Independence
I'm a little late for an Independence Day blog but we had a good one here in middle america. We have actually had an independence month. Cadie's favorite word, "no," has morphed into a favorite phrase, "no, Deedee!" With "Deedee" the term that she uses to refer to herself, this new phrase roughly translates into, "no thank you, I will do it myself" without all of the polite parts. This new independence has caused some difficulty (especially trying to get out the door in a hurry) but it is pretty cute. Here is Miss Independence with piggies and borrowed "eyes."

On the Move
We can sum up the last month with three words, "go, go, go!" Feels a little like a Dr. Suess book.

Cadie and I spent a few days in Utah with family while Eric worked in central Oregon. Cadie and Aunt Paige on the piano:Then we joined Eric in Oregon and were able to visit friends, family and the coast. On the day we went to the coast, it was a beautiful day inland but a bit blustery on the beach. The weather didn't stop Cadie from testing the water and tasting the sand.

It was fun to see how much all the kids had grown. Eric, Cadie, June, and Duncan.

We stayed with the Hale family in Corvallis. They are so great! Cadie wrestling with the Hale boys.

My cousin Heidi and her family were in the middle of a move but still kind enough to let us crash at their place in Portland. Cadie and second-cousins Sam, Rachel, and Anna in Portland.

We all got home (luckily on the same flight - had a bit of bad luck and missed the first flight) just in time. The next day was the start of the Tour de Grandview, a professional bike race that rode circuits around our neighborhood. We witnessed a crash - Cadie yelled "uh oh!" but the riders were alright.

 
There are days when I really miss Oregon but there are great things about Ohio. Our garden just about doubled its size while we were away. Anyone like any kale? 

I can just about taste Summer
If we make it through this final week of classes with our sanity it will truly be something to celebrate. Helping us cope... The pool opened and weather today was nice enough to enjoy it!

Bike ride into downtown to feed the Canada geese (and crash a wedding party that was hanging out along the bike path).

First fruits of our labor. Our garden plot at the community gardens is in full lettuce and turnip greens production. Yummmm

A little lady
Miss. Cadie is growing up so fast! I see it best with pictures - she looks so old! She will be 18 months next week. Most of our pictures of late have an open-mouth little girl. This is her reaction when we ask her to smile. Breakfast on the front porch.

Making cookies with Mom.

Cadie made a chili pepper pinata filled with Kix while I was at work on Cinco de Mayo. This picture was taken seconds before she destroyed it. (Thanks Laura! what I cute idea!)

Finally, one real smile. Her first bike! We are all so excited about this one.

A little decorating
Finally did something to Cadie's room. Thanks to Paige for the tree.
More house/yard projects to come!


Our neighbor has an amazing tulip garden - I had to take pictures.

Pictures
Life has been a little crazy with Cadie getting one illness after another (latest was Roseola) and me (E) teaching at OSU this quarter. We have managed to squeeze in some fun. I'll document with photos:

Community easter egg hunt (or scramble). This picture was 5 minutes before the start and before the crowds. It lasted maybe 60 seconds and there was probably only one egg per kid. Cadie at least got the package of animal crackers that she had tried to pick up before the start.

Easter! What a great time of year.

Meet the sheep (and all the other baby animals) at Slate Run historic farm. Cadie loved the ducks and chickens, was a bit hesitant with the baby pig and lamb, and did not want to even get close to the horse. But the entire car ride home she kept telling me about the animals - she would say "HI!" to get my attention and then do the sign for one of the animals - usually horse or cow.

Fooled Me!
Don't put sprinkles on that cupcake!

Unless you like sprinkles with your mashed potatoes and meatloaf.
Thanks to Laura for this fun idea.
And dessert:

Watch out for worms!

Paige, DC, and the National Marathon!
My sister Paige flew to Columbus for a visit - we enjoyed a St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin!

Paige drove with us to DC. We stayed with the McArthurs and Kai taught Cadie some moves.

I'll end with the worst family photo ever:

I guess this picture says more than I can - we were all pretty beat at this point but the race went well and Cadie eventually got a nap. :)
Eric ran marathon #2 and I ran the half. I beat my time goal by 35 seconds (finished in 2:24:25) and felt great the entire time. I think we are both finished with long races for a little while. We need to work on our speed so that we don't have to be out on the course as long.