Shhh....It's a Surprise!

We celebrated 50 years of my mom's life! I started planning in March for her birthday in May. I decided a surprise was definitely in order. I had in my mind an idea for what I wanted to do, so little by little I got it all together. I wanted to keep it colorful, fun and summery, so I avoided the black/grey/silver cliches. My aunts were a big help with most of the food: Chile Colorado (my mom's favorite, and one of mine), chile con queso, Abby's rice: I don't know what this dish is technically called, but it is the bomb. Rice mixed with sour cream and corn topped with chiles and cheese. DELISH. Chips, salsa, quac, and lets not forget my mom's other fave: WINE. haha. I was left with desserts and punch. I had invited the family of course, but also a lot of friends and co-workers. Unfortunately, not many could make it, but we had a good handful. Also, this was in the middle of May. My aunt has an awesome backyard and I was so excited to do it outside, but of course, it was raining. Either way it was fun. My mom is really awesome. She is always giving of her time and talents. She is an awesome "Kika" to my boys, and they adore her. She is fun and active and fun to be around. If anyone deserves a celebration, it is her. For her gift I made her a book, which I will have to post pictures of later, but it was a fun project for me. I little by little got learn about my mother's child hood, teen years and into adulthood. Some things I learned: my mom's grandmother, brother, and father all died in the same year (1970) My mother lived in a convent for a while. My mom was a daddy's girl, possibly the favorite (shhh). My mom moved to the States kind of on a whim. She had come to visit her sister and decided not to go home. One of her fist jobs was selling encyclopedias, and (so she says) everyone was jealous of her. Ha! That really made me laugh. My grandma traded their home with someone in the city (after my grandpa had passed away). She changed her mind and was able to trade back.

I think she may have been tipped off in the end, but oh well, it was fun!

Easter part 2: Breakfast and Kites with the Hansons

Another fun tradition, every year the Saturday before Easter is breakfast and Kites with Great Grandma Hanson (or Grandma Bethie as we call her). We had a delicious breakfast...fruit, eggs, sausage, pancakes, hashbrowns...for 60+ people? It was pretty warm in grandma's house. Then the kids get to hunt for REAL eggs (boiled and dyed of course) and then they turn them in for money and candy eggs. Then we headed down to the park for kite flying, which eventually turns into playing in the playground. It was really fun and we appreciate grandma keeping up this fun tradition.

Estee, Vince, Jules, Owen and Kaycee:
one more of Owen: we laugh when he puts this hat on, he looks like a little elf.


Steve, Miles, Matt and Greg's face.

Kit, once again being adorable. She was pointing up at a kite. She is proficient in "Baby Signing Time" I think that means "what's that?" Or maybe it's just pointing...


This is hilarious. It looks like Owen is standing in awe of his kite flying so high. Not so. He is PISSED because his dad took off running with his kite. He doesn't quite get that that is how a kite becomes airborne.Grandma Bethie and the Boys. We really appreciate all her work and sure love her!
FUN FACT: Growing up, Steve's mom got a kite every year in her Easter basket. This was how her parents kept the tradition going.

Easter Part 1: Seare family Easter egg hunt

We had a multi-part Easter, starting a week before the actual day. Grandma Cyndee and Grandpa Scott had an Easter egg hunt for the kids since it was our week ON (we alternate Sunday dinners with them). They are equal opportunity grandparents. Each kid has 6 eggs (except the babies) and they are color coded, or themed. Owen got the basketball eggs and Miles got Elmo. They go all out every Easter and are sure to give plenty of candy, money, fun toys and my favorite, swimsuits. I appreciate a practical gift, and just in time!

Kit and Miles: aren't they so cute? Just 7 weeks apart!

Gracie and her prize:
Parker: the older he gets, the more like a Seare he really looks...

Maya and her cute glasses:
Kit: one of my favorite babies to photograph. Those eyes are unreal. She is a doll.
Miles: I love him through and through.


Owen and his basket and spiderman surprise:

Estee, Avery, and Kaycee. These ladies are 6 months within eachother. They were jumping on grandma's tramp (about 3 ft wide, 1 foot off the ground and a screen all the way around). I had to trick them to take a picture. I would let them bounce then I would say, "1, 2, 3, FREEZE!" It worked like a charm.

Spring is in the Air

I love Spring! I felt like a bear coming out of hibernation. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. I seized the opportunity and we went outside. Owen pedaled his trike no problem.
Concentrate:

Miles was even happy to get some fresh air.

I love these boots, but not near as much as Owen. They were the best birthday gift from his Kika. So glad we have them!