he's in training . . .

to be a

Boy Scout.

One morning in early June.

Boston

informed me

he would

be sleeping

on the deck

that night.

So he ran to his room, 

pulled out his

sleeping bag

and his

pillow.

When I looked out

and saw him

in his

bag,

with a big smile on his face . . .

I was happy for him

but

sad for me,

because

someday he will become that

Boy Scout.

Sleeping under the stars.

Eating strange food.

Trying to light anything that will light, on fire.

I can almost smell the camp fire.

But I will let him eat the fish.

a day out with Thomas . . .

Breakfast in a Thomas bowl, on a Thomas placemat.

Check.

Grandmas and Grandpas.

Check.

Tickets.

 Ummm. Check.

All Aboard.

Check.

Smile.

Check.

First ride on a "real" train.

Check.

Silly face.

Check.

Talking to a "real" train engineer.

Check.

Thomas.

Check.

I think he went to sleep with a smile on his face.

If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?

Pilgrims,

of course!

Darby @ 6 months

Enjoying solid foods now!

She REALLY enjoyed her first taste of sweet potatoes.

Who are these cuties?!

Birthday girl, Paige.

Age 9.

She requested a new concoction . . . a Mint Oreo cake.

So I made two brownie cakes, and spread a huge

amount of mint frosting in between. 

It was pretty good.

Traditionally, we have done 8th year birthdays at the Lion House.

Paige reminded me that since we were in

 Michigan when she turned 8,

she plead her case for having a 9th birthday there. 

I think she might need to look into a Law degree.

I love Lion House birthday parties. 

 They take care of

everything

 for you. 

Plus, they make the birthday cake.

A fun tradition, they hide a gumball in the cake. 

Whoever gets the gumball,

will have

good luck

for the next year!

On a tour of the Lion House.

Pulling taffy.

 Happy Birthday Paige!

Each month a student from every classroom is chosen to receive the Principal's Pride award based on the value of the month.

The value they were looking for this particular month

was respect.

Congratulations Tailey!

a REcap of EASTER 2011 . . .

everyone's favorite . . .

picture time!

It was an extrememly EARLY morning at our house.

We attend church @ 9am . . .

with 6 children this

is a feat every week.

This particular Easter Sunday, we had

been asked to speak in church . . .

whew!

But we did it!

We were on-time for church,

that is!

Plus we were able to give our talks, everyone but the two littles. 

Boston wanted to sit on the stand with us.  I should have told him no from the beginning,

but he convinced me with his charming smile.

I think he visited the bathroom 3 times,

 and that was just 20 minutes into our talks.

He very discretely, like most 3 year olds, announced that he had to go each time.

In a not-so-discrete voice. 

 Then, when we would put him off,

 hoping he would forget,

he would increase in volume with each request.

 

Other than the distraction of a 3 year old and his boredom,

we were able to fulfill our assignment.

"Please take our picture quick!

There are Easter Eggs waiting!"

Our newest addition to the family . . .

a swingset that won't end up in our lawn when we get

the gale force winds coming across the field.

Tailey-- king of the swing!

delta, delta, delta--Spring 2011

Inaugural Visit to Delta, UT.

Aunt Mich, 

Uncle Russ,

Emily,

Whitney

and Megan

welcomed us

 for a visit just before Easter.

We enjoyed spending time with them and they dished us

a heaping helping of  "good 'ol country fun"!

I'm sure Mr. Pockets (the pony)

 was happy to see us leave.

Boston really enjoyed his first horse ride.

Quincey wanted to ride the pony over, and over as well.

The weather was a little cold, so we did stay indoors a bit more than usual.  But I don't think I heard any of the kids complaining about having some nice "down time".

Easter Egg Fun

Boston had some seriously brown hands,

and they lasted for a couple of days.

Kenzie and Darby

The Sand Hills

We were all bundled up against the cold. 

 It even snowed up in the mountains the morning of our Sand Hill trip.

Thankfully, there was a nice fire to sit by when you got cold.

Darby--taking a nap in Uncle Russ's truck.

Despite the cold, we all had a great time.

We look forward to another

trip to

Delta

in the

future,

and many more memories to be made

with our new cousins and friends.

-b-r-a-c-e- yourself

Before



After

Kenzie is now entering a new phase in her smile.

So far so good!

Keep smilin' sweetie!!