Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday each of the kids got an Easter basket hid somewhere in the house. There was some misbehaving in the morning and the kids were not allowed to touch things. When messes were cleaned up it was lunchtime. We had the kids go outside and hid the baskets again. Elsie was not happy about any of it.

It was conference weekend so we didn't get dressed up. Reyen was the only one looking pretty in a dress from aunt Mary. It said 18 months but fits her great now.

Reyen was the only one to get pictures taken. Wish I would have done her hair that is growing a lot.

I just love this picture of dad.

Rylan and Kaden got some rope to learn how to tie knots and make forts outside with. But see what boys come up with instead of mom's great ideas..

Rylan didn't really think Dad could tie him up good. He finally needed so help loosening the rope and got out. He thought the whole thing was great.

Grandma had Easter dinner at her house. She makes the best food, turkey and ham! After dinner grandma did an egg hunt for the kids and they loved it.

Sad Elliot just watched because he wasn't feeling good. He had a fever and thought he had the stomach flu. The last time he had that it was bad and couldn't keep anything down. He felt bad this time and thought throwing up would make him better like last time. It's starting to become a joke that every time we go to grandma's house someone gets sick because this is the second time one of the kids came down with something. We got Elliot some medicine and he was feeling better that night. The fever lasted about a day in a half and that was it. Thankfully only 2 of the other kids caught it and we didn't have to clean any messes up.
Great tip I wish I would have known about years ago. When you give your kid a bucket or bowl to throw up in, line it with a plastic bag (preferably one with no holes). That way you don't have to rinse things out. It has been a lifesaver for those middle of the night sickies. 

Reyen just got to watch and she was happy to do it hanging out with dad.

Grandma had some fun treats in her eggs. The kids had a great time.

Reyen and Henry playing together.

Reyen is loving her freedom of movement. She often follows us around the house. She is usually confined to the front room when I need to get ready or when I am making a meal. She absolutely hates me to leave her alone and often cries even when she can see me. She is attracted to the stairs and every time she gets close I try to teach her how to turn and go down. She isn't that excited about going down and tries to get back up. I love see little minds at work. Reyen sees the door open and makes a dash for it.

Easter Weekend

This Easter we dyed our own eggs. Usually grandma Wilcox does it. This year I found something a little different to do. I don't remember ever doing eggs with the kids myself just for the fact that I didn't like the prep, mess and clean up. The Friday before Easter we dyed our eggs.This year I guess I got creative. It ended up being somewhat messy but the kids loved creating their own designs.

The kids mixed food coloring in shaving cream and then rolled their eggs around in it. The shaving cream looked gross in the end but the eggs came out pretty colors. I wish I would have gotten an after picture. Sorry. It was so fun for the kids they want to keep doing it.

Saturday cousin Greyson came over to watch (or mostly play during) conference. All the boys were happy to see Greyson and wanted to play with him. We ate lunch and had an egg hunt.

On your mark get set go!
For the older kids we hid their eggs high. Some were happy about that and others mad.

Everyone found their eggs except for Elsie. There was one left hanging out on the fence post. Elsie gave up looking and never thought to look up. A week later they played hot and cold looking for it. I could not stop laughing because they were in the right spot but didn't look up. It was hilarious, I literally had tears running down my face.The whole week we watched videos about Jesus last week of life and read scriptures. The kids really liked the videos and had lots of questions. It made Easter a lot more meaningful. 

Lego fun

Legos are a fun activity for the kids but not for mom. No matter what happens they never get totally cleaned up.

Rylan made this truck and thingy. He was so proud of it he wanted pictures taken and a video.

Reyen is 9 months old!

Reyen went in for her 9 month checkup last week and is a healthy growing girl. This little girl is all over the place. She has been on the verge of crawling for many weeks but wouldn't go more than two steps and sit down.  The day before Reyen turned 9 months she figured out she could go. Her crawl is so cute. She uses one knee and one foot dragging her leg.  This girl is fast. If she wants something she goes after it, especially if it's outside.
Reyen's checkup
Height: 28 inches at 60%
weight: 17 1/2 lbs at 36%
head: didn't get it written but was at 65%
I was a little concerned about Reyen's eating because she hasn't been drinking a lot of milk. The doctor said she is still growing so everything is good.

One Sunday morning I gouped up Reyen's hair and cut the back hair that is longer than her front.  We have cut the hair at the crown of her head before and it keeps growing fast. I just wanted everything evened out. She did good while eating some treats.  This girl is looking very blond. Where are my genes? Reyen's hair is growing in really well but you can't tell because it's so light.

At about 8 1/2 months Reyen cut her first teeth. She was not happy and didn't eat a lot for a couple of days.

 A few days after Reyen started to crawl she started standing up. She is so proud of herself when she is standing.

This girl loves outside. Reyen would be out all day if she could.  She loves to watch her brothers play,  pull grass out,  watch the birds, swing, and bounce on the trampoline. Who wouldn't want to do all that!

Reyen is starting to put things away. She use to take things out but now tries to put things back. She is already playing with cars and racing them.

Reyen is taking 2 naps a day. My goal is two two hour naps but she usually takes one short nap and one good long nap. She is ready for bed around 6:30. My goal is to have her in bed around 7. Reyen goes to sleep well but gets women up by brothers when they go to bed. She goes back to sleep really well.