The magic of childhood.  It seems that these days more kids are losing the magic that makes childhood so special but I am thankful that from time to time I am able to capture my children experiencing this special part of being a child. 

 That Peyton was able to have the time of his life at Disneyland and bond with his Grandma and Grandpa Graff.  

To my parents for making those special memories that my children will always remember. 

Watching my children miss their brother so much while he was away and then being so excited to see him come home.  (It makes all those times of sibling rivalries seem insignificant.) Also knowing that our family just doesn't feel right when one of us is gone. :)

Capturing ladybugs. 

That Summer is almost here.

Invention Convention

Last Wednesday (22nd) Karter had another pack meeting.  The theme was Invention Convention.  At the last pack meeting in March they were given cans full of different items and told to invent something for the next months pack meeting using only what was in the can (you could also use the can).  Well Karter invented a rain catcher.  It was pretty cool, he even made tools using some of the items put together.  He was pretty excited to show it off.  He really enjoys being a part of scouts.  Good job Karter!

and he's off......

Peyton is off to Disneyland with Grandma and Grandpa Graff and his cousin Kamri.  Each year they take two of the grandkids that are 5, Peyton was the next in line and even though he isn't quite 5 yet he got to go.  He has been counting down since Brekken went last year.  Last night he slept over at Grandma and Grandpa's house so that they could all leave super early this morning.  He seriously could not contain his excitement (it was better than Christmas morning!) I can't wait to hear from him and hear about all the adventures.  They get to stay in the Disneyland Hotel and enjoy being absolutely spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa Graff for three whole days & nights at Disneyland!!! We already miss him but know that he deserves all the fun he gets to have and can't wait to see him late Wednesday night

Sunshine!!

Tball/Baseball season!

Getting summer projects organized.

Young Womens!

Being outdoors.

Doing yardwork.

Flowers!

Painting/redecorating.

Family time!

Movies, games, etc.

Snow cones!

Hurley

Since our other dogs have been gone for over a month I think our family has gone through a little withdrawal.  We were hoping to find a smaller dog that the kids would be able to help with more.  We have always wanted a miniature pinscher but didn't want to pay a huge amount for one.  Well, last Tuesday Nate called me from work and said that he had found one!! Apparently our neighbor's friend lost her job and had to move to a place that didn't accept pets so they took in her miniature pinscher.  Well they already had another dog and the two didn't get along that well, so he heard that we were looking for a smaller dog and asked to see if we wanted to keep it.  Well, of course we said yes (especially since he is already housetrained, is purebred, has a microchip, and is really good with the kids!)  We couldn't believe our luck!! The kids named him Hurley and we are having so much fun with him.  

Saturday we went to the Kite Festival to get the kids their free kites and then we took Hurley up to Hidden Valley Park to fly the kites!! It was fun being able to take him with us!! The kids have enjoyed each taking turns caring for him!! They absolutely love him to death!!! 

Brynlei loves to hold him!!  She loves it best when he sits in her lap!

Time spent with family over Easter!

Easter and the true meaning of it!

Nate's understanding of my feelings, thoughts, and views on certain things.  

Being able to stay at home with my children.  We sacrifice a lot to be able to have me do it but I wouldn't change it for the world!

Our new puppy (pics to come later).

Helping others out.

The ability to change.

All the kids' activities, it gets really hectic but I love everything about it!

Being able to learn new skills.

Easter Activities

On Saturday morning the Easter Bunny visited our house.  The kids were so excited to see what they had gotten that they woke up very early!!  

Then it was off to Grandma and Grandpa Graff's house for an egg hunt (in the rain) with all the cousins!!! The kids had a blast.  They loved hunting for the eggs with their names on them.  They scored some money and some candy!!  Then, Grandma and Grandpa surprised the adults with an egg hunt of their own.  The hunt was on for the eggs!!! Nate and I scored taking away the most "free" eggs and scored some cash!! It was fun and I hope that we make this a yearly tradition as well (hint, hint)  Grandma and Grandpa then handed out all the family easter baskets, where the kids found more candy, the traditional swimsuits, card games, pencils, and a new FHE book.  We ate some grub then headed off to yet another egg hunt!!

