Sand.

For my sister. 

After landing, we drove out of the way to zaxbys (SC fav). Then to the beach. We woke up in bismarck and hours later feet in sand. That is a nice day. 

-Heather

Dolly.

Last year I bought these two dolls on Amazon for a Christmas donation thing for kids. They showed up and the red head was significantly shorter than the blond doll and it was just so cute. I didn't keep them, however, because I bought them for kids with not many toys and that would have been selfish. I did, however, remember what doll it was and put it on Annalee's wish list. So Auntie Amy bought it for Annalee's first birthday. It's adorable. And it looks like her. Last week I just had to dress Annalee up to match because I was off work for a week and Eli was at preschool... so obviously matching cuteness was a perfect spur-of-the-moment idea. It paid off for sure:

I'm loving pigtails and pink, in case you were wondering:

But I'm still loving super heros and these blue eyes, too:

-The Mom

So Many Photos.

I'm seriously behind on photos in the last months. I'm plugging away at Christmas photos, making my Shutterfly album (that is getting crazy long). It's pretty great having fun family times to capture in an album. I will look at my stack of albums when I'm older and reminisce and laugh and well up with tears because I'm a sentimental sap.

Since our time in Arizona was so beautiful, I finally got some fun shots of the kids being outside. Though this week is WARM here in ND so we will get more outside time. Hip Hip Hooray!!

Here's just a few from our last full day with Grammy and Gramps:

There were hummingbirds all over the place. Mainly because my parents have loads of feeders so they all know "hey go to the Tysse's for some good grub."

Our "spring" photo album is looking to be another long one!

-Heather

Time.

We don't get enough time with our China relatives. So we have to smoosh memories together in short spurts. Today I'm watching all four kiddos (plus E and A). It's been fun! Annalee is not wanting to nap right now... so I had to turn on the TV to keep it somewhat quiet in here! Book reading, projects, and some painting! I'm glad I don't have six kids everyday, however!

Selfie time!

Love these kiddos!

-Auntie Heather

I Am Outside.

In Arizona, Eli walked out Monday afternoon and ran around screaming "I am outside!!!" And was so, so giddy. I can tell this boy just blossoms in warm weather (pun not intended). He drags his feet about going out in cold. Here he is just loving being outside every moment he can. 

Annalee had shorts on for the first time today (since summer) and kept touching her legs in amazement. So I'm especially grateful for this week at my parents. We all just need some sunshine and heat. I am thawing out nicely as well. Though we do miss Greg. Snowbirds. Totally get it. 

-Heather

Valentimes.

I worked full-time last week (thus no blogging). It went fine but I am glad I have this part-time gig and we can manage it this way right now. With little ones, it sure is nice to not have to rush out of the house every single morning. It was also great to have the China crew back in town and my sweet sister-in-law to cook for us a few nights!

Cousins!

Eli's first scenery photo he took with my phone...

Saturday we had Valentines for our sweethearts. And Eli has been playing with his Lego fireman ever since! My parents (and sister) always gave me something special on Valentines Day and I remember that feeling of being loved... so I'm going to keep that tradition going. Plus, you know, I really like buying gifts. 

Happy ValemtiMes Day (that's how Mr. Eli says it)!

-Heather

Six!

We are watching the China crew kids until tomorrow evening. Looking forward to fun! 

Greg has all the big ones outside sledding. And the littlest is napping in her old room (aka grandpa's storage clost!). 

And I'm resting in the recliner, preparing for the crazy to begin soon!

-Heather 

EJK.

I think it's time to look at this cute face:  

Love this growing boy. 

-Heather