This Easter was Remington's first Easter (at least on the outside). We also decided a while back to make Easters in the Olsen household a bigger deal than probably the average family. Our logic was that both kids have fall birthdays, quickly followed by Christmas, and it is a long time to ask a kid to go between Christmas and a fall birthday if they are waiting for some certain special object. At the same time, we don't want them to think that just any given day they want they can get cool presents. So we settled on Easter as the spring occasion that we have an excuse to give them some nice bonus gifts before fall rolls around.
The biggest thing that Grace got was a bike. It is a training bike, but not a tricycle and doesn't have training wheels. For now, she moves it by sitting on the seat and walking forward. As she gets better, she will, in theory, be able to get some momentum and then glide forward a bit, improving her balance more before she ever gets pedals. We chose blue so that someday Remington can inherit this bike, maybe around the time she graduates to a bike with pedals.
Remington's "big" presents included a pop up toy, some blocks, and some wooden cars. (Though, Grace seems to be almost as into his presents as he is, he just loves to explore everything in the room).
She did decide to wear her helmet throughout the rest of the egg opening.
After church and a brunch with my parents, we came back home, she had her nap and colored eggs for the first time. She had a blast, and was sad when we said that we didn't have more eggs to color, and actually have asked a few time since then if she can color eggs again.
The other big event since the last post is that Blake's brother Graeme got married! Blake was in the wedding party (obviously) as the best man, and both of our kids were in the wedding as flower girl and ring bearer.
This left me in an interesting position. I termed myself "wagon bringer" as my main task was bringing Remington down the aisle in a wagon. But in practice, I was an excellent ambassador of sorts.
I had this unique position on the wedding day where I had to be around since 1-Blake had to be around, and 2-my kids had to be around, but I didn't have the same responsibilities as the bridesmaids. So, for example, I hung out with the bridesmaids for a bit, then while Grace was taking a nap, I spent some time with Blake and the groomsmen, and kind of spent time in both "camps." This left me in an ideal position to notice things like the guys' thoughts of when they should get ready did not match when the photographer thought they should get ready. Basically, they thought they were supposed to get started getting ready when they were actually supposed to BE ready and having pictures taken.
I heard their timing... thought it sounded off, went back to the girls to check, and confirmed that yes, they were supposed to already be getting ready, and I relayed the message back, and we didn't get too far behind schedule.
I was responsible for getting the ring from Jami, and her photo shoot, over to Blake so he could hand it to Graeme at the wedding.
After the ceremony, Jami realized that something was left at the hotel, and someone had to go back to get it, but everyone around her at the time was supposed to be getting pictures taken... except me, since I wasn't bridal party. So I was able to head to the reception, and get someone on the task of going back to the hotel.
There were a few other minor things where I found that while I wasn't important in any official capacity, I could be a great help for that exact reason.
There were a few bumps along the way, including Remington, though he has awesome sitting skills, tipping back in the wagon at his key moment in the ceremony, so I really pushed him along, not pulled the wagon.
Grace did great, better than expected, though she did dump out her animal cookies (her bribe to be good) during the ceremony, and then wanted to sit on my lap with Remington, which was interesting.
The hardest part for her was waiting her turn to go down the aisle, but I started singing some dumb song about "wait your turn" which she LOVED and I'm sure to the annoyance of everyone else, I sang that song on endless repeats till it was her turn to just keep her happy.
Remington, for his part, loved Grace's flower basket and petals and was kept amused by getting the remaining petals out of the basket, and trying to put them in his mouth (and being stopped by mom).
Best part though was that Jami and Graeme had the foresight to invite my parents, so after the ceremony, my mom took Remington (who quickly fell asleep) and my dad took Grace (mostly to the photobooth over and over again), so Blake and I could relax and enjoy ourselves after a stressful day.
We recently used our salt block to cook, and I truly notice the difference in flavor. First we made bacon and egg on it, and then more recently (no picture) we cooked chicken on the grill with the salt block on top, and it really added enough flavor to the chicken that I didn't even want or need sauce with it!
The rest of this post is just "My kids are so cute!" pictures randomly from the last couple weeks.
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