McAlister Matters

   Paul wanted a strawberry cake this year with green frosting for his birthday. It's hard to believe this cool dude is four already! Paul is the master of puzzles and a pro on his scooter. He's learning to ride a bike also. This year he's become quite an independent chap. He can use the potty, get dressed and buckle his car seat all by himself. He likes trucks and wearing ties. Paul is also known for his inquisitive nature. He's good at the "what comes after.." line of questioning. What comes after breakfast, after that, after that... ad infinitum. He likes to ask about the garden and what we will be planting. He's a careful, tiresome eater. He's also good at memorizing songs and likes to sing along in the car to soundtracks.   More Pics        

  We decided to load up on trail mix and snacks and head down to Moab for Spring Break this year. Sarah's parents and Alicia's family came along too. It was fun having 12 of us this time! We got to share an Airbnb called the Wild Juniper. It was a super comfy place and a perfect setup for all the families. We spent 2 days in Arches National Park and hit all our favorite places. Penny got to ride in the backpack again but also got to hike a bit with her own little backpack. The park was a little different this year because we had to make reservations to get in. It seemed a little less crowded because of that. We took Juniper and Kahlan on the big hike to Delicate Arch. They did really good! Only mild drama and whining :). The weather was a little cooler in the mornings but the afternoons were perfect. Poor Penny got sick on the drive home when we were in the middle of nowhere. The big waffle and eggs breakfast and car snacks didn't sit well apparently. Besides that and a fe

  Our little Penny turned 2 last week! The doctor said she is small but we know she makes up for it in sweetness (and cuteness! ). We had a small family party at our house for her with cake and ice cream. We got her an owl backpack for her to take on our trips. She put it right on and marched around our backyard.  We love Penny! She wants to do everything her older siblings do. If Juniper dips her apple slices in ketchup, then Penny has to do it. If Paul gets to put on his own underwear, she'll put on Paul's underwear too (over her pants). She's in the parroting phase and is good at repeating prayers when someone else is saying the prayer. She also is good at memorizing songs. She especially likes Doc McStuffins and Barbie movie songs. She's been fearless at going to nursery. She's not too big on dolls but she loves her animal stuffies and our cat Slinky. She has the cutest laugh and loves getting tickled. More Pics!