Pollen and Karate Kicks

Thought I'd share a few photos from our weekend. We took advantage of the cooler evening on Sunday to clean our deck. The lingering coat of pollen was no match for Elaina's water bucket.


She also started practicing her newest trick: a flying karate kick.

Our little shopper

We made a trip to Lowe's this weekend after church to pick up some flowers for our landscaping. We arrived in the parking lot right at Elaina's normal naptime, and she was already asleep in her carseat. We took her out of her seat and carried her in the store- she was still sleeping. She gets heavy very quickly so we put her in the shopping cart- she was still sleeping. She slept like that for the next hour while we did our shopping. This girl spoils us.

Kisses from Laina

Easter Festivities

We had a wonderful Easter weekend. We kicked things off by trying out Elaina's new sidewalk chalk from my sister and her family. Elaina enjoyed drawing the letter "E". (It doesn't look like much of an "E", but this is what she calls it.)

She also tried out a Peep from Grammy and Papaw. She was only able to take a few bites before she handed it to me and said "all done".

Of course, we had to dye a few Easter eggs. Unfortunately, eggs slightly resemble a ball, and Elaina is pretty good at throwing a ball. Needless to say, we had a few casualties.

We did end up with a few colored eggs.

On Sunday morning, Elaina was excited to see her Easter basket filled up with goodies. In an attempt to get her to look at the camera, we were singing "If you're happy and you know it". This is the "and your face will surely show it" part. (I think they work on these movements at daycare- I didn't even know she knew this song until it came on one of her CDs and she started clapping- too cute!)

After the church service, we snapped a few pictures of a pretty girl in her pretty Easter dress.

She also enjoyed an Easter egg hunt. She kept handing them to me so I would get the candy out for her- we gave her way too much sugar throughout the day.

Happy Easter from the Rusts!

Elaina takes on the Easter Bunny

Matt's mom and I took Elaina to the mall yesterday morning. We couldn't pass up an opportunity to get a photo with the Easter Bunny. Elaina wasn't too sure about him. While she was sitting on his lap, she kept taking his hands and pushing them off of her. (Matt wants me to include that her technique was similar to that "gritty" defense that Butler used yesterday to beat Kansas St. and earn a spot in the final 4.) Go Bulldogs!

For: Anon

This post is in response to the anonymous threats we've received about not updating our blog often enough. (Let's be honest... "anonymous" is a strong word- we know who you are.) :)

We've had an enjoyable Spring so far this year. My parents flew in for a quick weekend trip for my mom's birthday at the end of February. Elaina enjoyed all of the extra attention.

The changing weather has allowed for nice walks outside on the walking trail just down the road from our house.




On our last walk, Elaina got a little frustrated with the stroller. Grandma and Grandpa Rust responded to her cries with her very own wagon. We had fun putting it together today and then taking it for a spin. She loved it!





Speaking of Grandma and Grandpa Rust, their school spring break is this week, and Elaina is excited to hang out with them at our house all week. Mommy and Daddy are excited that Grandma brought recipes and plans on cooking dinner for us. Should I take this as a hint about her feelings on my cooking? Kidding, Rita!

Go Pack!

Elaina decided that since Butler is having such a great basketball season (currently ranked #10 and #15 in the polls!), she needed to focus her cheerleading efforts on NC State's Wolfpack who seem to be in a 5-year rebuilding period...

Here she is trying to make the wolfpack sign.

She tried to sketch out a few plays on her magna-doodle.

At one point in yesterday's game, she was so frustrated that she ripped off her shoes and pants!

Thanks to Elaina's pack pride, State pulled in its fourth ACC win yesterday.