraffes.

Enjoying the petting zoo.

Whenever there is water, Ruby will find it.

Bubbles, bubbles everywhere!

Ruby loved the Science Center.

Hallie decided to take a nap.

Happy boy with Great Grandma Jeanne!