Graduating 1st year of Preschool

Aysia made it!!! She has officially moved on to the 2nd year of preschool. Her cute teachers Mischa and Becky had the kids put on a program for all of the parents. They sang and acted out nursery rhymes. Aysia was Miss Little Bo Peep. Luckily she found her sheep. She has learned her letters and starting to understand their sounds. Next year we will tackle the reading thing! Congratulations Aysa!!!

St. George

We decided to take a quick weekend trip to St. George to visit Taylor’s sister and brother-in-law. We had a great time and the weather even cooperated for us to go out on their new boat to a local reservoir. Of course the boys couldn’t pass up the chance to throw out a couple of lines for fishing. We had a BBQ with a few of their friends and they set up the bounce houses to entertain all of the many kids. We were able to really relax and enjoy spending time with them. Thanks for the great weekend Mikelle and John!!!

Happy 9th Birthday Jayden

So Jayden decided not to have a friend birthday party this year and instead get a larger gift for his birthday. He has wanted an electric scooter for a while and has already gotten much use out of it on frequent rides with friends to the gas station. I really enjoy making cakes for the kid’s birthdays, but Jayden decided he would design, bake and decorate his own cake this year. So out came the colored pencils and paper and Wallah! I masterpiece was created (with a little help from mom).

Jayden is growing up way to fast. I can’t believe it was 9 years ago that we brought him home at a tiny 7lb 1 oz. He is such a big help around the house and absolutely loves working in the yard with his Dad. He loves to read and playing any board games. He enjoys playing baseball, basketball and his favorite, Soccer. He has a weakness for fishing and goes with Taylor a few times each month in the summertime. He can tell you where all of the great lakes are to fish and the kind you can catch. He is a huge helper and has an adorable smile!!!

Domestic Skills

So I wanted to show off my new hidden, hopefully soon to be, Talent. I decided to play my hand at making homemade cinnamon rolls. I must say, the whole yeast thing really scares me, but I decided to give it a try. I found a new Cinnabon recipe and I must say, turned out the way the picture showed. I was pretty proud of it, hence the pictures. They were a hit with Taylor and the kids and a must “Do again!”

Easter Fun

We invited the cousins over to decorate eggs and spend some time in the hot tub. They were pretty creative when it came to the decorating. It is always a fun tradition. Then Taylor made our traditional “Eggs ala goldenrod” for breakfast the next morning which the kids always look forward to.






It seems like it was just yesterday that we celebrated Easter. We love the Easter activities and especially the Candy that comes out only once a year. We went to our yearly traditional Easter Egg hunt and Aysia even came up with money in one of hers. Then to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for their amazing hunt. It was great this year due to eggs being hidden on a full acre of ground. Money, toys and candy! We also made sure the kids understood the “true” meaning behind Easter and had a lesson regarding our savior and his sacrifice for each of us.

School Programs

Skyler made his debut in his first school program this year and I must say did a fantastic job. He knew his songs and dance well and even smiled on occasion. The theme was “Around the World”. Great job Skyler!

Happy Birthday Chase!

So my nephew Chase decided to come live with us for a few months before heading off to college. He is such a great help around the house, not to mention the yard. He and a few friends got together to celebrate his BIG 18th birthday on April 1st. Of course a few jokes were made and he didn’t know it was going to take place, but the surprise was well worth it. Also, with teenagers, I have found, comes pain. He fell off his long board (and bike) the first week he was here. I must say, his road rash was quite impressive and he will probably have some scars to impress the ladies with. The boys have loved him being here and head down to the gym on a nightly occasion to lift weights with him. I guess he is the big brother around here now.

Simple Overnights

It is amazing what one night in hotel with a swimming pool only 20 minutes away can do to a kid. We surprised the kids with a night away during spring break. We wanted to get away, but with Taylor’s work schedule and our upcoming trips, we knew it wasn’t likely. I think they were just as excited about our quick over night as a 3 night trip down south. We went out for Chinese food (one of the kids favorites), then back to the hotel to swim, swim, swim. And you can only guess what we did the next morning – SWIM. It was a relaxing overnight and the kids had a great time.

Children’s Museum

No matter how many times we go, the Children’s Museum always seems like a new experience. This time they found the stage and dress ups and put on a play for myself, Noelle and Grandma! The grocery shopping is always a hit as well as the playhouse for the girls and construction site for the boys.

Fun at the ZOO!!!

Sometimes I wonder why we visit the zoo. I feel like I live in a zoo at my own home with my own unique animals. But it is nice for a change to get out and see some different animals that we don’t have in our own home. Noelle, Lacee and Traycen decided to join us. I am proud to say that we only lost Lacee once, but found her within only a few minutes. It was a challenge with all of the kids, but well worth it!