Soccer, Birthdays & Easter

Once Spring hits, it seems everything kicks into high gear.  Both kiddos signed up for soccer and had practice on the same night.

Phoebe did a super job at her choir concert.

It seems like everyone we know has a birthday in April so we celebrated lots of friends' parties!

Warmer weather means ice cream!!!

Phoebe had been begging to get her ears pierced for her birthday so we caved.  I picked up one of her good friends, MacKenzie and off to Claire's we went!

SO excited!

And perhaps just a little bit nervous...

She opted to have both ears done at once to get it over with a bit quicker.  Smart girl!

Ta da!  

Celebrating at Starbucks with a cake pop!

Poor Ziki - he always gets dressed up like an American Girl doll when friends come over to play.

Uncle Steve and Bevin came down from Chicago to help celebrate all three April birthdays and Easter all in one weekend.

 After cake it was time for presents!

Thanks to Uncle Steve for this fun gift!

 The anticipation provided lots of laughs!

 And then it was Easter!

It was a bit bright and sunny but we tried to capture a good photo!

Uncle Steve wanted to be IN the pictures, too!

He's SUCH a great uncle!

And Auntie is such a good auntie!  Phoebe helped sing songs from Moana.

Then it was time for the egg hunt.

Since Phoebe's birthday fell ON Easter this year, we tried to make her feel special once we were back home, just the four of us.

Soccer games got under way - both kids' skill levels have increased significantly since their fall leagues.

We took our first walk on the trail for the season, too.

Phoebe had a birthday party with friends.   

She makes a good Dolly, right!?

This is Brayden.  He's been a good friend of Phoebe's since kindergarten and gave her $10 from his own wallet and this stuffed dog.  Does he know the way to her heart or what!?!?

This is Josie - she sewed Phoebe her very own puppy skirt.  

Phoebe had a couple friends spend the night but one ended up getting sick so then there were just two...

They had to try out their artistic side with some of the crafts she got for her birthday.  

Maverick got another birthday gift in the mail from Nana that he couldn't wait to try out!

Team soccer pictures.

Love that she's No. 1!

 Phoebe's 3rd grade teacher sent me this picture from school one day.  They hatched eggs over the spring trimester and Ms. Stephan let the chicks roam freely on kids' desks (barf!!!) and apparently, on their heads as well.  Phoebe continues to embrace animals in all shapes and sizes so we'll see if the trend continues!