Early Easter Egg Hunt

Each year the kids look forward to the SkyWest Easter Egg Hunt.  Each year its a race to get there before it ends.  This hunt lasts about 15 minutes if you are lucky.  We were prepared this year and made it with time to spare.

Ryder found his friend Colton with his sister Chloe.

Rylee was a good sport and jumped into the picture.

A surprise guest...The Easter Bunny.

My camera died just as he gave the kids a treat.  I almost forgot about my phone and it saved the day.

10:00 everyone GO!!!!!

Where did Ryder go?

There his is going at his own pace and not getting many eggs.  

He hates the pushing and shoving.  Slow and steady is his pace in a group.

Let's find the sisters.

There they are looking for that very last egg.

They each had a basket full and wanted to keep looking in case they missed something.

Family Dinner

What weekend visit would be complete until we all get together for a family dinner.  A great time to catch up with each other and the kids get to play with cousins, uncles, and possibly grandpa.

Who knew that 4 generations could get along so well under one roof?

Can you see them all?

Food!!!!!

We all love to eat as much as talk.

Is anyone watching?

Owen trying to get grandma's phone.

Time to wrestle...Uncles are the best for this.

Technology...how young is too young???

Ryder with Quincy watching play.

Your turn Quincy.

It was a great family night with everyone having a good time.  We had to get to bed so we could leave early in the morning to make it home for church.  I love this time together and wish more could make it, but that's life and it can be crazy even on the best day.

Let's Go To The Mall

I promised the girls that I would take them shopping for Easter Dresses while we were at grandma's house.  We were off to Provo Towne Mall and JoLene Dress Shop.  The only directions I gave them was it must have sleeves and be under $50.  Maybe I should have given them a time limit as well.  After trying on 10 dresses between them they found cute dress under $40 each.

They love these fancy dress shops and would try on more if they could.

But it was time for a quick break at the playground in the center court.

Rolling off our energy.

Next stop was to the Tie One On Store for new Easter Ties for the boys.  Ryder had to have one that matched Quincy.  We were ready to be done shopping, but not Ryder.  He vowed to try on as many ties as the sisters did dresses.  All four boys have matching ties.  Watch out Dave our next trip to visit Bryan and Becca you will have to wear them and I promise a group picture.

Time for lunch....

Carousel

Who put the carousel in the food court?  The kids demanded a ride before eating.  They had a special 4 rides for $5.  

Reganne had to have her lion, thank goodness there were two.

.

Do they look like they are having fun?

Time for lunch....

Oops there was a fashion show going on below and the girls just had to watch.  So between bites they got to see the latest kid fashions.

Spring Break 2013

This year spring break was going to be pretty boring.  The girls went with Ryder to A Child's World to play with friends from summer camp.  Each day they visited a different park and played until they dropped.  Friday finally arrived with a trip to grandma's house to visit everyone.  Dave had to stay and work so the kids and I were on our own.  Off we went with the van packed and ready to go.  We made it as far as Beaver then Ryder had to go to the bathroom.  We stopped for a potty break and treats.  We made it to Fillmore and he wanted to stop again.  This time I said nope and continued to drive.  Between asking what town we were in and if we were almost to grandma's I was ready to be done.

YEAH!!!! we made it by lunch time just as planned.  Bryan, Becca, Quincy, Bear, and Vader came over after lunch and it was time to play.  Ryder wasn't sure who Quincy was since he was walking or running around.

Hugs all around.

Mom, look what I found.

Oops how did that happen?

He pulled the suitcase down the stairs without falling.

Everyone was tired and ready for bed early, but trying to convince them to get their pj's on was another story.  I was pooped and by 10:00 everyone was in bed if not asleep.

Watch This....

Push ups

How many times to you hear this each and every day?  Too many to count if you have kids.  Sunday morning is our lazy time with church not starting until 1:30.  While getting breakfast Ryder yelled for me to count how many laps he made around the room.  He didn't like the number I came up with so he yelled again that he was going to exercise.  I glanced up as he was trying to do sit ups.  He tried a few more times and then said watch this...I grabbed my camera and snapped 5 year old push ups   Too bad this didn't capture the motion of up and down or rather snake like motion.  He is mister activity today besides these moves he has went on a bike ride, played in the backyard.  He now smells like a sweaty boy.  Do I have to shower?  You smell!!! It's sweat not pee.  You only have to shower on Sunday if you pee.

I love his logic!!!!!

New Addition....

