Carlsbad

The week after school got out, we headed down to Carlsbad for the Stoddard family camping tradition. Growing up, Bud's family went to Carlsbad every year with other families in their ward. The tradition's been interuppted with all of Bud's siblings out-of-state and Will and Carol on their mission, but we got to go this year and it was a blast. The Fontano's came all the way from Houston and the kids had the greatest time. Tuesday the boys headed up to LA for a Dodgers game, Wednesday we hit Disneyland (almost for FREE - thank you "Give a Day, Get a Day"!), Thursday we boogie boarded and my sister Kim and her family came to visit for a bit and enjoy some dutch oven cooking, and Friday we headed home. It was a whirlwind, but so awesome. Hopefully we'll be doing it more often.

San Francisco

My annual girls-trip with Megan and Dana was amazing this year. We headed to San Fran and had the most fabulous time despite the freezing cold weather (in May!). Ate great, walked a-lot, and reconnected with friends who have known eachother since Arizona! Love you gals!

Baptism

This is crazy late, but better late than never. After a very fun-filled Star Wars party (complete with a life-size talking Darth Vader) on April 9th, the boys got to be baptized on their actual birthday, Sat., the 10th. It was such a beautiful experience and we were so grateful to have so many dear friends and family there. Right before we left for their baptism, I walked down the stairs to see my little men dressed in their suits standing in front of me. Of course, I started crying and told them they looked like missionaries. Jake said, "We look like kid-anaries!" It was truly a wonderful day topped off with a Cafe-Rio catered lunch at our house after. Doesn't get much better than that!

The Grand Canyon

About six months ago, our bishop challenged every family to read the Book of Mormon before our next General Conference. Well, thanks to Jake and Jonah's desire to read almost every day, we got it done last Wednesday. I am so proud of our family for finishing it, especially before the boys get baptized Saturday. To celebrate (and to get out of town), we headed for a quick 30-hour trip to the Grand Canyon. It was amazing. Truly a sight to be seen! Crazy dangerous though! There are so few rails and walls, you can literally walk right off the side. At one point Mae said, "Owie Mommy", holding up her hand where I was holding it too tight. : )

Spring Break

Spring Break started a little early for us when the Fontano's came into town for their spring break and the boys missed a couple days of school. It's one of the first times I played tourist in my own city taking the kids to the Ethel M chocolate factory and the Mirage Secret Garden. Of course a trip to Chuck E Cheese's, lots of jumping on the trampoline, and way too many of Nana's cookies were in order too.










Last week, Samantha was baptized and it was great to have the whole family together. It's amazing that Traci's youngest got baptized and even crazier that the twins will get baptized next week! That same day, all the cousins got to attend the Summerlin Egg Hunt which my mom, dad, and Traci worked at. Kim got to stay an extra few days and all the kids had a great time together.





There's a couple more fun events, but I'm going to give them their own due post...

Fish

Just had to give our fish some props for staying alive for over 13 months now! What goldfish stay alive over a year? My dad asks everytime he comes over, "Are those the same fish?" They are, I can't believe it either. I find it hilarious I've spent probably over $100 on two goldfish that cost me $7 total. Keep on truckin' Goldie and Cinderella!

Elle's Birthday

Elle's 4th birthday was last Monday. Sorry I'm so late in posting, but last week was crazy! Family in town, spoke in sacrament, birthday party, Silver Beaver banquet for Bud's dad, Relief Society at my house, yada, yada, yada. ANYWAY, Elle's party was really fun and easy. A friend of ours dressed up like Belle and came over for an hour to sing, dance, face-paint, do makeup, and take pictures. Those little girl's faces were priceless! They just stared at her in awe the whole time. The only thing that overshadowed her just a little bit was when they jumped on the trampoline at the end. So cute to see all those little princesses jumping up and down in their dresses.

Oh, my little Elle, you are so loved, but boy are you a handful! We are so happy you're part of our family though. You keep us on our toes and give us plenty to laugh (and sometimes cry) about!