If not, have a GREAT Easter!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Kicking Off Easter
Easter (like all other holidays) seems to be a month long activity for our family). We made bunny ears and cute bunny tails last week at our MOMS club meeting. On Saturday we went to the Germantown egg hunt (indoors, since it was so cold and rainy outside). Here are pictures of my two littlest super egg hunters.

We have a fun filled week planned with egg decorating, more egg hunts, and cake decorating! Maybe I'll even keep up to date on the blog. Maybe...
If not, have a GREAT Easter!
If not, have a GREAT Easter!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Healthy Kids Day at the Y
I wasn't convinced that we were going to go to the YMCA for Healthy Kids Day until I heard that there were going to be pony rides. I have an equestrian tour scheduled for later this month and I wanted to make sure that both Grace and Lydia would actually like the horses before bringing them for a long morning of horses without Paul to help out.
After registering, we quickly hurried to the ponies. Grace and Lydia were super excited about the pony rides.

Lydia didn't stop smiling the entire time she was up there.

Grace was a little bit more nervous, but excited to be riding Oreo. She can't wait to see her in a couple weeks.
Ella actually was okay with being on the horse... until it started walking. Then she jumped off into my arms.
Poor Ella wishing she were back on vacation at the pool. (Me too Ella)!
Cutest 18 month old!!
Time for push ups! I have to admit it's really hard for me to do more than 10 real push ups. Yep, I'm a wimp.
Medicine Balls! Look at these strong girls!
...and tough girl Ella.
And of course time to work those triceps.
This is the point in the day where we quit taking pictures. The girls had a great time making bracelets, playing hopscotch, decorating pillow cases and hanging out with their favorite KidCare people. Unfortunately, their parents went on strike and failed to take any more pictures.
After registering, we quickly hurried to the ponies. Grace and Lydia were super excited about the pony rides.
This is the point in the day where we quit taking pictures. The girls had a great time making bracelets, playing hopscotch, decorating pillow cases and hanging out with their favorite KidCare people. Unfortunately, their parents went on strike and failed to take any more pictures.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Ella's 18 Month CheckUp
Ella has always seemed to impress her doctor and nurse by how easy going she is at her doctor appointments. Well, apparently they haven't met the new and more dramatic Ella lately.
Things definitely started poorly as the sweet nurse wanted to get Ella weight. This requires removing the layers of clothing that keep her warm on these COLD April days. Most importantly this would require removing Ella's shoes. (In case I have never mentioned it before, Ella LOVES shoes. She would be thrilled happy to spend hours in the closet trying on various shoes all day).
When the nurse mentioned her shoes had to come off, Ella immediately got irritated. Not only did her shoes have to be removed, but she couldn't even hold them. Ella screamed and screamed and screamed. (I was honestly a bit surprised by the amount she could scream).
Once she finished getting weighed and was able to get her shoes on again, she was okay with getting poked and prodded.
Then it was time for her shots. Back in came the nurse (who kindly asked her to take off her shoes minutes ago). The nurse brought in another nurse to help to hold down any flailing hands or to occupy the older sisters. Ella patiently sat on my lap (after making sure that her shoes where tightly in place on her feet) while she was given the many shots. No crying, no screaming, no drama, just a teeny, tiny dirty look that she gave the nurse while she put the band aid on her pricks. Then a big high five and a princess wave before racing out to get her sticker.
I was hoping to be able to go another 6 months before heading back to the doctor, but we have to go back in 6-8 weeks to get Ella's ears checked again. She has a lot of fluid in her middle ears, although no ear infection... yet.
Ella is a petite 21 pounds, 10 ounces. She is 33 inches tall. This puts her in the 80th percentile for height and the 10th percentile for weight.
My baby's growing up :(
(editorial by Paul: ":) growing girls are good.")
Things definitely started poorly as the sweet nurse wanted to get Ella weight. This requires removing the layers of clothing that keep her warm on these COLD April days. Most importantly this would require removing Ella's shoes. (In case I have never mentioned it before, Ella LOVES shoes. She would be thrilled happy to spend hours in the closet trying on various shoes all day).
When the nurse mentioned her shoes had to come off, Ella immediately got irritated. Not only did her shoes have to be removed, but she couldn't even hold them. Ella screamed and screamed and screamed. (I was honestly a bit surprised by the amount she could scream).
Once she finished getting weighed and was able to get her shoes on again, she was okay with getting poked and prodded.
Then it was time for her shots. Back in came the nurse (who kindly asked her to take off her shoes minutes ago). The nurse brought in another nurse to help to hold down any flailing hands or to occupy the older sisters. Ella patiently sat on my lap (after making sure that her shoes where tightly in place on her feet) while she was given the many shots. No crying, no screaming, no drama, just a teeny, tiny dirty look that she gave the nurse while she put the band aid on her pricks. Then a big high five and a princess wave before racing out to get her sticker.
I was hoping to be able to go another 6 months before heading back to the doctor, but we have to go back in 6-8 weeks to get Ella's ears checked again. She has a lot of fluid in her middle ears, although no ear infection... yet.
Ella is a petite 21 pounds, 10 ounces. She is 33 inches tall. This puts her in the 80th percentile for height and the 10th percentile for weight.
My baby's growing up :(
(editorial by Paul: ":) growing girls are good.")
Monday, April 18, 2011
'Better Late Than Never' PIctures
We got Grace's 4 year pictures taken last November. I didn't really like how they turned out, so I meant to get them retaken when the craziness of the holidays wore off. Once the craziness died down a bit, it was time for people in our house to get colds and ear infections... so here are pictures... just a little late.
As I watched Grace and Lydia eagerly run to get pictures taken together, I caught myself wondering 'when did my little girls grow up?' Seriously, it didn't seem that long ago when I was carting an infant and 2 toddlers everywhere. Grace and Lydia are the best of friends!
Seriously, a photographers dream. Two happy kids who want to be in the picture together. (Did I mention that I promised ice cream if they were good, lots of ice cream).

