Amber

Someone said she looks like a jack-o-lantern. I think that's about right.

Flowers from daddy for her dance recital. She did awesome! Look at those eyelashes!

Dance recital 2011--Magic in Me.

She did a great job and it was a lot of fun to watch. She told me after the rehearsal she loved dancing in front of all those people. I was like, "really?!?" But it makes me happy she's getting so much confidence.

Lyssa's 11!

It's hard to come to terms with the fact that I have a daughter that's almost as tall as me, wears shoes a little smaller and is becoming a beautiful young woman. But I love it, too!

She is at a very sweet stage, and whether it's an age thing or a phase or whatever I enjoy it. Everyone keeps warning me she's going to turn into a hormonal monster soon. She notices other people's needs, she is a peacemaker (most of the time), and she is obedient, which is really good for the other kids to see. She still loves reading, ballroom, football, swimming and steak.

For her birthday this year we decided to do a "pedicure/spa day." The invitations were in the shape of flipflops but we kept it small because it was going to be time consuming (thank you Grandma and Xela for helping!). They had pizza and then we did a game where they put makeup on each other blindfolded. That was fun for everyone, watching and playing. Then we did mud masks, pedicures and fingernail painting. After which they took their cute toes and jumped outside in the dirt. I think they had a fun time. Happy birthday, my big girl!

That same night was the father and sons campout, but Scott didn't get any pictures. He was a little preoccupied trying to keep his thumb attached. He took Christian fishing and they were having a good time until he tried to open up a package with a new knife. Anyway, long story short he should have had stitches but used a LOT of superglue instead.

May was a pretty crazy month with birthday parties, Scott and I both spoke in church on separate days (I did on Mother's Day--I know, crazy, right?), we finished off a busy soccer season with a party at the park, and Scott and I celebrated our anniversary by getting rid of the kids and going to the Armstrong Mansion for the weekend. It was so nice! We did a lot of laying around and relaxing. Oh, and we went to La Caille for hors d'ouvres and dessert. It's nice to know we still love each other, sometimes it's hard to tell when life is hectic and we can't get two sentences together without interruption. But he's still my soulmate!

Easter

Preschool Easter egg hunt at the church


My handsome boys

Easter 2011

We had a nice Easter this year. We had an FHE lesson about the last week of Christ's life on Monday. Livi had her preschool Easter egg hunt at the church because the weather wasn't cooperating. Friday night was the Battle of the Bulge with Scott representing the stake and Ben in the bishopric battling in basketball. It was a lot of fun to watch even though I was sick. The kids actually sat through most of it. The bishopric won, but not from lack of effort on Scott's part. He's going to lose a toenail and had blisters on his feet. Saturday I had been planning on running the 5k for months but was still sick so didn't. But the kids got to hunt for eggs and we had a couple soccer games. That night we had a family dinner with the Reeces and an Easter egg hunt and then the girls went to see Jane Eyre. I had high expectations, but it was good. The next day the kids got cotton candy, chocolate bunnies and water toys in their baskets. I had been asked to direct the stake children's choir for a performance that night (only because they didn't see me during the Primary program) so we had a practice and then a performance. It went very well. Then to the Thompsons for dinner and another hunt.

I am so grateful for our Savior and His sacrifice for us. I am grateful for the knowledge that we will be resurrected and able to live with our families again. I love that Easter comes at this time of year when things are (slowly) coming back to life. Such a great reminder of the new life we get through Christ. Happy Easter!

Soran's 2!

I can't believe my baby is 2. She doesn't fit perfectly in my arms anymore. Her legs are too long and her body too big. She doesn't walk or crawl anymore, she runs. She goes into nursery happily by herself. She can get dressed and feed herself. It's bittersweet.

Scott videod all her birthday so we didn't get any pics except one of her cake. I love you, Soran! You are the happiest little girl. Daddy used to say you had happiness busting out of your face and it's still true. You are always happy and excited. You love your brother and sisters and watch all they do with awe, and they spoil you in return. You love to jump and are the best 2-year-old jumper I've ever seen. I have never had a baby as into things as you are. You love to figure it out by yourself. I wish I could keep you small, but it's so fun to watch you grow. Happy birthday!

Goblin Valley

First hike of the morning (Grandpa's shoe is near the top--he wanted to climb the hard way).

Goblins


Amber on the goblins--it got really windy in the afternoon and coated everything in fine red sand .

Canyon hike--the trail was about a foot wide and very curvy through walls of dried mud. It was weird because there was no vegetation for a mile and half, just dirt.

The kids did awesome on this hike. Grandma stayed with the little ones and the rest of us did a 3-mile hike in a little over an hour. This picture shows the otherworldliness of the area. It kind of looks like Mars.

Camping with Grandma and Grandpa

Anna and Amber

Soran and Grandma (who spoiled her rotten)

Soran playing with the flashlight

Monkeys

The brown Green River

Since spring break was in the middle of April I was sure it would be nice weather and we could go to the park every day and be outside all week. Ha! Winter/spring in Utah lasts forever. So we decided to head south with Grandma and Grandpa and find some sunshine. Scott couldn't take time off work so I loaded up my kids, Jacob and Anna, and gear and we headed to Green River. Not a pretty city, but the weather was perfect. Our campsite was right next to the river and the kids had fun playing by it. Then we played some games (capture the flag and Red Rover) while the foil dinners cooked. And then of course we had s'mores. I was pretty proud of my mom and me setting up our 10 person cabin-tent with no instructions or help. It was cold that night so not much sleeping was done but the next day was gorgeous and we headed to Goblin Valley!

Christian's room

Christian has always wanted someone in his room with him. He doesn't like to be alone. A few weeks ago Scott and I went out after the kids were in bed and when I got home I was checking on them but Soran wasn't in her bed. After freaking out for a couple seconds I looked in Christian's bed and there she was. They were so cute I had to get a picture. A couple days ago I was checking on the kids again and couldn't find Christian this time! I looked in Soran's bed (she's still sleeping in a playpen) and there he was! I don't know how Soran stayed asleep through all that but she did. Anyway, we're getting bunkbeds soon and I was going to give Christian his own room, but I think to save myself the trouble of having to track down children every night I will just put Amber in with him for awhile!