Littlest Pet Shop

Since the Monopoly game has finally ended, it was Brittany's turn to do something special with Daddy.
Caitlin still got in on the fun too, especially since she shared all of her Littlest Pet Shop toys, including a new house for her pets from a prize earned at school.
(I love it when my girls play together nice. There is hope!!!)

Monopoly

Scott and Caitlin have been playing Monopoly on and off for about two weeks.
Caitlin has now officially stomped Scott.

Notice the amount of property and money she has...

Easter-Sunday evening

On Sunday evening, my parents came over to do a special "cooking" experiment. I am including it here because I hope to start our own tradition each year.
We made Resurrection Rolls for the conclusion of Easter.

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:
Crescent rolls
Melted butter
Large marshmallows
Cinnamon
Sugar

Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in.

Read Matthew 27:57-61

1. Give each child a marshmallow. This represents Jesus.
2. Have him/her dip the marshmallow in melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming.
3. Now dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which represents the spices used to anoint the body.
4. Then wrap up the coated marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up, but bring the sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrapping of Jesus' body after death.
5. Place in a 350 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. (The oven represents the tomb - pretend like it was three days!)
6. Let the rolls cool slightly. The children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN!!!! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.)

Now read Matthew 28:5-8

It sounded so easy and the girls loved it! After reading reviews, I decided to make them in a muffin pan to make clean up easier. Everyone said to be sure to completely cover the marshmallow with the crescent or they can really make a big mess.

They were right!!!! So much for the easy clean up :)
However, the "tomb" was empty just like it was supposed to be, so we will work on the method for next year.

Easter-Sunday morning

Matching Easter dresses and baby dresses.

I cheated last year and bought Brittany the same dress in two sizes, knowing Caitlin would still be able to wear her dress. They were just as cute this year and the girls loved being able to take their babies to church.



After taking all the pictures that Mommy wants, the girls receive their Easter baskets.

Then, it is off on an Easter egg hunt inside the house. This tradition has been passed down by my family and brings back many memories.

Easter Party

Brittany and Caitlin helped make cupcakes for an Easter party on our cul de sac. We were determined to use this opportunity to have a Christian testimony and to remember what Easter is really all about. We purchased cross cupcake liners,

and made crosses to go into each cupcake.

Caitlin did most of the frosting and decorating herself.

Then we filled our share of the eggs with cross erasers, stickers with Jesus saves, crosses, etc, wooden key chain crosses, and of course, candy.

The adults hid the eggs in everyone's yards.

Our neighbors.

Brittany waited the whole time for her "cake". It met with big approval!!!

Easter egg hunt

Last Saturday, the girls went to an Easter egg hunt in the city of Highland Village. This was the first of 6 egg hunts for Caitlin and 3 for Brittany.

Brittany quickly figured out what to do with her bucket and eggs.

The final stash!

The girls got to climb on a fire truck and look at all of the controls.

Vacation Part 4

On the way home, we stopped for a tour of a chocolate factory in Joplin, Missouri.

Our tour guide showed us a 10 1b bar of chocolate that they then melt into molds and other things.

This was a sugar-free white chocolate that they were melting in one of their "small pots" that hold up to 50lbs. Their large pots can hold up to 150lbs.
CAN YOU IMAGINE 150 POUNDS OF CHOCOLATE!
Yummy for my tummy!

They were preparing for Easter. Each worker has different quotas that they have to fill/make each day. The guide said no matter how much they make, it will all be gone.

First, they add the colored chocolate to the mold. After it hardens, they fill the rest of the mold with regular chocolate to create fun designs.

Each of the girls picked their own piece of chocolate.

The best part of all is arriving at home to be able to eat the chocolate. Yum!!!

Vacation Part 3

On Wednesday, we went with Amanda to Doling Park. It is within walking distance of the college and Scott and I spent many hours here walking around the pond while dating.

Deanna and Caitlin played on the blackberry while everyone else was swinging.

Then we all went to check out Giboney cave.

Scott had a great idea for everyone to climb the tree,
but, he left out poor Joseph. Then everyone began to slip like dominoes.

Then we went to feed the ducks.
Everything was good until Brittany held on to a piece of bread too long and the goose bit her finger. Ouch!

Vacation--Part 2

Tuesday brought some much needed rest and t.v. time.

We had an awesome lunch at a Japanese restaurant called Fuji's.

Scott has wanted to take Caitlin to a hibachi grill forever.

However, both girls were scared of the flames. Caitlin even tried to hide under the table. As you can see, Brittany wasn't too sure what to think.

Next, we went to Putt-Putt golf, even though it was very windy and cold.

We ended the day with touring Baptist Bible College where Scott and I both went to college and where Daniel currently works.

Vacation Part 1

For Caitlin's spring break, we traveled to Springfield, Missouri. We stayed with my brother, Daniel, and his wife, Stephanie. We enjoyed being in town for "the big announcement" of Payton Cooper OldenKamp, due in November. Daniel created a really cool video to share this announcement with his church on April Fool's Day. Congratulations!On Monday, we went to Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, Missouri.
We went with one of my best friends, Amanda Turbeville, and her 4 kids. Amanda and I went to college together and then both lived close to each other in Texas.
Caitlin and Deanna were best friends until the Turbevilles moved to Indiana 31/2 years ago. It didn't take them long to become great friends again, even showing up in the same colors.

Brittany also quickly made herself a new best friend, Olivia.

We had a wonderful time and ended with the girls throwing money in the fountain.