A garage and not more kids.  For the past 9 years Dave has planned, plotted, designed, and talked about the backyard.  We have had many discussions about a garage vs swimming pool.  

Finally the garage won and then I should say the work began.  Dave researched many companies before deciding on one.  Then came the planning commission, followed by the city council, and not to be out down by the permit office.  Each one grilled Dave over and over again.  Who knew that a garage could cause so much ca motion.

Finally groundbreaking.....

Day One...AM

Day One....PM

Day Two...

Compaction Testing before cement could be poured.

Day Three...

Drying, Drying, and more Drying

Who knows how long it has to dry before the next phase.  But the weather soon turned nasty with wind and rain so it's a good thing we got this far.

Friday Night.....

Be careful of what you start...I started Friday Family Activity Night.  The kids were anxious to play but the weather turned nasty after 70 degree days so what to do?  I was ready for a movie and popcorn, but no way was that going to fly.  They begged to climb the rock wall.  We must have become regular climbers since they didn't ask us if we were members instead the told the kids to get the harnesses on.

First round...working out the kinks

Sisterly competition.

Neither would give up...This one went to Reganne. 

The next went to Rylee.

They were having so much fun and the line kept getting longer to climb.  I bribed them with a frozen yogurt.  Rylee has been begging for a trip to Yogurtland.  She claims to be the only one in her class who hasn't tried it.  Dave rolled his eyes and would rather had ice cream.  Everyone picked their cups & treats and were soon converted to the yummy treat.  The trip home was asking or pleading for another visit soon.

Now if only the rain would stop.  No soccer tomorrow due to the mud and rain.   

Crazy Wednesday....

Pipe Cleaner Glasses

I don't know what it is about Wednesday but everyone loves that day of the week to schedule activities.  Rylee has had karate for 5 years on Wednesday, but everything tries to compete.  This week was no exception.  First of course was school & work, but quickly followed by Activity Days for Rylee at 4:00.  She had so much fun making crazy things with pipe cleaners.  We were then off to karate.  Time for homework, dinner, and chores.  Oops almost forgot Enrichment Night at the church.  Rylee was going to help out in the nursery and I invited one of my neighbors/visiting teacher to go with me.  We had a blast eating yummy treats, playing with kids, and visiting with neighbors.

We were pooped and ready for bed.....Dang we forgot Rylee's homework.  There is no rest for the crazy.

VIP Week for Reganne

It was going to be a busy week full of crazy activities.  To start the week off right Reganne was the VIP for her 2nd Grade Class and it was all about her.  Monday after lunch was Family and Friends Day.  She decided to combine them with me bringing Harley.  We arrived a few minutes late but they were just getting back from lunch.  The kids went bananas for Harley and of course his nerves ticks of coughing and licking went into overdrive.  Reganne sat there patiently petting him and he calmed right down.

The kids had a blast asking questions and betting the dog.

Time for a class picture + Harley

How many crazy silly faces can you get into one picture?

These guys were really cutie and had a great time learning about Reganne.  This week she also brought 6 show and tell items (her trophies and treasures).  Her Heroes on Wednesday she drew a picture of Mom, Dad, and Mrs. McBride.  Thursday was to be her favorite book but the class got behind so that is postponed until after Spring Break.    

I love a teacher that can make her students feel special even in a class as large as this one.  Mrs. McBride is my hero too.

Good Kids

We have pretty amazing kids and it doesn't hurt to brag about them once in a while.  This week during early outs, parent teachers, and Morning with Moms came the book fair.  This is a crazy time when 100 kids + parents push into the small room next to the lunch room to grab for books they want.  They sweeten it by offering buy one get one free to entice you into the room.  The kids are all for it, but the parents hang back trying to avoid it.  Rylee had saved her money to buy the ones she wanted.  Reganne wanted to get one and found a Dog Diary.  I reminded her that it needed to be a reading book.  "But Mom, Rylee has a lot of diaries, why can't I?"  My reply was what diaries does she have?  "Diary of a Wimpy Kids books"  lucky for me she didn't push harder but went and found a book she wanted.  

Reganne then noticed that Rylee had two books.  "Can I have two?"  I told her if she could find one she liked.  A few minutes later she came back with a princess book.  Reganne, you don't like princess books?  No, but Frankie does was her reply.  Mom, Frankie can't get a book can I get this one for her?  What am I going to say? No?  Off we went to the register, paid, and sent them off to class.

Ryder is getting to be a very smart boy.  But sometimes thing come out just a little mixed up that makes you go HUH???

