Easter Sunday: Part 2

In Mike's family they use to have to find their easter baskets around the house.  Last year we did a treasure hunt and this year they were hidden. Elsie and Kaden didn't like it.  They thought there weren't any baskets.  They didn't even try to find theirs until the other ones found their baskets.  They were hidden in the pantry, oven, the bathroom closet, behind the tv, and in a cupboard. 

Camden has a fascination with farm animals and after searching all over for real life figures, I found them at the dollar store.  I was so happy and so was he.  His favorite is the "he he" or horse, and the "moo" or cow. 

After everything was said and done Elsie did tell me thank you for everything.  She got some church music, games, a hair clip and fingernail polish to go with her Easter outfit. 

We weren't able to get a family picture but I did catch one with all the kids before Kaden and Rylan changed clothes. 

  

After church we had lunch and all those kids who behaved well during and after church got popcorn.  Then we did our Testimony egg hunt.  The kids were excited to see who they got.  For the two little ones I filled their eggs up with pictures of Jesus, and things that bring us true happiness.  I did stick some candy in the eggs and everyone was happy. 

I found an idea of color coordinating the eggs for each child and it made things so much easier.  Why didn't I ever think of that?  Camden was very happy to find his "bue" eggs.  With the older ones I could hide the eggs in the trees.  During the week and Sunday morning we watched the videos of Christ and it helped the kids to visual that Easter is real and doesn't involve Easter bunnies.  I love those bible videos on lds.org.  Check them out, there are new ones all the time.

Here is Mike and I on Easter.  I didn't think he would pose like this or should I say, I hoped he didn't do what he did.  I told Elsie, who was taking the picture, if he does it again we have to take more pictures.  Can't help but love this guy forever.

Easter: part one

Our Easter was wonderful.  I had made some new plans and decided that to help keep the meaning of Easter we would do bunny things before Sunday.  Elsie was not okay with it but later learned it wouldn't be too bad.  We hit the Riverton Park for a big Easter run.  It was crazy and all the kids and their parents made their way to find eggs.  Ever since my sister took the kids one time they have wanted to come back every year.  The only thing I like is that they have egg hunts for age groups, so the little ones don't get run over by the big kids.

Spinney, LeDawn, Adam, and Greyson were able to make it to the fun which lasted about 2 minutes. 

Then we headed over to the cousin's house for some pizza and egg dying. It was a beautiful hot day.  Our cousin's house is the best.  And of course the sand was the favorite. 

 Here's Elliot and cousin Eli dying eggs.  We are still eating our eggs.  It is taking a long time since the boys don't like them.

Winter update

Here are a few things we've done this winter.  I am so happy it is warming up but kind of sad to not enjoy the snow anymore.  I have to say I will not miss the cold.

Mike grew his hair out.  He didn't do it on purpose but more out of laziness.  He said this is the longest he has grown it since before his mission.  He looked like a new man the day he cut his hair and shaved. 

Here is our truck getting worked on.  It died on Mike about a month or so ago and after much work he found the problem to be the gas pump.  On a few  not so hot, sunny days he went to work.  Grandpa came to help a few times.  We are so blessed to have family close.

Here is Mike not too excited about doing this.  After he changed the pump he found that the new one was broken too.  So off to the store again and another few days to fix it.  I know Mike didn't enjoy having to fix the truck but it was a great hobby for him and he even got new tools out of it.  I am so grateful for the talents Mike has.  He had some ideas of the problem and even though he didn't know how to change a fuel pump he learned how.   We are very grateful to Arn for letting Mike borrow his truck while ours was not working.

Here are the boys playing in the mud.  Even in cold weather they love shorts.  I couldn't keep them out of the mud if I tried so this year I have tried to embrace it. I now require shoes off at the door, hands washed and stairs vaccuumed every day.  They love this mud stuff but I am happy to see dirt again.

Elsie enjoyed taking pictures in the snow one day.

Here is the latest mishap.  With the weather warming up and days getting longer I have made a goal to go on a walk every evening with the kids.  The first night we tried it this is what happened.  Camden walked around the block all by himself and kept up great.  Outside our front yard he wanted to walk on the cement curb by himself even when Kaden insisted on helping.  Well, after 5 steps he missed and went head first into the curb.  This picture was taken 15 minutes after it happened.  Camden was very distraught about it hurting.

This picture is of Camden's eye the next day.  He was very sad he couldn't open his eye.  Well, maybe a sliver.  He had to lift his head up to see us.  Other than that he was happy as could be until he remembered his eye and then he'd get sad.

Here is Camden's eye now.  He is still sad that it hurts, more so when he looks

 in the mirror.  We are so thankful it didn't break the skin and is healing nicely.

Elliot is 4

Elliot turned 4 the end of January and is so excited and ready for school he says. He asked for a camera, phone, and a wallet with money in it.  He got the later one and asked why he didn't get a camera.  He has been spending his money very carefully, only buying some candy and oreo cookies.  He will know how to spell his whole name by the time he goes to school.  We are already working on learning to read because he wants to.    Elliot is full of so much energy.  He takes after his brothers and can do anything they can.  I love Elliot for so many reasons.

1. He is always willing to help.  He likes to work and play.  He is up at the counter helping me get meals ready.  He loves to cook and eat.  Although he takes forever eating.

2.  He reminds me of the important things.  He always likes to say prayers.  He remembers to bless people and loves the temple.  In primary he is learning about Heavenly Father's plan and prays that he can go back to him.

3.  Elliot always tries his best.  He loves to do a good job and even before he had a chore he wanted to work.  Now he gets his bed made and kitchen floor swept before breakfast. 

4.  The reason I love Elliot the most is that he shows so much love.  Camden can't get enough of Elliot and loves to be with him.  Elliot loves to share smiles and hugs.  He really likes to cuddle and my favorite is he always manages to make me smile when I am sad or mad.  He comes up to me and says "I love you mom" or "mom, you're beautiful".  It always brings a smile.

For Elliot's Birthday he got curious George the monkey, some books, and some money.  He also got a game, puzzle, and moon lap that he said was way too bright for him.  For treats Elliot asked for a root beer float on his special day.  For his family party he wanted a white cake with sprinkles on it.  Elliot wanted it cooked in bread pans.  What more could a mom ask for.  I think Elliot wanted that so he could decorate it all himself.

Here is Elliot singing.  I hope it works.  It took forever to upload. 

Hi

This is my new blog.  I was having some trouble with my other one and am still not happy with gmail and blogger.  I don't know if it's me or my computer.  It's so frustrating when you upload a video and it takes a half hour and then before you know it the computer has stopped working and closes everything.