Hannah's Pre-birthday

We celebrated Hannah's birthday early with Kevin. He and my in laws were leaving to go to Utah and Kevin had mentioned that he had never been to Hannah's birthday before. So, we threw a very quick, very last minute party. She wanted a purple flower cake, so I quickly made one. She wanted to wear a purple flower dress, so she wore a purple flower leotard. Her favorite song in Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam, so we danced to that. We played a couple of games like toilet tag and duck duck goose. She was sooooo cute! She was grateful and animated. She was a gentle ray of sunshine. She would clap her little hands and squeal. She asked everyone with a smile if they'd like to go to her party. She would get excited about every present she opened. We had the party at Michelle's house and had a good time.

McAvoy Family Pix 2016

We had a last minute photo session with the McAvoy family this month. Kevin and Courtney surprised us all and came for a visit. I was so excited! I love it when they come into town and wish that they lived closer. The kids love them! 

In priesthood session of conference, Elder Uchtdorf gave a talk in which he made mention of family pictures and a Chewbacca costume. It was a funny part of the talk and I don't remember why he said it (I actually haven't listened to the talk yet), but Jon Mark thought it was a great idea. So, when we planned pictures, he showed up wearing his Chewbacca costume. Seeing him made the kids want to dress up too. My in laws were good sports about it.

This family picture is my favorite. Luke and Barrett are such good friends, and you can see just how much they like each other in this picture.

Caleb always points at Jon Mark when he walks into the room. It's something that Jon Mark has done to Caleb for as long as we can remember. So, I am assuming that Jon Mark must have walked behind the camera or something when this shot was taken. Notice how Caleb is pointing?

The kids were given candy as a bribe to smile nicely. The girls all sat down together with their suckers and looked so cute.

Hannah was really grumpy, Michelle was trying to capture her frowns in these pictures.

Picture Dump Part 5 or 6???

For Christmas, JM gave me the gift of paint! I have been so excited to paint and this past week I finally painted the entire downstairs, by myself because I didn't want to wait any longer. It looks great! I am just not sure how to do the stairwell. Now, on to decorating the walls! ;)

I drove past my childhood home with my mom and kids. I was surprised and pleased to find that our names are still on the lamp post 25 years later. My kids were impressed. My mom had no clue that we vandalized the post. I think I can honestly say that this is the only thing that I have vandalized and my career as a graffiti artist was short-lived. Haha! 

It's the middle of March, but the kids go swimming. I don't know how they do it, it is too cold for this mama!

Caleb and I watched from the side lines. That is, until Caleb discovered a puddle and then keeping him dry was a futile effort.

Hannah and Luke are good friends. She looks up to him so much. He is a good leader and example. Joshua is in the background, the stinker wouldn't turn around. He's such a good kid. He loves to laugh and play. He's easy-going and so smart and creative. Hannah is being potty-trained. She's great at pee but has many poopy accidents. :( 

The kids enjoyed carrots from Grandma and Papa's garden.

Mercedes has a tradition of taking a warm bath after swimming.

This little lady is growing up too fast. She is responsible and spicy, but she is sweet too. She writes a bunch of love letters to us, and thrives on praise. She is reading so well nowadays and read me a book spontaneously the other night.She missed a whole week of school and had a stack of homework to do. She did it all. All of it! She had such a great attitude.

This is a weekend tradition. We let all of the kids sleep together on the floor.

Caleb was entranced by the lights Papa Mac had on the ceiling. He had purchased a laser light show.

Luke said, "Mom, take a picture with me." So, I did. He loves taking selfies with me. He is my little man and my "protector". He loves "pounding" my kisses in so they don't go away. He's nearly 5, but he loves me so. His favorite song right now is one that changes every night, I ad lib a song about him being a rescue dog. Set to the tune of Gummy Bear.