Easter Egg Hunt!

Our neighborhood put on an Easter Egg hunt this morning at the park across the street from our house. Many families with kids of all ages came to enjoy the fun. Eva was one of the littlest "hunters" there. She had more fun watching all the kids then searching for eggs. She did find 2 and even shared her candy with Mom and Dad! After the hunt, we spent some time swinging and watching the kids play on the equipment. Mom and Eva collect her first egg!
All smiles after her first Easter egg hunt

Morning Playtime

Which one should I play with?
Old duck is always a favorite!

Mom is very happy today. Today is her first day of spring break! No school for 9 days. She is very excited about the chance to spend it with Eva! We started it off with some quiet playtime this morning while Dad caught some ZZZ's. She was just TOO cute with her toys. I had to snap some quick pictures.

Grandpa Ron's Party!!

Grandpa Ron recently reached 30 years with Farm Credit Services. His company threw a party Saturday night in his honor. 70 people gathered to celebrate with him. Eva was the youngest party-goer but one of the most recognized. She happily rode around in Grandpa's arms, meeting and smiling at all of the people. Grandma, Grandpa, and Eva pose with special friend, Eileen White.

Chicken Dance!

Following dinner, some coworkers shared wonderful praise and memorable stories in a short program. The highlight included a visit from a chicken.

Apparently, during a visit to the Gold n' Plump poultry operation, Grandpa Ron visited a building that housed 75,000 day old chics. The men were reminded to talk softly and to "shuffle" their feet rather than lift them. Well, when this advice was forgotten, one chic's life came to an unfortunate end. For the past 15 years, he has been taunted by chickens. It was only fitting that celebrated a great career by doing the chicken dance with this feathered friend.

8 Month Developments

Check out our sweetheart!

The past two weeks have been big ones for Eva! She seems to be transitioning from a baby into a little girl. After 8 months of relying on a pacifier, she suddenly wants nothing to do with one. She would much rather sing, make chewing motions, or put anything nearby into her mouth.

Then, much to her parents excitement, she has begun to sleep through the night!! After her bout with bronchitis, she began waking several times for awhile. It was a tough road for us for a while but we got her back to once a night feedings. The last two nights she has slept for 11 hours without so much as a peep. (I hope I'm not knocking on wood by saying this.)



When she was first born, she was a very mellow baby...I guessed she took after her dad. But recently, her true personality has really started to shine. She is full of emotion! When she is happy, (which is most of the time) she takes delight in making people laugh and smile. However, when she is displeased, she is sure to let us know about it (and not so quietly either.)

Eating our way through Iowa

Our family took a little road trip on Saturday. In 13 hours, we visited 10 people, in 3 cities, and ate lots of food!

Our first stop was Grand Mound, Iowa: to visit Dave and Meg's family and meet the new baby! We ate Taco Pizza from Happy Joe's and watched some March Madness hoops. Eva and Natalie are buds already!
Baby Nathan Ronald Butler...12 days old

Next, we headed to Bettendorf, to visit Beth and Tony. We went for a walk to enjoy the beautiful weather. And, of course, stopped for ice cream at Whitey's.

Then, it was off to Davenport for dinner with the Hollingsworth crew at the Machine Shed. Eva enjoyed sitting at the table with everyone.

Dad and Eva enjoy dinner together

Would you believe that these guys can put away some meat and potatoes?

And, we returned home to find that our Verona house has sold. Another chapter, already??

Catch me if you can!

Eva hasn't figured out how to crawl yet, but she is very mobile. She has learned to turn her body in the direction that she wants to go and roll. Here she is...rolling away from Dad who was attempting to get her dressed this morning. We nickname our goofy baby "Baby Einstein." Check out all of that wild hair!