Is it me, or does Lydia seemed to have aged an entire year overnight?? (Now if only I could get that hair to grow a bit).
Of course, nothing is complete without my littlest peanut Ella. Ella refused to cooperate, I'm not quite sure that she understands the ice cream bribes yet. She was NOT going to get her picture taken unless she had props (code for a cute chair to sit in).


As I watched Grace and Lydia eagerly run to get pictures taken together, I caught myself wondering 'when did my little girls grow up?' Seriously, it didn't seem that long ago when I was carting an infant and 2 toddlers everywhere. Grace and Lydia are the best of friends!
Seriously, a photographers dream. Two happy kids who want to be in the picture together. (Did I mention that I promised ice cream if they were good, lots of ice cream).
Is it me, or does Lydia seemed to have aged an entire year overnight?? (Now if only I could get that hair to grow a bit).
Of course, nothing is complete without my littlest peanut Ella. Ella refused to cooperate, I'm not quite sure that she understands the ice cream bribes yet. She was NOT going to get her picture taken unless she had props (code for a cute chair to sit in).

Sunday, April 17, 2011
Noodles Tour
As I was running out of ideas of things to do with the kids this spring, I planned a Noodles tour with our area MOMS Club. I must always have been very hungry as I planned April's activities since there seemed to be lots of "food" on this month's calendar including Noodles, Pizza Hut, and cake decorating. I tried to get a Dairy Queen tour, but they didn't offer them, boo!
A huge THANK YOU to Noodles and Company! One of the best tours that we had gone on. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more the kids or the moms.
We started with craft time.

Not just any crafts... noodle crafts.
Then went 'behind the scenes' to tour the store.
Woohoo! Bags and bags of noodles.
"How can I help you?" These girls and guy will be ready for their first jobs in no time.
Peace and quiet - FOOD for all the kids!! Super yummy!!
A huge THANK YOU to Noodles and Company! One of the best tours that we had gone on. I'm not sure who enjoyed it more the kids or the moms.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Murphy Vacation (Part 2)
So it's a bit overdue to offer the other half of the family vacation, so here it is. If all goes as planned, I may even get caught up to date this week (only to fall behind with all the Easter craziness this coming weekend, I'm sure).
We went on lots of bike rides. Now that my girls have enjoyed the leisurely lifestyles of sitting back while someone else pedals the bike, they may never learn to ride bikes.
Swimming in the pool.
Family Picture
My grandparents celebrated their 55th anniversary this year! Congratulations to a great looking couple.
We had a shuffleboard tournament tournament to fill the time not spent at the beach or pool.


Ella is usually an easy toddler. However, this cute little girl was a handful in the pool. She was convinced that she could walk on water, and she refused to use the aide of any flotation devices. Thankfully there were many willing adults to hold her while she played in the pool.
My girls like sand. They like water. They love a giant enormous sandbox next to a ton of water!! I'm with you girls, I love the beach too.

A huge "thank you" to my family who graciously posed as part of the alphabet so that I could make a cover for a photo book. You all rock!

Here we are waiting for our shuttle to bring us back to the airport.
After a cold April day filled with rain, sleet and snow, I miss vacation!!
A huge "thank you" to my family who graciously posed as part of the alphabet so that I could make a cover for a photo book. You all rock!After a cold April day filled with rain, sleet and snow, I miss vacation!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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