Is warm weather ever going to get here? Logan said that Spring is on the way because there are lots more birds in the trees and they're getting ready to build nests.  And there are lots of daffodils blooming.  I'll take his word for it.  We've been outside as much as possible but we are ready for more!

Logan is signed up for t-ball and of course, is completely prepared.  He's got his ball & glove and has practiced a few times.  He's not too bad for a beginner but my gosh, trying to explain anything to him...  Well, if you know Logan at all, you know that you really have one chance to teach him anything and that he's pretty much made his mind up about it beforehand anyways, so good luck! He's just very matter-of-fact about it.  He got mad at Grandpa Cliff for getting him dirty and throwing the ball where he had to chase it.  After getting in trouble for throwing a big fit about the whole deal, he can now fully express how prepared he is to get dirty if need be.  He's your guy.  As his mom, I'm a little worried about how the coaching will go.  I feel sorry for the coach, but at the same time, I'm fiercely protective over my kid.  And this is t-ball...

Harper on the other hand, is ready to cheer him on.  When she gets bigger, she wants to play baseball with her cousin Peyton (never mind the 8 year age difference; they can be on the same team.)  When she gets bigger is the start to a lot of her ideas.  She is just wallowing in the threes.  It's amazing how she can be sweetie pie Harper and with one harsh word she is transformed into a 13-year old snot and then collapses into a puddle of tears and devastation.  My goodness...what are we in for?

Miss Ainslee is moving and grooving her way in circles around everybody.  She is really trying to talk - well, she talks, but she's trying to copy what we're all saying.  She talks on the phone a lot complaining, I'm sure, about the raw deal she gets at our house.  The big kids won't let her destroy their games, mom won't let her dig through the kitchen cabinets or play in the dog water, and that darn cat just runs away any time she tries to love on it.

Travis and I have been working on coming up with a chicken coop design.  Yep.  Chickens.  I mean, why not?  We've got loads of spare time...we've got to keep things moving around here.  Our chicks will be here the end of April.  Logan has named his Chicky Chick; Harper likes Henny; Ainslee didn't really say what she had in mind; Travis is going for something (this is a wild guess) that relates to Wyoming; and me...I'm thinking of assigning them numbers.  There's only 5 on their way.  Travis has spent a lot of time researching & brainstorming.  I've looked at the internet a few times and am going for the "wing it" approach...  We'll keep you posted.

Here's a Little Bit of Trouble for you:

Happy 1st Birthday!

We celebrated Ainslee's birthday this past weekend.  She was thrilled with the candle & cupcake.  She tried her best to blow it out, but needed some help.  We had family over and of course, they spoiled her rotten...again.  Our kids (and their parents) are lucky to have our family close and involved.  It enriches their lives.  And gives us a great support system.

Logan is staying busy with school.  He is rehearsing for his St. Patrick's Day play (March 16th at 3pm if anyone wants to attend.)  He has one line and has explained to me that he has to sniff around and then say...(you'll have to wait) and then he and other boys fight.  But not really because it's acting so they just pretend, says Logan.

Logan & Harper looking innocent

Harper is busy at dance class because they have a big show coming up in May (May 7th in Lawrence for interested parties.)  They are dancing to a song from Jungle Book.  The costumes are a new thing for me.  On one hand I think good grief, she's 3 and will stand still for 70% of the  show.  On the other hand, she looks awfully cute and has a great time.  We videotaped her teacher so she can practice her dance at home.  She's also been watching clips of Swan Lake.  She tries to copy the moves, but dances with her eyes close (as, apparently, all dancers do) and is a bit wobbly.  But beautiful.

Ainslee trying out her snowsuit for the last time

Miss Ainslee is cruising around, climbing up and trying her best to run.  She loves wandering around the house picking things up - toys, clothes, animals...  She is really babbling and trying to talk.  Right now she can say ni-ni, mama, a version of dada, bup - which is long for up, more and bye.  She loves to participate in family conversations.  She has days where all she wants is up with me, but she's trying to play with the big kids.  Logan likes to chase her and Harper likes to squeeze her.  Harper thanks me a lot for having Ainslee borned because she is the cutest baby in the world.  The girls are sleeping through (mostly) the night - FINALLY! They share a room and it's taken a long while to get them in the same rhythm.  Logan is the sleeping champ.  He goes to bed and you don't hear anything from him until 7 or 7:30 the next morning. It's encouraging because he was our worst sleeper. There's hope for Harper yet.

Logan & Grandpa Cliff made a tunnel