Popsicle Fun

The kids love being at Grandpa and Grandma's house. They get to spend time with their grandparents and cousins. Plus, they always get an endless supply of popsicles. Yep, they are spoiled rotten. And mighty cute, if I do say so myself!

Growing Up

Andrew turned ten and what did he get special for his birthday?? Another chore! Yes, I know, he is such a lucky boy. He learned to mow the lawn. And, might I say, he does a fantastic job!

This is The Place Park

I have lived in Utah my entire life and have never been to This is the Place Park. Crazy, I know. So, when Andrew's class was going there on a field trip I jumped on the chance to go. Not only did I get to go to a place I'd never been but I also got to spend the day with Andrew and his friends. I really enjoyed the park, it was a ton of fun with a lot of great activities to really show how times were for the pioneers and how they lived their lives. At one point one of the moms and I were commenting on how nice life would be if it were as simplistic as it was back then. You know, no phones, no tv, no computers, no racing here and there, etc. Then we went inside one of the buildings and realized that would mean no AC. We changed our minds very quickly. There are always blessings with the hardships. Here is a look at the fun stuff we got to do that day. Our group started with the handcarts. The kids got to take turns pushing and pulling the handcarts. Andrew's teacher hopped into their handcart for a ride. Too bad the people running the handcart portion wouldn't let the kids take him for a ride, we felt they would really get a feel for the weight of the handcarts with him in it. The kids then learned a little about the way medical practices were back then and also about their beds, blankets, etc. They also learned an old-time dance. It was really fun to see all the kids (even the boys) do the dance and really enjoy doing the dance. I have to say the schoolhouse was my favorite place to visit. Must be all the 'Little House on the Prairie' memories it brought back to me. I LOVED that show as a kid!! The lady who was the teacher was AMAZING! She had a fantastic personality and made it really fun for the kids. She had one girl put a dunce cap on and even 'paddled' one of the boys. It was really entertaining. The kids learned the proper way to answer questions and sit in their seats. We also learned the Deseret alphabet and got to write our names. So fun! The cabinet shop was by far the favorite visit for all the kids. They loved seeing all the stuff that was made there and really enjoyed trying out the different tools, etc. It was a great day of learning and play. I really want to visit the park sometime as a family so we can all enjoy learning about our ancestors.

Fun with Annie

One day while I was busy trying to make jam Vanessa decided to use Annie for her entertainment. 

They were so good and just laid there and played with each other for a while.  I then realized they had snuck off.  I found them on the stairs

They (V) snuck a jar of jam and they were sharing it.  Yep, never a dull moment.

Walks with V

V and I try to go on a daily walk while the kids are at school, as long as the weather cooperates.  For a while she would sit so calmly in the stroller and just enjoy the sites around.  Then she wanted to ride her wiggle racer which was okay except for the times she'd get going really fast and I'd have to run to keep up with her. She knew her mom needed more exercise.  One day she decided she wanted to push her little stroller.  She didn't want to bring a baby, just push her stroller.  Things were going great and then she decided she wanted go through the rocks.

Just a little more difficult so she improvised

Never a dull moment with V.

Twin Cousins First Birthday

Vanessa had so much fun at her twin cousins first birthday.

She enjoyed the yummy food and decided she wanted to eat all by herself

She really loved watching the twins eat their birthday cakes

And really wanted to help them out

She really enjoyed her cake once she finally got some

She really loves her twin cousins and not just because they are younger and someone to boss around ;).  She really is good with them; very kind and loving.

V's First Hair Cut

Grandma Davis gave Vanessa her first official hair cut.  She's had a trim here and there when she was a baby but never a real hair cut.  She was great and sat really still for Grandma and her hair turned out really cute.

Giant Shoes to Fill

Vanessa loves to put on shoes, all shoes.  She is constantly wearing hers, Ally's, mine and has even been found wearing her dad's shoes.

She's a fun one and definitely keeps us on our toes.

Soccer Season

Andrew and Ally both played soccer this spring.  Andrew plays on a club team and Ally played for the city league.  This made for a busy time and lots of time spent at the soccer field for both me and V.  They both loved soccer although I think Ally liked it more for the social part than actually playing the game.

Andrew loves soccer for the game of it.  He has a fantastic team of boys that he plays with and has become great friends with each of them.

Ally's Dance Competition

The studio Ally danced at this year let all their dance classes (regardless if they were a competition team or not) compete at a competition.  Ally loves to perform and really enjoyed the competition.

I wanted a picture of Ally holding up her leg like she does in her dance.  Unfortunately for her she has her Mom's balance.  It took a couple of shots and falls to get one.

She really loved the trophy she got at the end of the competition!

Let's Go Fly a Kite

After spending the day at Thanksgiving Point Ally decided she wanted to fly a kite.  The temperature had changed dramatically and became extremely cold but she insisted so out we went. 

Luckily she got cold pretty fast but we had a great time flying her kite and even got it to stay up in the air for a period of time.

Thanksgiving Point

I took the kids and Andrew's friend to Thanksgiving Point's farm over spring break.  We always love the farm, feeding the animals and riding the ponies.  It's a great way to spend time together and enjoy all the features of the farm.