Fresh Air

Of course the Erickson girls love to get outside in the fresh air. The pictures below will show you what a lovely time we have enjoying the nice weather. What these pictures won’t show you is the mom coming close to having a breakdown each time we get ready to go outside. Now, I’m about to go on a little rant here so those of you with more than two children should ignore me while I whine, because I know it can always be worse, BUT here’s what it takes to get us out the door.
1. Apply sunscreen – Elsie does great with this, but with Margot it’s like competing in a wrestling match.
2. Put on shoes – This is where things get tricky with Elsie and it takes anywhere from 30 seconds to 10 minutes to get her shoes on. This is also where I say several swear words in my head and try to not throw the shoes across the room. Just thinking about Elsie wanting to put her shoes on by herself, then crying because she can’t do it, then changing her mind on what kind of shoes to wear, makes me want to never leave the house. Nothing is more annoying than toddlers and shoes, right?!
3. Put on the hats because the sun’s powerful rays will burn our children to a crisp. Of course, Margot is not a fan of the hat and I spend the entire time outside putting her hat back on.

Of course we eventually get outside and then Elsie has to use the bathroom (I miss diapers), so we head back in and start the whole process over again. Happy Summer!

I love how Elsie has her eyes closed while puckering up!

Moments...

Well, I'm spending my Friday night downloading photos from the past four months. Some of these chores just slip away on a person. Here are a few of my favorite picture moments I found and thought I would share. Insert your own joke about two generations of bad drivers.

Honestly, there isn't anyone who can make Margot laugh like Elsie can.

First time we caught Margot sitting up in her bed.

Fun with balloons.

Love, love, love my nephew Gabe and niece Stella. We always have the best playdates. However, I think it will be years before we get a photo of all of them looking at the camera and smiling. Bribery doesn't do much for Stella and Margot.

Looking Good Elsie

Here’s something I never had when growing up – a cool skull and cross bones bike helmet. Elsie and her dad went shopping for the protective gear so Elsie could cruise on her tri-cycle and parents wouldn’t give us a dirty look for having a helmet-less child.

Sören explained that Elsie’s helmet choices were flowers or skull and cross bones. Of course Elsie was immediately drawn to the Dora and Disney Princess helmets but Sören was quick to explain that those didn’t come in her size. Good thinking Sören, good thinking.

Margot Monster

Yes, Margot is a monster. Not the mean, scary kind who hides in your closet, but more like the cute, silly, trouble-making monster. Plus, I’m kinda weird about alliteration, so Margot Monster suits me just fine. She is on the move and into everything, pulling up on everything and keeping me entertained and a little nervous.

As my dad would say “Rookie mistake, Anne…you forgot to put a bib on her.”
Looks like Margot's teething. All the parenting books say a dirty chair is the best thing for a baby to use while teething.

Easter Fun

The Easter Bunny visited Elsie and Margot three times this past weekend! He was busy leaving candy and toys in Eagle Lake, Farmington, and Blaine for the girls. Thanks for all the treats Easter Bunny (also know as grandparents who love to spoil their granchildren)

When you have bunny ears like these you start by laughing and then begin crying. Let's hope the Easter Bunny left Elsie some barrettes for her bangs or a gift certificate for a haircut!

Elsie on the hunt for jelly beans.

Something New

Margot has figured out that her fingers are good for something other than sucking on. She now realizes they are a great tool for getting food into her mouth, especially those delicious little puffs. I guess it's time to start sweeping the play dough off the floor.

Basket Case

We are just wrapping up the end of a 6-day visit with a stomach bug, which at times left me feeling like a basket case. Don't worry, there are no pictures posted of sick children or adults. We lost any sense of humor during this time and didn't think to document are first fight with the flu.

However, I did find some funny pictures of the ladies playing with a laundry basket. I guess we are getting some good mileage out of this game. (note the different outfits in each picture) This game is now put on hold as we continue to do loads and loads of laundry in attempts to get our house back into pre-flu condition.