Happy Easter!

Ken picked up the travel trailer on Good Friday and the kids were so excited! We ended up spending the day in the trailer, even camping out that night. We had a wonderful salmon dinner, watched a movie and had popcorn, before the kids tried out their bunk room.

It took awhile to get the kids to sleep, they were so excited about being in the trailer. However, they finally drifted off. Unfortunately, the kids awoke at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep for a couple hours. Ella actually asked, "How much longer until morning? I'm tired of laying here." Needless to say, it was a long night!

Morning finally arrived and I was exhausted! We decided to forgo soccer practice after our eventful night, so awoke late with Blueberry Muffins for breakfast.

The kids had a great time in the trailer, not wanting to leave in the morning. We had a full day of activities though, so we eventually pried the kids away from the trailer long enough to attend the Wildlife Experience's "Spring Eggstravaganza."

They had all kinds of activities for the kids from planting sunflowers and guessing what birds laid the eggs, to spin art and lots of crafts.

Eric liked the snake the best and was completely mesmerized by it, although he didn't want to touch it.

Ella enjoyed her visit with the Easter Bunny as usual; however, Eric wasn't quite sure of the rather large furry rabbit. He was a good sport though and endured a quick photo and even let out a great big, "cheese!"

We wrapped up the day with egg dying and Ken showed the kids how to blow out eggs, so they could color them. We did a few boiled eggs as well, so we had just enough eggs that we knew wouldn't go to waste.

The kids had a great time choosing their colors and decorating. It was great to see Eric really getting into the fun of it all too, a marked difference from last year! I think Ella liked having a partner to do the eggs with too and she was very encouraging. I often heard her say, "Good Job, Eric!" or "I really like your egg."

The eggs turned out really well 

and both kids were anxious for the Easter Bunny to arrive. 

 I think Eric was a little unsure about that great BIG bunny coming to our house though. I often forget that Eric has not experienced/remembered many of these holidays. I forget that with Ella we spent weeks preparing for a holiday and learning all about it. I just assume Eric knows what it's all about, forgetting that he's experiencing it all for the first time. I often catch myself, realizing that I need to take more time with him and explain things more like I did with Ella at this age.

Morning came and the kids were anxious to get downstairs to see their Easter baskets.

Eric immediately noticed the hot wheels in his basket and asked to open them.

The rest was history and he played all day with just those three little cars. Even the small amount of sweet treats didn't grab his attention away.

Ella went through her entire basket, carefully examine each item in her basket. She loved the Pixos craft box and spent her day working on putting different shapes and insects together.

We did a rather quick egg hunt after breakfast, as we didn't think the Easter eggs would last outside with all the deer wandering around the yard. Eric took Ella's lead and they both ran around the yard with enthusiasm and surprise as they each found their eggs.

Ella had a bit of an advantage as she was looking out the window earlier in the morning to see where some of the eggs were hiding.

We decided to avoid the crowds at church and attend a late Easter service at Church. We strolled into Church around noon and it was perfect, the service was small and contemporary. We took Ella to service with us and she did great, even singing along to a very jazzy version of "When the Saints Go Marching In." We had a good time at Church and were so happy she enjoyed it as well.

We wrapped up our evening with a leg of lamb Easter dinner with Maria's parents. Ella absolutely loved the lamb and to our amazement even asked for seconds.

Ken outdid himself making Easter bunny bread for everyone as well.

Just a wonderful and relaxing Easter spent at home with the family. I was putting Ella to bed that evening and going through our usual bedtime routine and one of the questions I ask is what are you thankful for. She started to say she was thankful for all her Easter gifts, but she stopped midstream and took a second to think. She then said, "I am thankful for God, that he sent Jesus to die on the cross for us."

I am so happy she remembered the true meaning of Easter and know Jesus is alive and well in our hearts and in our minds.

Happy Easter from The Swift's!

Spring has Sprung!

It's quite amazing to watch the imagination of a child. I stand in aw of their stories and delight in listening to them create new adventurers. We went to Costco last week and brought back these big matching boxes (not purchased, just the ones they give you at check out) that the kids have been playing with all week. These boxes have been everything from a cat bed to an escalator, a truck to a stage. It's amazing how the cheapest thing can be the most entertaining. 

Eric's Escalator!

 I think I'll start selling all the toys and just start scavenging for free items at the dump. Just kidding, but it does make you think about what the need is for al these expensive toys. Perhaps, the best tool/toy you can give you child is the ability to use their own imaginations without all the lights and sounds.

Ken has been traveling quite a bit these last few months, so while the kids are missing Daddy I try and think of some fun activities the kids and I can do together and also take advantage when Daddy is home to spend some one-one time with the kids.  We started implementing movie night, where the kids grab their sleeping bags and camp out in the family room.  

We put on a movie and have dinner (usually pizza or Chick-fil-A) and for dessert we have homemade popcorn.  

The kids and I love it, as it makes for a relaxing night for all of us!

I was also able to squeeze in a Mom and Eric day, while Ken took Ella skiing (their last ski trip for the season).  Eric wanted to go to the Wildlife Experience, since he heard Ella and I talking about it from our last Mommy-Daughter Day.  He had fun seeing all the frogs, but was disappointed he didn't see more frogs "MOVE!"  He was a little intimidated this time with all the big animals, 

but enjoyed the aquariums, 

and the children's play area! 

