Spring Break (read: Spring Laziness)

We had a great Spring Break. We didn't go anywhere since we had a little trip planned a few weeks later (watch for later post), so we just chilled at home. It was nice, but it gave me a little taste of what Summer will bring. I'm a little scared. I'll be honest, I enjoy the quiet 6 hours around here while the boys are gone. I'm sure I'll adjust to the new way of life come May.


The kids thought it would be fun to have a slumber party one night. Well, that "one night" turned into 7 nights. They loved it and I was happy that they included McKenna. I sure hope they always get along so well.

We spent some days outside, until the weather turned cold. The kids rode their scooters, bikes, trikes, and played with friends.
I had to take this picture to demonstrate how most of my pictures are taken....with my "Velcro baby" on one hip. It makes for some very out-of-focus pictures. But he's so cute!

Taylor and I spent an afternoon putting together all his puzzles. It was a lot of fun and boosted my puzzle-building self esteem. (Yes, I realize they were all 100 pieces or less...let me pretend I can do puzzles...okay.)

And yes, there was A LOT of "Mom, I'm bored!". Here's a great example of that:

Off My Bucket List

Ever since I was a teenager I have wanted to walk on the field of Lavell Edward's Stadium. Well, I got that chance and took it! The BYU football team was holding a free clinic for kids and a scrimmage game afterward. We debated whether to go since the weather was cold, but I'm still glad we went.

I'm glad we took pictures when we did, because moments later it dumped snow. I didn't notice that McKenna was wearing her church shoes until we got there. She didn't want to go onto the field, so I stayed behind with her and Ryan, and Dave went down with the boys. They rotated to different clinics and had a good time. Taylor got too cold and I have to admit that I was ready to go as well. We left before the scrimmage game, but we will go again next year for sure! On the way out I went down onto the field so that I could mark it off my bucket list!!

He's a "Dinostar"

Taylor's First Grade program was a dinosaur theme. It was cute and short...ahh. :) He had a speaking part which he memorized the first day he brought it home. "We hope you all enjoyed our show. But it's getting late. Time for us to go." He did a great job!

General Conference Weekend

My brother and his family came to Utah for Conference weekend, so we spent a couple nights at my parents' house to be with them. It was so great seeing them again and being able to get caught up. My brother and his wife were able to attend the Saturday morning session, so we kept an eye on their kids while they were gone. They got a little restless, so my sister and I took them down to the neighborhood park. They all had a blast!

This isn't even the whole group...four are missing from this picture.

Chief Derek

Derek experienced his theatrical debut last night, as the chief in his class play. The Second Grade held an "Evening at the Arts" in which each class presented a song, dance, or play. Derek tried out for the part and he was chosen. I only knew that he was the chief and he kept all other details a secret from me. He wanted the whole thing to be a total surprise. He did a great job! He spoke clearly, slowly, and all right on cue. He didn't even look nervous. It was a lot of fun to watch. He always has been my little performer.

The "Chief" on his throne.

Yum!

I am always very slow to start my babies on solid foods. I don't like the mess, I worry about them getting allergies, and let's face it...it's one more thing to put on my daily to-do list. But at 8 months old, I thought it was time for Ryan to start eating like a man. :) At first he pushed his lips together and I couldn't even get the spoon in. But over a few weeks he has figured out how to swallow it and he is a big eater now. Yay!

(8 1/2 Months Old)

And what is that all over his face? His favorite food so far...sweet potatoes. He goes crazy for the stuff. I must admit that I have tried it and I would agree with Ryan. It's pretty good, but I don't love it enough to wear it like he does. In other exciting news...Ryan sleeps through the night, finally. In his 8 months of life he had never slept longer than 4 hours. We decided it was time to make him cry it out. It only took one night and he woke up 3 times crying, but he's been sleeping at least 10 hours a night for three weeks now! I love my little extra energy. I no longer feel like I'm going to fall asleep at 2:30 in the afternoon.

Happy "Green Milk" Day!!

I don't understand my kids sometimes. They are picky eaters on a normal basis, but once a year I make green eggs, green pancakes, and green milk and they all sit down to the table and yell "YUM!" I don't get it. You'd think they wouldn't touch it. I love that my kids are still amazed at how Mommy can change milk into different colors. Derek has caught on, but it's still magic to the others.

After dinner I put together a treasure hunt for the kids. At the end was a "pot o' gold" with a treat for each child. They love the clues and the prize at the end, and I love that all the running up and down stairs gets them tired for bedtime.

Hope you had fun "Green Milk" day!