Magic Hair

A friend once described Hiwot's hair as "magic hair."  Her hair can magically change length and color, thanks to yard twisties!

The latest do, transformed quickly from her last style (detangled in sections and retwisted with new yarn), was completed in just 3 evenings (9 hours total) of work and sports red highlights - for Daddy in honor of spring training baseball and the Cincinnati Reds :)

Holding a mirror and asking lots of questions, Hiwot enjoyed watching the installation of these twisties.  Taking care of her beautiful hair takes time, but I do look forward to these hair sessions, providing me lots of one-on-one time with my girl. 

*Next time, Hiwot's looking forward to returning to extra long hair twists (timed to be completed in time for the May dance recital). 

Braces and Rings

Davis, our tough boy, is the first of our crew to brave braces.  He is so lucky!
We loaded up on sticky treats and popcorn the week before his metal mouth was installed.  With sore teeth and nightly crankings (gradually widening his palate), he's been keeping to soft foods - lots of pudding, applesauce, jello, bananas, and mashed potatoes.
The other kids are all slightly jealous, but Davis is very deserving of a few special treats.

He's in Stage I of many for his orthodontic work - the goal is to widen his smile and pull back his front teeth.  We're trying to keep our family dental work to a minimum (the costs add up quickly!), but we do hope to help our children achieve healthy alignment and smiles they are proud to show.  As of now, 4 of our kids are scheduled to begin orthodontic work in the next several years.  Three have been blessed with wide smiles and may avoid the pain of braces altogether.

*We are thankful we are able to have orthodontic work done.  Davis is a lucky kid!

The latest game in our yard: Jump and Duck (or Rings of Saturn)

In this game, the child in the center of the circle spins around, swinging a ball on a string.  The kids around the circle have to either jump or duck the ball.  If you get caught by the ball (and trapped in the string), the player must do five pushups.

The game, made up by Davis and Burke, provides great exercise as the kids are jumping and rolling and doing pushups - a fantastic outlet for our energy. :)

*The game also provides much entertainment :)

Homemade Ethiopian Food

Puffs

Addison's hair is just getting long enough for playing . . . we attempted a new do: sectioned twists/puffs.

The style lasted barely 30 minutes - she was very quick to pull them out.  And, it was not easy to get our 22-month-old to sit still enough long enough . . .
But for a very short time, Addy proudly sported a big girl hair style.

Our normal hair routine: daily conditioning and brush out. 
Her hair is gorgeous!

Daffodil

It's been a joy to see our yard bloom as the weather has warmed - so many happy surprises! 

First up: Daffodils! 
Happy yellow daffodils have popped up all over our backyard, side yard, and front yard - some planted by the kids with Gramma and Grampa, and some a heritage from our homes previous owners. 

The kids have kept me well supplied with a pretty bouquet of sunny daffodils to brighten up the kitchen counter :)

*Maclaren, our sunshine girl, skips everywhere! 

Knoxville Zoo

For nearly 11 years, our family enjoyed being members at zoos in both Memphis and Nashville.  Since our move, we have been excited to check out our new zoological neighbors at our eastern location . . . it only took us 8 months to venture to Knoxville and begin getting acquainted. 

*Bonus, there is a terrific Ethiopian restaurant in Knoxville!
*And, we have friends in Knoxville! 

We look forward to getting to know this zoo and its many animals - including many new exhibits (tigers coming soon!).  

11 Months Old

 Whoa there, we have a little one who is 11-months-old! 

Each and every day we marvel at our little Emory.  We are so thankful for the gift of this baby in our lives - babies are such a blessing :)  

At 11 months:

pulls up to a stand

cruises along furiture

8 teeth

hungry girl

eats 3 solid meals each day

(cereal, banana, steamed carrots, scrambled eggs, cheese, crackers, avocado, peas, squash, sweet potato, apple)

pizza :)

belly laughs

pushes a walker

puts everything in her mouth

reaches to be picked up

strokes daddy's beard

babbles 

(sounds likes she's talking!)

sleeps 10 hours at night (10:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.)

takes 2 naps/day

nurses 6x/day

wears size 12 mo. clothing

 plays with Little People figures

sleeps with a blanket

mama's girl

perfectly squishy thighs

pillow feet

 loves to play peek-a-boo

splashes in the bathtub

takes a bath with her sisters

bangs on the table

messy eater

Little one is a perfect baby: super sweet and snugly, ready laugh and sparkly eyes, loves her siblings and enjoys being toted around, provides entertainment for a captive audience (she doesn't have to try very hard, baby babbles, giggles, cute faces and grins are incredibly entertaining :)

We are head over heels in love with our beautiful girl.