May, Etc.

Here's a short picture synopsis of our May, so far.

Phoebe got tired of waiting for me to do her hair.
I think she went a little overboard.

This trampoline is the best toy ever.  

We've even incorporated it into the landscaping for the new house.

Brigham had a Saturday workshop to earn his astronomy pin.

This last Saturday we had our stake mini-trek. All the youth and leaders were required to go on this.  It was intended to weed out anyone not physically fit enough for trek.  I almost fit that category. I forgot to bring my orthotics so I've been walking like a pregnant woman since then.  My poor hips.  It was a good lesson though, I'll definitely remember them for trek.  The hike itself was probably about 8 miles, with a lunch break in the middle.  Elle survived, somehow.  She is really loving the social aspects of Young Women's.

When some horseback riders passed us, Elle asked them what year it was.

Some cyclist was talking about the Amish when they passed us at one point.  

I knew that would come up since we were on a very popular trail.

Piano Recital

Some more videos I forgot, Elle and Brigham's recitals back in April. They both did great.  We've seen some major strides this year. So far I don't get any whining when I tell them to practice too.  We'll see how long that lasts.

Hula Girl

I completely forgot to post this.  Back in March, our ward had a talent show.  Phoebe was a determined to be a part of it.  She decided she wanted to do some hula hooping since she was really into it at the time.  I didn't want that to be a solo act so I told her she could do it on the stage while Elle and her friend played their duet.  We decided to spice things up a bit by having her wear her princess costume too.  She's a natural.  A single adult in our ward did some real hula dancing that night too. I wish I had taken video of it too because it was amazing.  She's a native Hawaiian so not surprising I guess.

Josh and Emilee Sitting in a Tree

2 weeks ago we had the privilege of attending my brother Joshua's wedding at the Draper temple.  It was a beautiful day!  I wish we could have stayed longer, our family is getting so much older now and it feels like a much different dynamic.

We arrived in Utah on Thursday evening.  I'm starting to wonder if we're pushing our luck with how many trouble free drives we've had down to Utah lately.  We spent most of Friday hanging with family at my parent's house.  My sister, Jocelyn, had her son's baby blessing that night.  She arranged for it to be in her home since we were all in town for the wedding.  It was crowded, but wonderful.  After the blessing we went to eat at a Mexican restaurant in Springville.  Not sure the wait was worth it, but hey, at least we were all together.

The wedding was at 10am the next morning.  I can't tell you how much I love the fact that my kids are old enough to sit by themselves in the waiting room while we were upstairs for the sealing/wedding.  My brother really lucked out in the sealer (marriage officiator), that they had that day.  He definitely brought the spirit to that ordinance.

The wedding luncheon was at a restaurant called Mimi's cafe in Sandy.  Pretty delicious food!  My dad's birthday was the same day so my sister, Maren, made a surprise b-day cake.  We put 60 candles on it and brought it into the luncheon.  Not only did we almost set the cake on fire, but I think the waitresses were worried we were going to set the building on fire too.  Word of warning, never use 60 candles.

Josh and Emilee were starting to look a little dazed and tired at this point, but we were only halfway through the day!

After the luncheon, I tried to catch a quick nap before the reception.  Can't say I was very successful.  The reception was held down in Lindon.  I spent most of the reception holding baby Logan so that Jocelyn could have a break.  I'm loving this baby niece/nephew deal I've got going on now.  Drive by parenting :)  I just wish I could see them more often.  They're going to be all grown up the next time I see them.

Emilee did an amazing flash mob at her reception.  Check it out here.

When Josh and Emilee were finally ready to blow the joint, everyone attacked them with silly string outside.  I don't think they were too happy, but that is what happens when you have tons of friends and you hide your car.

We got up at 5am, bright and early, the next morning and headed back to Oregon.  The next day I was sick and couldn't barely get around for a week.  Thank goodness for the timing on that one.

Baby Matilda getting her diaper changed.  Such a cutie pie!

Aunt Amelia did her hair. Didn't she do a marvelous job?

