Utah

Last week we got to go up to Utah for Bud's brother, Mark, and his wife, Jenni's, graduation. So proud of them! The best part was that Nana was able to take a little break from the mission and fly out and see all of us too. Unfortunately, Bud and I got sick toward the end of the trip, so we didn't get any pics of Nana with the kids, but it really was wonderful to see her and now we just have a short 2 months until our trip out there in July!

The first 5 minutes of graduation:

The rest of graduation (and it's hard to see, but that's snow!):

Tooth Fairy

Jake lost his third tooth the other day. This one has been loose forever! We thought for sure he would have lost it a couple weeks ago. All three have been the bottom middle teeth. The funny part is the one coming in is right in the middle of the three that he's lost. And, hate to say it, but it looks like he might have my bad luck with teeth. He's got the ridges on top like I did and it doesn't look too straight. Some lucky orthodontist is going to make a fortune off our family!

Parent Trap

Well, it actually took longer than I expected, but the twins came in the kitchen a little over a week ago with their mischievous smiles and told me they were playing a trick. They had decided to switch names on me. I told them they could never fool their own mother, but that it might work on some other people. Then they figured out a sure-fire way to trick people. They'd switch glasses! I was cracking up because their frames are the exact same except for the ear pieces that are slightly different so we can tell whose is whose. Only the twins and myself know to check behind the ears to tell a difference. So, watch out, because Jake and Jo are realizing their tricking power as twins and might pull one over on you!

First Field Trip

The twins had their first field trip on Tuesday. I took the girls and followed behind in my car while the boys took their first ride on a school bus. We went to Bonnie Springs. Gotta tell ya, 80 kindergartners and a petting zoo - not the best mix. The kids had a good time though. They loved the old town and kept pretending to see ghosts. We stopped for lunch at the Red Rock overlook, but it was so windy, the poor kids shoveled the food in their mouths, than begged to get back on the bus. The twins said their favorite part of the field trip was riding the bus. Go figure.

What a Day!

So, the fun parts of Jake and Jo's birthday: Started with waffles topped with whipped cream and sprinkles (like Nana makes it) followed by present opening. Jonah loves his new "guitar" - a mock electric guitar that he wanted (I think I may be regretting this purchase soon). And Jake was over the moon about his Moon Sand and his plastic UNO cards (which can't be destroyed by Elle quite as easily as the originals). Then, after Totnastics for Elle (she loves to see Ju-Ju (Judy Tingey)), we hit the McD's drive-thru where the boys got Happy Meals and then it was off to school in pajamas. Yup, pajama day at school today. Always fun. You're just hoping other kids are participating. Anyways, I took their ice cream cupcakes to school for their class celebration, then it was off to Bounce U for a little surprise. It seemed like everyone got hurt a lot, but I think they had fun in the end. Then with some persuading by Bud, they "chose" to eat at BJ's for dinner with my sister and her family. We surprised them at the end with a cake with their picture on it. Thanks Albertsons for an awesome cake at an awesome price! The boys loved "eating their face off" as they put it. You know, for an "off" year with no party, I'm still REALLY tired after today. : )

Six

I can't believe my boys turned 6 today. I told them they had to start going backwards in age now. They said I was joking them and that I was silly. But I am a little sad they're getting older and I'm not sure why, they are really turning out to be pretty great little people. But mostly, I'm proud. I'm so proud of these little miracles. I remember being in the hospital once with them a few weeks after their birth and actually thinking that if I had to, I could let them go back to live with Heavenly Father if it meant they wouldn't have to suffer the consequences of prematurity anymore. I am so grateful that wasn't the case and that over the past 6 years I've gotten to know how funny, sweet, kind, creative, patient, curious, and intelligent they are. They are truly fantastic kids. Happy Birthday Jacob and Jonah!

Barclay, NV

Never heard of it? Neither had I before this weekend. The fantastic Hafen family invited us up to their ranch in Barclay, NV for General Conference weekend. We drove about three hours north past Alamo and Caliente, turned off the paved rode and took a 20 mile dirt road to our destination. We had such a great time in this tiny town. There's just a few houses, a restored 1800's schoolhouse and cemetery, and the railroad which runs right next door. I never got a picture of the train, but it was so cool. The boys absolutely loved it and were so sad to leave. A special thanks to our hosts for the invite, hospitality, great food, and friendship!

Little Lady

Well, I finally did it. After 2 years, I finally took Elle for a real haircut on Tuesday. She did so great and it looks so cute. It was so much fun to take her with me to the salon. I think we'll cut it even shorter next time. Oh, and last week we painted her toenails, had to get a picture of that. What a little lady!
Before:












After:

Girl's Weekend!

Over the weekend, I got to go to San Diego to see my dearest friends, Dana and Megan. We met about 6 years ago when we were all living in Phoenix. Our husbands surprised us one year for Mother's Day and sent us up to Sedona for a girl's weekend. They're probably sorry they started that, because it's been an annual tradition ever since. Mae had to come along, but got to go to the beach for the first time. She seemed to like everything but the wind. Thank you to Courtney, Traci, my mom and especially Bud for helping out this weekend so I could go. I always feel like I've refueled my "mom tank" when I come home.