March Madness

March 1st came in with snow.  Since it had been so sporadic, we capitalized on it and I took the 4 youngest sledding while Braxton had rehearsal.  They had a blast!  I can't get over how cute they are bundled up with red cheeks & noses.  

Of course, we celebrated Pie Day (3/14) with a simple chocolate pudding pie.  Mmmm!

Emma had a birthday!!!

She asked her grandparents for a One Direction shirt, Ken Barbie (so that we have enough boyfriends for the girl barbies), and a manicure/pedicure.  They all came through for her.

She also got a baptism dress in preparation for her big day.

Of course you can't have a birthday without the spanking machine!

Emma asked for funfetti cake balls and ice cream.

Emma's luck seems to follow her as she has had spring break fall on her birthday again.  Per her request, we traveled to the Mall of America in Minnesota to have a little getaway.

Braxton loved the Lego store and its display.  Who doesn't?

Emma and Lizzie went goo-goo over the One Direction store!

Then...the big reveal.  I had to wait until I was 12 to get my ears pierced, but I've caved and told my girls if they were responsible, they could pierce their ears at 8 years old.  So...

Here she is "whole", pre-piercing

Immediate reaction after...

Now she's all smiles once she saw the beautiful sparkle.

Can't pass up a chance to browse the American Girl store.

Seriously?  A poster that says Carter, the Great!

Tuesday we spent at the amusement park INSIDE the Mall of America. With it being winter temperatures outside still, this was a fantastic day filled with fun.  All the kids had a blast!  Lizzie was in her element being "brave".

I loved being her "buddy" on a few rides that required a chaperone.

Steve and I didn't get passes, so it was quite surreal sending the kids off to go on rides while we hung back and watched them take off and return.  They're getting so big!

The Ninja Turtle ride was one of the favorites.  Lizzie was disappointed she wasn't tall enough, especially after all the kids talked about how "awesome" it was.

What a happy day!