EASTER EGGS

HAPPY EASTER

This has been an insanely crazy week. I had great plans and good intentions to provide my family with many memorable experiences centered around this wonderful holiday. But alas, life interrupted the plans and threw us in another direction. We have been frantically trying to move my parents and that has been the priority. My dad, unfortunately in the middle of this chaos suffered a mild stroke and I have been helping my mom (when not moving) to care for him as he recovers. So today I was determined to throw in as much "easter" fun as possible. We were able to go to a ward breakfast yesterday and watch the "Finding Faith in Christ" video. Sacrament meeting today was inspirational. The greatest gift from our Savior of the Atonement and Resurrection, I am so grateful for. This spring season is such a wonderful time to reflect on that gift and how it can work miracles in my life. I hope I will always have the courage to testify of my Savior and his gospel and the good sense to use those gifts. We invited Rex and Jess, of course, to have fun with us today. We found the easter baskets, dyed easter eggs, made easter cookies to decorate and had a delicious dinner. The day was over before we knew it. The kiddos went to bed and we played a rousing game of Catan with Brent and Kelli. I felt happy I had pulled something together. But there is always next year! *New Resolution*...to make my blog more of a journal, we''ll see :)

EASTER EGG COOKIE FUN

JANAE...TOO LITTLE FOR COOKIES BUT LOVIN' THE FUN

HAIR...AAGGHH!

So I did it AGAIN! After months of growing out my hair I gave up and cut it off :0!! I decided that as much as I love the "idea" of having my hair long... like I did once upon a time, I don't have the time for myself to style and maintain it. Soooo off it came! I am not sad though. It naturally flips out when its short and takes 5 minutes to style...and I don't look like a frumpy mommy :). Plus nothing boosts a gal's spirits like a new haircut and highlights.

ETHAN'S 3RD BIRTHDAY

Blowing out the big "3" candle

My boo boo turned 3!!! We asked all of our friends to join us for playgroup at the park in the morning and we had cupcakes to celebrate the big occasion. Ethan had a blast playing with everyone, and was thrilled to have happy birthday sung to him. Everyone kept asking him what he wanted for his birthday, and the only thing he cared about was a cake...and going to chuckecheese, which is what we did as a family for dinner. Rex and Jessica were able to join us for the fun evening. We ate pizza, played games, opened presents, had more cupcakes...birthday bliss! Ethan loved his special day!! And now he is my big 3 year old :)

FUN TIMES!! Playing the games at chuckecheese

Uncle Rex holding Janae

Aunt Jessica trying not to be in photos...and then finally taking one :)

Mmmm!!! It has been a crazy day! I deserve a big cupcake :0!

SWIM PARTY

Our good friend had a swim party for one of her boys and took these fun pictures. She is such a great photographer, thanks Nettie!! We had a blast at the party. Devin had a dollar party, so instead of presents everyone brought him a dollar. It was the greatest! He thought he was so rich when he received all of his dollars :). Fun times!

SPRING SOCCER

Another soccer season has come to an end with all the boys participating. They all had a blast and played hard. Garrett dominated the field and is anxiously awaiting next season when he can move up with the bigger boys! Collin joined Spencer this season and they both proved valuable assets to their mostly inexperienced team. Collin shines as a defensive player, and loves to be keeper as well. Spencer is such a hard working forward and sacrifices his body every game in an effort to win!! Ethan started in itty bitty soccer, insisting he not be left out!!! He is so athletic and loves any sport, especially if there is a ball involved. He is hysterical when he plays imitating his brothers. I am proud of all of them for working so hard, keeping fit and having fun.

MY BIG GIRL

Janae is growing so fast...before I know it she will not be a baby any more! She is such a good girl. She sleeps well and loves to giggle and play, especially with all of her brothers. Here are some photos so you can all enjoy how big she has gotten.

Janae now 4 months old

FUN IN THE SUN

Still on Spring Break, we all went to the pool since the weather decided to turn hot... now holding steady in the upper 80's or warmer...and took Janae for her first swim! She is a water baby and was splashing and happy until she zonked for a nap in the shade. Ethan ventured out into the water without clinging for the first time, good for him! I think I am going to have to give in for swim lessons for Garrett, who has been my only one who doesn't enjoy the water. That boy needs to learn how to swim!! The big boys are still holding their own and hopefully with all this water exposure they will become strong swimmers. The boys loved going swimming and I am sure we will be in the pool all summer long. We often joke that we should have invested in sunscreen stock with the amount of money we have to spend to not fry like tomatoes!

LOUNGIN' WITH THE BROTHER

SO BRAVE...ETHAN SWIMMING BY HIMSELF

SPLASHING AND PLAYING SHARK ON THE RAFT

ZOO VISIT

LOUNGING AT THE FISH POND

WRESTLING DOWN THE CROCODILE...ETHAN RUNS TO THE RESCUE

It is Spring Break for the boys...and we took a trip to the zoo for an afternoon of adventure! The phoenix zoo hosts a fun Kids trail full of interactive sites and areas to play! We climbed across a giant rope web. Slid through the snake slide. Went to the barnyard petting zoo, which also had real tractors to sit on...and more. Very Exciting!! We love our zoo pass!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Dad was working late this day so instead of our traditional corned beef and cabbage...we saved the fun green food meal for dinner!! Everyone decked out in their green to celebrate!! Green pancakes, OJ and eggs make a fantastic combo...Garrett wondered why I couldn't make the sausage green as well. I told him moldy food would not be on the menu! Sadly we did not catch any leprechauns today, but had a great time with the wearin o' the green. Today's motto was "kiss me I'm Irish"!