Egg Hunts

It seems like every Easter Season everyone has an egg hunt.  We try not to go to them all, but we get our fair share and definitely more candy than we need.

 Today we had an activity at the church.  It started with cleaning the building, then a couple rounds of duck duck goose.  A small breakfast was followed by the most important part - the egg hunt:

 Dani searching for eggs with her friend, Kayla

 Jo wasn't too concerned with filling up his basket.

 Sam and Rylee posing for their annual Easter Egg Hunt picture. (Don't you love Sam's face?)

 To finish off the activity, we planted flowers around the church.  The kids loved this part.

The neighborhood also put on an Egg Hunt.

MK Nature Center field trip

Sam's preschool went to a nature center on a field trip.

 Out front.

 Lorelai, Rylee, Sam, Mckade, Jo

 Sam looking at the fish.

 Jo looking at the stuffed fish.

 Jo, Sam and Mckade playing in the "water table."

Who? Who? are they?  Jo, Mckade, and Sam.

 
 Wise ol' Sam

 Our baby owl, Jo

 Friends, Rylee & Lorelai.

 Jo watching the fish.

Sam swinging at Municipal park.

 
 Jo riding the frog.

Sam on the dinosaur.

 
This squirrel sat by waiting for dropped food and would even take it right out of your hand.  He was a little too accustomed to people.

Spring Break

This past week the children have been home for Spring Break.  We used this opportunity to do a little spring cleaning.  The kids had to earn the opportunity to do something fun each day by helping to deep clean one room in the house.  They earned a trip to the library, friends over and trips to the park.  We actually enjoyed two very nice weather days which we have been waiting in anticipation for.  On a side note, Stacey has been summoned to jury duty during the month of April.  While it would be interesting, she's hoping to get by the month without having to go.  So far, the first week will be avoided.

 I have to make a correction from Sam's previous birthday post.  He did indeed get his treehouse thanks to Grandpa and Sheri.  All the kids enjoyed it tremendously when it was inside and made all kinds of forts.  They were real disappointed when it found it's way outside.  Now that the weather is getting nicer we hope it encourages their outside play.   He also got a hangglider, although it was for a little Diego figure.  He still hopes for one that he can fly on.

 The kids helped to decorate a birthday cake for Grandma.  Mark convinced her to have a big bird cake. We were able to celebrate with her during the week.

The girls are super excited to be flower girls in Aunt Kari's upcoming wedding.  Here they are trying on their flower girl dresses.  Congratulations Kari and Bob!  We are also excited for the arrival of their baby in October!

Foothills hike

 Taylor has been begging to go on a nature hike so we went up the the foothills learning center.  Luckily the sun was out and it hadn't started snowing yet.  This is the story trail where there is a book for kids to read along the hike.

 On the Owl Roost trail.

 Watching a woodpecker.

Dandelion sculpture.

Birthday Boy - Pojo's again

Sam wanted a Buzz cake - I wanted simple.  This is what he got.

 I'm 4!

 Jo riding the carousel at PoJo's.

 Taylor used all of her tokens up first thing and tried mooching off everyone the rest of the night.  Dani was being nice and letting Taylor ride with her.

 Sam throwing the skee ball instead of rolling it.

 Rocking out to Happy Birthday.

Well, he didn't get anything he asked for (tree house, hang glider, real golf clubs), but I think he still had a happy birthday.

Sam's 4 year pictures

Living Room and Uncle Matt

I've been wanting a new living room set for as long as I can remember.  We've had hand-me-downs (which we've been very grateful for) since we were married.  At first it was money, but then we never wanted them because we knew the kids would just mess them up.  Then we decided to do it anyway because we couldn't hold off until the kids were gone.  Unfortunately I am not the easiest decision maker or decorator, so it took a while still to find something I would be happy with.  Finally we got some right around my birthday time, so I've been calling them my Birthday present, even though technically they aren't.

 Our love seat.  Now we need to change out the curtains (and probably the blinds which were broken by the kids a couple years ago).  Our sofa is still coming.

 Our chair.  A little bigger than I wanted, but it was more important to get it to match.  I wish they had a rocker -oh well.  There is a matching ottoman that is still on it's way.

 Jo is constantly taking off his clothes now that he's figured out he can.  Enjoying building.

 Sam playing with his truck.

 My brother came over for a visit and the kids enjoyed the rough housing.  I think he loved it too, but it sure did wear him out.  They sure do love it when he's around to play with.

Fire Station

Sam's preschool group went on a field trip to the fire station.