He is growing up so fast and it seems that I'm missing so much time with him, trying to split my time between Ella and Eric.  I really enjoy these one-one time with the kids, as I really get to see their personality's come out!  

The kids couldn't wait to break out their gardening sets and start planting some flowers.  This is by far our favorite time of year, to see all the flowers starting to bloom.  Ella was anxious to start planting and although we're not completely out of the woods yet (still a chance of freezing temps at night), we thought we could at least plant a few pots and hanging baskets that we could move inside if necessary.

Ella and Eric had lots of fun planting!

Ella's Spring Musical and Palm Sunday Choir Performance was quite entertaining. The kids sang with the adult choir and waved the palm branches during the service & singing. I think Ella was a bit distracted with everything going on at once, as the church had such a big performance (children & adult choir, dancers, band playing, and the large overhead tv). 

We do miss the small choir performances, to just be able to hear and enjoy the kids singing praises. However, the kids worked hard and it was a beautiful and entertaining musical and choir performance.

Ken and I had been talking for for a long time about getting a travel trailer for the family. We had one years ago when we had our online business, traveling to different shows around the country and really enjoyed it. The trailer was sold just before Ella was born, but we knew someday we wanted to the opportunity to go camping/traveling with the kids. Well, the kids are older now and looks like we've past the baby stage. So, just browsing online and with my sister's urging we decided to check out some travel trailers this past week. My sister sent me a listing for a really nice two year old 31' Heartland NorthTrail and we just had to take a look.

We drove up to Loveland (1.5hrs North) and walked through it. We also checked out some brand new ones at the RV America in Loveland as well, just to compare. Well, we opted for the North Trail as it was a great deal and came with many accessories that I knew we would have to purchase anyway. The kids absolutely love the trailer, especially the big bunk room in the back (the bedding was an added bonus). 

Kids Bunk Room

 The bunk room has potentially 4 beds, so each of the kids can bring a friend in the future. One of the beds is actually a table as well, so the kids have a great play/work table. There is even a sliding door to the bunk room, so when the kids are sleeping we can shut the door and won't wake them.

Main Living Area

Master Bedroom

We are all very excited as we start planning our trips for the Spring/Summer. I think we'll be sticking close to Colorado this year, as we had already budgeted for our big trip to Disney World in a few weeks. However, we already have a long list of places to visit in Colorado. We are anxious to try out our new home away from home and really explore Colorado. What better way to learn about nature and our great state, then to travel and see it all in person. This is going to be an awesome summer!

The beginnings of Spring!

The weather has just been beautiful this week!  Yesterday, we topped a record and hit 81 degrees; however, typical Colorado weather I'm sitting here and it's snowing outside.  We'll take the wet weather when we can, as it's been a pretty dry winter.  

We've taken advantage of the nice days though, as we enjoyed our new bistro set in our garden. A great find while Ella was in Art Camp this week.

Eric loved sitting outside, but loved playing outside even more.  He has been so anxious to get outside in the sandbox.

Eric helped me check out our garden and see just what we need.  We're already spotting some strawberries plants growing back from last year.  Yummmy!  We can't wait!

A nice treat this week was a trip to the Denver Coliseum for the Disney Princesses on Ice show. If you remember, I mentioned previously that Eric has been obsessed with seeing Mickey Mouse.  So, he was thrilled to see Mickey Mouse at the show and really did well throughout the whole show and enjoyed all the different effects and characters.  

The best part of the show for him was when Mickey Mouse was waving and it seemed he was waving right at Eric.  Eric quickly stood up and waved back, saying "HI!"  

Ella of course loved all the princesses and watching the skaters move so gracefully on the ice.  Ella has been asking to start ice skating classes again and she really wanted to get back on the ice after watching the show.  She wants to dance on the ice just like these dancers did so gracefully.  

We all loved the show and enjoyed spending some time together taking in the fun of Disney and the beautiful show.  Ella's favorite princess was Cinderella and Eric will still tell you that Mickey Mouse said hello to him.  We captured a quick shot of the kids as we were leaving the show.  Eric was a bit overwhelmed by all the people and was quite tired, but we all had a great time.

The beginning of Spring, also marks the beginning of soccer season.  We debated if Eric was too young to start soccer, but when the club we signed Ella up with had a 2yr old class we decided to go for it.  We thought it would be fun for Eric, great to teach him the basics, and good one-one time too.

We've only had two sessions and he seems to really love playing.  He has good contact with the ball and enjoys running on the field with Mom.  He feels very important running out to the car with his soccer bag, just like big sister.  The parent/tot class is really relaxed, four stations to go through and no pressure.  There is no game for the kids, just lots of fun on the field.  His "team;" the Puma's, even have a cute cheer at the end of practice.  A great start to soccer for our little guy!

Ella decided to pick up soccer this season and this last weekend was just perfect weather.  We're hoping the weather holds out for the upcoming weeks.  She's enjoying her new team, it's a lot more fun and enjoyable with less pressure than previous teams.  They have 30 minutes of practice and a 30 minute game with an opposing team on Saturday's.  It's been great for her to learn more about team work and sportsmanship.  

Ella capturing the ball......