On the way home from school he asked me for a Gorilla Bar since he was starving.  Huh?  Do you mean a Granola Bar?  Yes Mom (with the look of disgust that I didn't hear right).  

Family movie night can we watch Floor?  Who? you know Floor that guy with the hammer.  Thor?  again with the look of disgust that I didn't hear him right.

Testimony meeting today Rylee was begging everyone to go with her.  When she asked Ryder, No way that is scary.  I will whisper in your ear what to say.  No he replied how about I whisper in your ear and then sit down.  After going back and forth for awhile time ran out.  Maybe next month.

Time for a new pet??? Rylee want's a chick like her friend Bailey.  So cute and small.  Mom, we won't have to pay for eggs when it gets older.  She even promised to take care of it each day.  Nope was my reply we have fish & a dog that is enough for now.

They make me glad to be their mom and eager for what's next even if they wear me out.

Week Two Cinnamon Rolls

Time to try again but this time I started on Saturday night and set them to raise all night.  This morning I woke up to good size rolls ready to bake.  I did notice that they had deflated a bit, so I'm not sure how to prevent that.  Into the oven to cook..... Oops it's Fast Sunday, I wasn't thinking to well last night when I started this project.

Into the oven

Cooling done...time to frost them.

The Verdict......

Really good, but they should be round and not square. My opinion was really filling, but could use more filling so they aren't too dry.  Ryder ate the middle and was done.  Reganne curled her nose and told me they weren't the regular ones (Pillsbury)

Try again????? YES!!!!!!

Soccer Saturday....Soccer Acadamy

We have been waiting for spring soccer to start, but it looks like instead of soccer games they are starting a Soccer Academy for the older kids.  Reganne was excited to try it since they would be playing at Hansen Stadium.  Good news Frankie signed up as well so they were in it together.  Bad news they wouldn't be playing on the football field, but the grassy practice field to the side.

Cool shirt...Bright enough to see

Too bad everyone wore the same color.  They all blended together.

Time to warm up and learn new drills.

The director of the academy told the parents that the purpose of this academy is for the kids to have fun and hopefully pick up new skills along the way.  Most of all continue the love of playing soccer.

Now we only have to decide what to due with Ryder whether spring soccer or t-ball???  Which will he choose??

Thank Goodness It's Friday.....

This has been a long week and made longer by school getting out at 1:15 each due to parent teachers conferences.  Each afternoon the girls and Dacoda played at the park for about 1/2 hour before I picked them up with the hopes to burn off energy before going home.  Did it work?  NO!!!!!

Lucky for the girls that they both got great report cards and raves from their teachers when I thought their grades were slipping.  It sure it great to be wrong in this case.  

By Friday everyone was ready for a break and start the weekend right.  The weather was so nice I wanted to be outside.  So it was back to the park for some family playtime.

Rylee showing off her new skill that she has been practicing for weeks during recess.

"Spin me Mom"

Reganne lasted twice before tackling,,,,

The bars and the skill she learned from Rylee.

Next came the teeter totter / swing 

After asking for a push from me all I accomplished was pushing them into each other.  Maybe Dad will have better luck.

What's this Dad getting into the action.  Can the girls twirl him?

One last little monkey trying to climb the ropes. Such concentration he forgot to have fun.

Old Favorite...New Restaurant

It was getting dark and cooling off time for dinner.  Apollo Burger opened last week and we have been dying to try it.  Well, Dave beat us all and ate lunch earlier in the week.  So we were going to try and get into it on Friday night.  The parking lot was packed, but the line was small.  One small change at this restaurant than the ones up North.  Free fry sauce!!!!!  Verdict... Great food, Clean tables, but slow service.

Side note this was the one fast food place you could eat at when I worked at the airport in the 80's.  The food tasted just as good, but it cost a lot more.  It was a good way to start the weekend.

New Year's Resolution.....

One of my resolutions this year was to try and make cinnamon rolls.  Here it is the last week of February and I haven't even tried to make them.  Sunday was the day.  It was much easier than I thought.

Ready to rise....

The recipe set let rise for 30 minutes and then bake.

The final product.

They could have risen a little more and less butter and maybe the filling will stay inside and not run out.  

Rylee's request was for more frosting on top.

The family vote was for me to try again.  Rylee was sure glad that this wasn't like the rolls I tried to make for 6 months before getting it right.  One thing is for sure with homemade ones you can only eat one or two unlike the Pillsbury ones were you could eat the whole can to get filled up.