Easter Sunday

Our Easter was a pleasant one. The sun was shining and spring is in full bloom! This year, I really tried to focus on the Savior and the resurrection. I am so grateful for all he went through for me. My heart was full of gratitude yesterday.

The kids had been having egg hunts all week in the backyard and in the house, so when the real thing came it was no big deal. Benny had lots of practice so he knew just what to do when he saw those eggs! Chloe found a golf caddy by her basket.

Niah found one of these. I'm not sure you call it- a hopster or something. We have yet to figure it out!


Bennett got his very own t-ball set. Boy, does he love it! I'm sure something will get broken by the ball soon. Maybe the rain could stop so he can play outside?!




The kids looked adorable in their Easter outfits. The girls picked out their own dresses this year. I tried to get them to match, but they would not have it. They take after their mother. I hate matching with other people. I'm not sure why I expect them to like it!

I had this vision of going to a big field somewhere, having a picnic, and taking pictures of the kids all dressed up. It was supposed to be rainy, so I just accepted the fact that it wasn't going to happen. But, after church the sun was out and it was perfect for pictures. We had changed plans and were invited to dinner by some friends in the ward so we decided to stop on the way and have a fake picnic.
I told the kids they got to be actresses and pretend to have picnic. I think they were excited about that!

I love my kiddos. When I look at those pictures I am overwhelmed with love for all of them! I am one lucky mom to have such darling, well behaved, healthy, happy children!

Easter was a success, I think. It's hard being away from family on holidays, but we are excited to go spend a week with them. It's been way to long since we've been home to Utah. We are counting down the hours.

Hey, Batter Batter

Niah started softball last week! She has loved baseball ever since she was little, so this year she wanted to play. When we signed her up they asked if she had ever played before. I told them no and they said, "Okay, we'll put her in this league." Not knowing any better I just went with it. When she got to her first practice her coach asked if she had played at all before. I told him no and he acted surprised that she was on this team. He said, "We'll see how she does tonight. The machine throws balls fast and is a little hard to get used to." He talked about putting her in the t-ball group, which would be fine. She got out there and played and after being very nervous to hit she got up the courage and hit a couple of balls! Anyway, she is going to stay on this team and she is doing very well. She is the youngest one on the team, but it doesn't seem to bother her that she is playing with second and third graders!

The other kids love being at the ball park. Bennett is obsessed with baseballs and bats. At night when he doesn't want to go to bed, he climbs up on the couch and pats the seat next to him and says, "Ball," summoning Bryan to sit and watch ball on tv with him. It's so adorable!





Here's a picture that's just for fun. Mabel is growing. She weighs 24 lbs. now and is four months old. She is sweet with the kids and most of the time she is an awesome dog. I had Chloe pretend to dance with her so that we can remember how big and tall she is!


Niah plays her first softball game on Saturday. I'm excited to see how she does. I'm hoping to take some video so I can post it here. Let's hope the weather cooperates for us!

Spring Break 2011

Niah had spring break last week. It was so nice to have her home during the days. Chloe and Bennett couldn't figure out why she was gone again on Monday!! To pass some of the time, I decided to take the kids to a couple of museums. They had so much fun. We went to the train museum in Elkhart with some of our friends. It was really neat. Benny was in heaven!

We attempted to get a picture of all the kids together in this old train car, but I'm not sure we were very successful. I think there are a few kids hiding behind the seats! The old train cars were really fun for the kids to climb up in. They were not safe at all. One of the cars had insulation and nails all over the floor. I was surprised that they let people in there! I wonder if there have been injuries before?! The kids didn't seem to mind.

After building up the courage all week, I decided to go for it and take the kids to Chicago to The Field Museum. It's a natural history museum and the kids LOVED it! Niah was especially into it. She is really into learning new things about different people and cultures. The highlights for them were Sue the dinosaur, the ancient Egyptians exhibit, and seeing Bushman the gorilla that used to fling poo at the people that came to see him. Haha. That's the only story about any of the animals that they could remember!

Their favorite part was probably playing on the steps when we were waiting to catch the train! Why spend money on a museum when there are steps to climb?!

Niah took this picture for us. I think she did pretty good.

My kids were so well behaved! I was very impressed. They learned a lot and had a great time. The train was a great idea because it takes you right to the museum, but I don't think I will do the train again with the kids. It took forever!! Driving would be much quicker and it woud probably be cheaper to just pay for parking. Anyway, we had a great week with Niah home. Now I can't wait for the summer break to get here.