This time the hunt was at Grandma and Grandpa Abbott's house where the kids searched high and low for the eggs with their number on them!!! They scored more money, toys, and candy!!  Then we had a BBQ (indoors, due to the weather).  Then it was time to go home and get ready for Josie's Baptism!!

Josie's baptism was just what we needed to end the night.  After the baptism we ate dinner at Josie's house and then headed off to get ready for the next day of activities.  

Sunday (Easter) we woke up and went to church.  I taught an Easter lesson for my Beehives and handed out cute Easter handouts!! As soon as church was over, we headed over for Easter dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Graff's house where we ate with all the cousins, etc.   When we finally got home for the night, we were exhausted!! What a fun-filled weekend!!! Thanks everybody for such a great time!!!  We hope that everyone had a good Easter!!

Track Meet

So as you can tell we have been pretty busy with school events over the past two weeks.  Last Thursday (9th) Karter participated in his school's track meet.  Nate took the day off and we spent most of the day at the track watching Karter race.  He did awesome!!  He ran in the 400m  and the 100m and also did the softball throw.  He had a blast!!!  Good job Karter once again on all that you accomplish!!!  We love you!!!

Karter's Concert at Tuachan

Last Wednesday (8th), Karter performed with his school choir out at Tuachan!  The theme was 50's Night, so the boys wore their white shirts with the sleeves rolled up (of course) with jeans and the girls wore poodle skirts!! There were about ten other elementary schools from Washington County there.  It was fun and Karter did an awesome job.  They had to use rackets as props for their guitars in Johnny Be Good and Karter had a blast rocking out.  The night was cold, right before the show began it started raining but only lasted for about 10-minutes.  Traevn and Brynlei were fascinated by the fountains they have at Tuachan that they accidently got a little too close, Traevn leaned on Brynlei and she fell in and got her pants all wet.  We wrapped her up in a blanket for the rest of the night.  Karter loves choir and has enjoyed being a part of it this year!! We loved watching him sing and dance and rock out!!! Good job Karter!

scIEncE fAIr

Traevn and Karter had their Science Fair for their school on April 2nd.  I am so proud of the work that they did.  Karter chose Can Exer-Games be a form of exercise? And, Traevn chose Which Parent Affects Your Fingerprint Pattern?  They both did an awesome job of presenting their hypothesis's to the judges!!  Karter ended up taking 2nd in his grade level and received a medal for it!!  Good job boys on all of your hard work!!

Karter advances to Bear!!

On Wednesday, March 25th, Karter advanced into the Bear Den!!  He was excited because he also got his Wolf badge and Geography belt loop!!  We are so proud of you Karter for setting goals and accomplishing them!! 

1st Grade Zoo Day!

On March 27th the first grader's had their Zoo Day!!  They had each picked a different animal and over spring break they worked on their posters and animals for the zoo.  Traevn was so excited the entire week leading up to zoo day.  He could not wait until the parents got to come at the end of the week.  He memorized all the facts and information about his animal.  He had chosen to do his on the green anaconda.  

It was cool how they had it set up.  You walked around to each kid and on their desks was their animal display and there was also a handprint that said "Push."  As soon as this was pushed the child would lift his head and begin reciting the facts and info on his animal.  As soon as they were done they would lower their head until their handprint was pushed again.  Traevn did awesome!!! He didn't have to even look at his poster once.   On each poster the kids got to tell what they would do if they were that animal, Traevn's said, "If I were an anaconda, I would squeeze things."  Brekken, Peyton, Brynlei, Dad, and I had so much fun visiting the Heritage Elementary Zoo.  

What am I truly thankful for this week?  I have said it many times before and probably will say it many more but I am most thankful for MY LITTLE FAMILY!!! For Nate, Karter, Traevn, Brekken, Peyton, and Brynlei!! You are what brings me TRUE happiness and joy!!! You lift me up when I am down and you have always, always, always been there for me, no matter what!!!!  I love how being with all of you makes me a better person!!!  This week has been challenging for me but with these SIX people in my life I can get through anything!!! So, eternally I am grateful to my Father in Heaven for blessing me with the chance to experience this life with them!!! 

"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the WORLD!! Thanks for being my all and everything!!!  

I LOVE YOU!!