Dearest Spring, I adore you!

Spring is here! And as if the beautiful weather didn't tip you off, here are a few ways that we know spring has arrived in the Adams house.

1.) Dexter hair is everywhere! He's shedding his winter coat and I'm left to pick it all up. Which means I'm vacuuming and sweeping twice as much. But the sunshine totally makes up for it.

2.) Outdoor cooking. Brand is a grillmaster and we take full advantage of our grill.

3.) The debate begins! This will be our third spring and summer in our home and yes we are without AC. Now this desert girl is slowly getting un-used to living without AC (I grew up in Boise which is much hotter than Spokane and I did it all without AC, if you need tips on how to survive, talk to me) so each year Brand and I discuss whether we should move our beautiful TV down to our cool basement (an option I didn't have as a child!). We always decide to tough it out but this year the basement might seduce us into its cool arms. Temptress.

4.) Camping thoughts! We dream of camping with our awesome camping gear (thank you family!) but we do not go as often as we'd like. Let's hope that changes this year.

5.) Dandelions! They are springing up and not quite in force like they did last year but any minute they will take over the neighborhood for a couple of weeks before they skulk away.

6.) Tennis! The rackets have already been busted out and Brand has begun his annual tennis lessons to his one and only student, me! Maybe something will stick this year :)

What are your signs of spring?

Adelaide is here!

Today my little niece is 2 weeks old! Things have been a bit busy and I've been devoting my time to other tasks than this blog so I apologize for the delay of the announcement of the birth of the newest blessing in our life. We were so blessed to be able to go home for a three day weekend to briefly visit the newest in the family. Brand's work had already given them Good Friday off and my co-workers and boss are so gracious to allow me to take off an unexpected Friday (and Saturday pet food duty, thanks Heidi!). We met my mom in Lewiston who was there for work and we caravanned through beautiful Idaho to meet my big brother's little lady.
She spent a few days under the bili lights to get a little suntan and the poor thing got poked and prodded and had cracking skin because of the dryness caused by the lights, but she is a little trooper and is happy to be with her family now.
Let me tell you. Seeing my big brother gush over his little girl is one of my new favorite things. He has been such a great dad to Ollie and now I get to see him be a dad to a little girl! (One of my most favorite things is seeing a dad with his daughter!). And seeing Rheanne handle having a second child in the house like a pro is pretty impressive. Ollie can be a handful and is always the center of attention but Rheanne knows her little boy better than anyone and knows exactly how to meet his needs and precious Adelaide. I'm very proud to call her my sister (in-law).
I have to say that I fell in love with Adelaide and her various faces, her red hair, her tiny body, and her long feet (and toes!). She is a very active dreamer and loves to snuggle. I can't wait to see her again!
Little Addy is such a blessing to my already blessed life. I'm so proud to be called her aunt!

Adelaide Marie Ekhoff. Born April 3 2:02 am (MT) 7 lbs 13 oz 20 in long