Easter

We had a very nice Easter. The kids woke us up nice and early(5am), but we managed to stay in bed until 6:30(still too early, but better). The kids hunted for Easter Eggs that the Easter Bunny had left around the house and looked through their Easter Baskets. We enjoyed a boiled egg and blueberry muffin breakfast. We were finished with all of that by 8am. We had 5 1/2 hours to kill before church started. We played games, watched church movies, and colored. 

We had Gawbie and Grandpa over for dinner and then the kids did another Easter egg hunt outside(Daddy and Grandpa hid the eggs). Here is the egg Tyler found.

The girls colored eggs on Saturday. I bought an egg coloring kit from Walmart that dyed my fingers different colors and really didn't make our eggs any cooler than other years. Won't try that again.

The kids had coordinated outfits, but Ashley decided, last minute, that her dress was uncomfortable and she didn't want to wear it. So she ended up in a dress that she already owned.

I can't do an Easter post without reflecting on the real reason we celebrate. We watched a movie about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ for Family Home Evening last week. The girls were really sad when they saw all of the awful things Christ had to endure. It was a sweet parenting moment when we agreed and then explained that he did it for us, because he loves us so much. I am thankful for Jesus Christ and all that he endured so that I can one day return to live with Him, Heavenly Father, and my family.

Cute Pics of the Kiddos

I took the kids to the nickel arcade during spring break. They loved it. This was one of the few things Tyler could enjoy too.

Tyler loves the park. We've had a couple of warm days and I've taken them to the park. Alyssa loves to take Tyler on the things he can do.

Ashley had a pilgrim feast at school last month.

Alyssa had an Indian day at school. I'm getting better at making her costumes.

Gawbie had a Frozen party the week that it came out on DVD. It was the first time they had seen the movie. Now they've seen it at least ten times, not to mention how many times they've listened to the soundtrack on top of that. They loved the Frozen party.

Tyler crawled up to this magnet board one day and discovered it was fun to suck on. I love how it looks like he is kissing himself.

Ashley loves to hold her baby brother.

He is growing up way too fast.

I've been wanting to post all of these pictures for awhile. I've installed the blogger app on my phone and IPad since I can't figure out what is up with our desktop. It's kind of nice to post from wherever I want, so it may be the way I do it from now on. 

Spring Break

For spring break, we took a trip down to California. The main reason for the trip was to attend the wedding of Danny's oldest brother. We also got to do a lot of other fun things and visit with family.

We drove all day Friday and really wished that our kids were better in the car. Seriously, how did our parents take long trips without the DVD player and IPads? Saturday was the wedding and reception. Both were very nice. On Sunday, we spent the day with Uncle Brian's family. Our kids always get along so well.

They were excellent hosts and we were sad to leave them. That night, we visited Danny's Grandparents. Our kids had never even met them. When we left, the girls told us they were so nice and that we should visit them again.

On Monday, we spent the day at Seaworld with Shannon's family.

It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun. We sat in the splash zone at the Shamu show and really felt bad after the first wave of cold water hit Tyler. He screamed! I had no idea it would feel so cold. After all, it was at least 80 degrees that day and we were all really hot.

The girls loved everything, but I think their favorite thing to do was ride the Manta(the only roller coaster in the park). They went on it 4 times.

After Seaworld, we headed to my parents house. We spent Tuesday visiting with them and taking care of my mom, who had just done her 2nd chemotherapy treatment. The kids had fun exploring the house and spending time with Grandparents. Ashley found this toy bucket, and had fun pushing Tyler around in it.

We headed back on Wednesday, and the kids were equally difficult for the ride home. We were sad to say goodbye to family and the summer-like temperatures, but we were also glad to return home. Ashley was especially happy to be with Casey again.

Frustrated

We're still alive and doing well. Something weird is going on with our computer and blogger that is preventing me from adding our pictures onto our blog. Anyone else ever have that problem??? It's frustrating, to say the least.
Some major events of the past few months that I haven't been able to post about are Alyssa's Baptism, Tyler hitting 8, 9, and now 10 months, a couple of fun parties for the girls at school, and some super cute pictures of Tyler. Wish I could post them because he has changed so much in the past three months.
Tyler is 10 months today. He is crawling really well now, and just starting to stand up to things. However, when he does stand up, he doesn't know how to get back down and then cries. So cute.
Ashley is ready for the school year to be done. She has lost 2 teeth with two more loose ones working their way out. Her imagination is as wild as ever and her favorite thing to do is play outside with our dog, Casey(no matter what the weather is like).
Alyssa is a great big sister. She takes care of her sister and brother so well(at least when she wants to, in the case of Ashley). She is having a really good year in school, but I think is ready for the year to be over so she can sleep in again.(spring break will be nice). She also loves piano, singing, activity days, and playing with friends
We are excited for our trip to California at the end of the week for Bobby's wedding. It will be nice to spend time with family and to enjoy some really warm weather. Here's hopping I can get some pictures on here soon.