April in a nutshell

My favorite kids under my favorite tree on the Y campus.  I love this Magnolia tree.  It only blooms for a few days and I remember LOVING those few days as I walked into my 2nd home - the HFAC (music bldg) when I attended college.  I had to bring something to campus and we happened to find the tree in its splendor - so I made my kids take pictures with it.  They were thrilled - of course (yes, I'm being sarcastic).  But I did reward them well with a meal at the Creamery (and Papa came too!)

April flowers.

Skyler, Corban, & Anzer

"We're getting married, to girls - not each other!"

My shoe was missing - for weeks.  I don't know if this was an April Fool's joke - but this was the last place I looked for a shoe.  I guess I hadn't made muffins in a while!

Putting that Lego room to use! 

Welcoming our newest nephew - Gabriel!

Finishing up the chapter of co-op preschool in my house.  This was the best activity ever - shaving cream and making new colors...  sometimes I felt like I was a really good teacher.  Thank goodness for Pinterest and internet!

Abby 

Skyler 

Corban

Griff

Danny's patriotic program  - these things always make me tear up.  I'm so sappy!

Weather is getting warmer and b-ball games are ON!

And one last pic of preschool - I love this picture.  I love the hand prints all over the table.  It was a great year with Skyler and his friends.

Family Fun in Moab

During spring break - Shayne took off a day (maybe 2?!?!) and we went to Moab.  Usually we travel with family or friends - so it was a unique trip to just be our own little family.  We had a great time just being together!  The room was nice and roomy and immediately the boys started a pillow fight.  We played at the Sand hill, went biking, hiking, explored Dead Horse Point, and even ventured over to Goblin Valley on our way home.  Oh - and there was plenty of eating too.  These boys do have their arguments - but they can also be each other's best friends.  You just don't know which gear they're in till the moment!

family selfie - at the top of the sand hill.

Braces-face and toothless together

These boys will follow their dad anywhere...

A rare moment - it's a family pic!

We asked Hunter to take a picture of us - he zoomed up and got us and our feet - literally.  I kinda wanted the view of Goblin Valley where we were standing in the pic - OH WELL!  Maybe the next trip he can try again. maybe. 

Easter Traditions

It's too bad that I'm posting this MONTHS after the fact - I can't remember what day we did what - but I do know that we get to have two Easter traditions.  First - with my family.  Dying the REAL eggs, hiding them, and rolling them, and then eating creamed eggs.  Some of my kids are even eating it now (I consider it a miracle if everyone eats the same thing)

With the cousins

These two could be siblings!

The meanest egg roller award goes to Skyler this year - he was a maniac!  Fortunately, some still survived and made it into the dinner we ate together!

The next day (I think this was on Easter Sunday) we met Shayne's family at the park.  The tradition: plastic eggs (filled with candy or $) and Grandma always tries to stump the grandkids with a really hard one to find.  We also threw in an intense game of Speed.

I see a little bird in the tree - no wait - that's Clayton!

I love that all the kids participate - even though they are growing up.

Here's Connor trying to find the really hard egg - it was in Grandpa's pocket (if I remember correctly!)

Carson found his egg!

Easter is full of fun traditions and family.  I am so grateful to be surrounded by family and loved ones as we celebrate the most important part of Easter - our Savior.  I hope my boys know how much He means to me and how my heart is full of gratitude as I count my many blessings in our little circle of chaos.