April randoms

Lots of fun things going on around here in April.  Most of them involve running, going outside, taking things off counters, and generally saying "no" (unless the question is "do you want to go outside"- then of course the answer is "yeah"- head nod).  None of them involve standing still (many of these pictures are blurry!)

Auntie Christine sent Samantha her very own Care Bear. She was excited about it!  Now Samantha can finally be a real Lieu.

Exhibit A of "All Real Lieus Carry Care Bears" (circa 1987).

Somewhere along the way, Samantha learned that combs are used to comb hair.  She now takes this off of Andrew's vanity every morning and walks around combing hair.

Crazy attempts at running.

Sweet shot at Shema, one of our weekly play groups :)

Some friends for dinner.

Samantha is learning to share her toys.  Sometimes it works out.  

Um cuteness.

Every day involves Samantha pointing at the door and handing me her shoes.  This child would love to live outside.  Cars on the driveway!

Just hanging out on the steps.

 And running around in the backyard!

Here's to more time outside in May!

Visiting the Stillers in Philly

Last weekend we headed to Philly to visit the Stillers.  It has been so great to have them near to us this past year, and we're glad we still have another year to spend some time with them before they head out of the Northeast.  As Erik has an internship for the summer in California, we wanted to make sure we saw them one more time this school year.  It was a beautiful day in Philly, and it was wonderful to spend the day with them (and Duncan and AJ who stopped in as well!)

After everyone was up from their morning naps, we headed to a park near the Stillers' home for a picnic lunch.  Caleb was very still while he ate on the blanket.  Samantha only wants to wander and eat right now.

Uncle Duncs and Caleb.  Loving his hat and really wishing Samantha would keep something on her head without yelling "no" and ripping it off.

Swinging on the playground!  My only proof that Andrew Matthews was actually there!  (But he and Duncan were awesome- they drove all the way from NYC just to spend the afternoon with us!)

This girl seriously loves the swing.  Every time we took her down and tried to play on another part of the playground she walked back to it and pointed "this" at the swing.

See- the see-saw was not as enjoyable.

But Caleb was happy anywhere on the playground.

The Dads with their kids :) Caleb is a little easier to get to smile then Samantha.  She won't crack a smile unless SHE wants to.

The mommies.

And after a wonderful dinner of comfort food (with fantastic breakfast for dinner kids meal options that S gobbled down) this happened.  Toddlers being changed into their pajamas found a balloon.  Best thing ever.

Loved seeing you all!  Can all our Princeton friends live in the same place again someday?  Looking forward to seeing you again in the fall, Stillers!

Easter in Maryland

For Easter weekend, we traveled to Maryland to spend time with my parents and grandparents.   It has been a while since we've been together because of the tough winter my family has had, so it was nice to share a table, celebrate Easter, and watch Samantha play.

Basically Samantha wants to be outside at all times these days.  In Maryland this was no different. 

She also worked on some new skills inside.  She practiced for about ten minutes stepping over the sliding glass door track.  She finally mastered it!  It was so funny to watch her work on acquiring a new skill.

She also has been loving search for Easter eggs.  This is her where are the eggs hand motion.

Yay found one!

And this is her, "I want to eat now and you are just cooking the dinner" needy leg grab.

Yummy dessert!  Daddy spoiled her with some lemon cake Grandmom made.

On Easter morning, Samantha had three baskets.  That's what you get when Mommy, Nana, and Great- Grandmom don't communicate and all like buying our little one a few small goodies.

Shaking an egg with some quarters in it!

Oooh new sunglasses!  Too bad we only leave them on for five seconds tops!

Walking with Nana after church.

Stand off with Lanie!

We tried to get some family photos on the waterfront after church.  S did not want to be in the pictures.

She really only wanted to sit on the steps.

One good family pic.  Too bad we're all squinting!

And then there was this attempt at a group picture.  Sort of a hilarious sequence.

Her third Easter basket (pail!) opening.

Reading the Easter story (this lasted approximately seven seconds)

Playing outside with Granddad was her favorite.  She stayed outside with him for over an hour each day.

Running away!

Good thing Granddad got in front of the stairs and Xiao found a dandelion :)

What a blessing to be with family for Easter!  And remember the blessings we receive because of Jesus's death and resurrection. He is risen, indeed!