Marching Into Spring, Part One

 Spring 2018 was a busy one for us, but full of fun. Here are some of the highlights.
This sweet little thing was forever getting one sock off. Just one. Every time.
Happily playing away in her bouncer chair. Look at that face!
Hanging out with her best pal, Gigi, who popped in for a visit from Indy.
Enjoying a yummy dinner at Cafe Rio with Uncle Kai and Aunt Kristi.
Chris and I went on a date to House Of Blues to see Fleet Foxes (my Christmas gift to him). They were AMAZING!
Our sweet girl just chilling in her crib. Love the little crossed feet. 
James tried to teach Leo to climb a tree with only a modicum of success.
James finally put those rollerblades to use on a jaunt through our neighborhood. Look out world, here he comes!
After spending his actual birthday in Chicago, we finally celebrated at home with
a cake baked by Mom and nine flaming torches.
His gift from us was a wireless speaker to play his music on. Terrible decision. But he loves it.
Each year for his birthday, James can choose between having a birthday party or having a special experience. This year he asked for a party and was super excited to have it at one of his favorite local places– the Orlando Science Center. He has attended summer camps there since we moved to Florida  and is always thrilled to go hang out there for the day. (Homeschool field trips, of course.)
The party included fun science experiments with the kids.
Experiencing a “closed circuit” of electricity. So cool!
Happy 9th Birthday to our beautiful and amazing boy! We love you so much!!
After the party, we got to hang out in the exhibits and have some fun.
Chris and I had a second date night out in the same month (I know! It’s crazy!) to celebrate our 14th dateaversary.
(The anniversary of our first date for those of you not in the know.) 
This marvelous little miss spent some time growing and playing and smiling. Those cheeks!
Looks like Ellie went ahead and started learning to read as well. Hooray for books!
Somehow when Daddy gets her dressed, she’s always in the “Daddies are the best” type of clothes.
Chris spent his annual weekend in Sebring at the races with some other Shenks–Corey, Kodey, and Richard.
I don’t want to know how they got those beads…
James learned how to change Ellie’s diapers. He continues to wow us with his great big brother skills. 
James took on the task of trimming the branches in his treehouse with giant pruning shears– still has 10 fingers! 
And because he is sometimes his Momma’s boy, he tried out a new sewing project.
The finished project is a sweet little stuffed lovey he named “Polka Dot”. 💖
Titi Heather steals some kisses from Ellie girl.
Uncle Shawn has his arms full of some cute little girls. I think Ellie isn’t happy she didn’t get a popsicle like Avery.
Such a busy month and we are not even done yet! 
Check back for Part Two of this post with more miscellaneous pictures of our adventures.