Spring Break

We enjoyed a fun Spring break last week. We have had beautiful summer temps, and so I pulled out the sprinkler for Elise and her friends to enjoy. She was also excited to be sporting her new "tutu" swimsuit.
The following day we set off for Carowinds with Michelle, Kaylie and Alex. The girls loved going on the rides together, and it worked out great for me, too. Since I am unable to go on the rides, I hung out with little Alex while Michelle helped the girls. I must say that by the end of our 5 hour day walking in the heat...my body was ready to relax.
I am savoring these days with Elise as they will soon change as we bring home another family member.

Ride through the sprinkler

Chillin'

Sweet girl!

38 Weeks

Neighborhood Egg Hunt

Searching for Eggs!

"We can only pick 12 eggs"

Friends

Baby Sprinkle

My sweet friends organized a baby "Sprinkle" to celebrate the arrival of our second daughter. Since I already have many things that I will need - this was just a sweet evening of getting together and they sprinkled me with diapers, wipes, bath soap and many of those necessary items! Thank you for making me feel loved and encouraged, and for celebrating this exciting time!

Lots of "little" desserts

Sweet petits fours with rattles and pink booties

So many fun details...notice the pink paper flowers hanging above the table!

Friends! Chrissie, me, Alexia & Christa

Me & my mom!

A Day at the Zoo!

We decided to make a Spring visit to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. We had several great reasons to visit. First, it was my Dad's birthday, and he enjoys these kinds of ventures; second, I had purchased a super deal on Groupon to use these zoo tickets by April 30th and it was time to use them as my May 1st due date was looming only weeks away. We made a day of it, and Curt had a Friday race and was able to join us, as well as Robbe, Amy & my parents.

Where do we start?

 

It truly was a scorcher...over 90 and hot hot hot. I may have felt overheated being pregnant, but if it reaches these kinds of temps in early April...I don't want to visit this zoo in the heat of summer.

The elephants were grand...and full of red clay!

Look at those little jellyfish

Capturing the moment

Feeding the goat

Flamingos!

 

This was timely! Elise had just been studying turtles in preschool..and here's a little rhyme she came home and taught us...so very cute!

A New Addition to our extended family!

Welcome Jesper Paul Carlson!
My sister, Debi, and her husband, Josh welcomed their firstborn son on April 6, 2011. 8 lbs. 13 oz. and 22 inches long.
Debi was a trooper and this baby came very quickly...she gave birth naturally...no drugs!! I am amazed.
Welcome to our first nephew/cousin on the Ratzlaff side! We are excited to meet you.

In the Backyard

Our little fairy

Bird Food...perhaps they will like carrot shavings?

Friends

Playing in the sunshine

Spring time has arrived in Charlotte! It's been so wonderful to get out into the sunshine, and this time of year our grass is so green and lush - very unlike the late summer months here.
Elise enjoyed playing with Kaylie and Alex...so sweet!