Luke was content with all the sugar.

Best buddies.

My blue eyed boy.

Their true faces revealed.

Butterfly girl.

It was cold and bright.  We'll have to do a better picture soon. 

Aunt Amelia is their second mom.

Checking out the view with Uncle Alex.

All the cousins, minus Jai.

GQ!

Grandma got a good laugh.

Brother Brigham. 

Cute cousins.

Isn't she hot?

Not yet.

Bestie cousins. They'll be going to girl's camp together this summer.

It was too bright!

Chris, Lucy and Matilda

Randoms

Jacob took the kids to the lot recently to do some excavation.  Hopefully the real excavation will begin next week.  It was  hot day, as you can tell by the red faces.

We got a trampoline!

Fingerstaches.  

The kids even wore them to school.  Brigham's principal just about died from laughing.

Easter

We had a fairly uneventful Easter, but here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

Easter Egg hunt at JD and Kaylea's home.

The ravening hoards are ready to hunt!

Phoebe got some more squinkees for easter and this is what I discovered.

Bad Parenting

I wouldn't be caught dead sending my kid to school dressed like this:

Spring Break

We don't usually travel for spring break, but this year I wanted to see my sister's new baby and we knew we probably wouldn't make it down to Utah this summer.  Between Trek, camps, and building the new house, it should be a crazy one.

Since my oldest sister just moved to Utah last year, we stayed with them in their huge house.  I love basements!  It was fun to play with cousins without feeling super squished.  We were able to help with some yard work too.  Sent me into flashbacks on when we redid our yard.  It's a big job, but so worth it.

Baby Logan was adorable.  Such a good baby.  My sister is doing fabulous as a new mom too.  She can benefit from all my good advice. I'm full of it!

We didn't do a whole ton besides visit and insult each other.  Maren found a trampoline place that we took the kids to one night.  Afterwards we went to the Pizza Pie Cafe.  It is Luke's favorite restaurant now.  He was asking if we could go there every time we go down there now.  He mostly loved the unlimited dessert buffet.  Now that I think about it, most of the good times revolved around food.  Krispy kreme doughnuts, bbq at my parents house, etc.  The day before we left we went up to visit my grandparents and then spent the night at Jacob's parent's house in Bountiful.  On the way we checked out the new City Creek mall in downtown Salt Lake.  It was pretty, but I'm not much of a mall person.  Then we went to hike Ensign Peak.  First time I've done that, that I can recall. I did well until we got almost to the top.  I have a serious fear of heights now that I'm a mom.  I spend most of my time imagining the kids plunging to their deaths.  It is not pleasant.  Jacob's parents treated us to some Little Caesars that night and we treated them to some delicious cinnamon knots.  I love you Granite bakery!

Baby Logan. 

What is that!

Hanging with the Wasdens.  I'm glad my kids are getting to know their great-grandparents.

A trip to Bountiful would not be complete without some mini-pool.

The top of Ensign peak.

That girl can make some silly faces.  This one in particular.

12 Is Swell

Not so long ago, Elle had her 12th birthday.  This is the first time it has not fallen during spring break.  Delivering happy meals at 3 different lunch times and two different schools was a tad difficult.  We might have to move that tradition to the weekend.  The kids sure do love it though.  Phoebe and I ate with Elle at her school.  It's always fun to see your kids in different environments.  

For her birthday party I took her and her best friend to Red Robin and The Hunger Games.  We were definitely not hungry during the movie.  Elle made the mistake of reading the book right before the movie so she didn't enjoy it quite as much.  She still had fun though.  We met a couple of her other friends there so she really enjoyed that aspect. I liked the movie even though I didn't care for the series that much.

Elle is very excited to be in Young Women's now.  She is definitely ready to move out of childhood and into the next stage.  Next year is middle school and even though she is little nervous, she's looking forward to more academic challenges and being in honor's classes.

Great presents. 

Delicious ice cream sundae with her favorite show paused.

The biggest bear you've ever seen.

Best friends.