Spring

Spring has finally arrived.  I wasn't sure it was going to.  It has been so dark and rainy the entire month of April.  This weekend we spent as much time as possible outside.  We rode bikes, cleaned up the yard, got the hot tub ready, went for walks and hikes, played with the neighbors, dug holes, had a family soccer game, and fired up the grill.  It was a beautiful weekend!

Ethan's Lunch Date

Several months ago I went on a lunch date with Liv and Cole at school.  It was fun to spend time with them.  When I asked Ethan if he wanted me to come to lunch with him for a lunch date he instantly said, "No".  I was hurt at first, but Shawn reminded me that he is getting older and it isn't so cool to have your mom hanging around.  So, we moved forward without a lunch date.  

For some reason yesterday Ethan came up and asked me after school if I would come to lunch with him the next day.  I was flattered and of course said yes.  So I did get my lunch date with Ethan after all.  It was fun, even though I had to squeeze on a table with lots of loud, smelly 4th grade boys :)  Ethan wouldn't let me take a picture, so this was all I got, but at least it is proof that I was there. After sitting with Ethan at lunch I realized what a good kid he really is.  I was proud to be there as his mom yesterday.  I even brought a box of donut holes for him to eat.

Raingutter Regatta

Tonight was the scouts Raingutter Regatta.  This was a first for us and we were just hoping that the boat would float.  We were pleasantly surprised and Ethan was even able to win a few races.  He insisted on a black boat with gold stripes.

What does your mom do?

Cole had to explain to his class today what his mom and dad did for their jobs.  

"My dad helps sick babies"

"My mom helps adults not act like babies"

That is exactly what he said.  His teacher told me later and the class was trying to figure out exactly what I did.  But I think Cole's description sounds exactly like what a social workers does :)

American Girl Weekend

We finally finished Liv's birthday celebrations this last weekend in Chicago.  On our drive down we stopped by the Chicago Temple.

We were able to met up with my sister and her husband (and their dog), who were traveling home after living in Morocco the past few years. 

We got to experience gourmet hot dogs at Franks 'n Dawgs.  Very unique and amazing, with wonderful waffle fries.  They even had a dessert dawg that was delicious.  It was served on a French Toast bun with chocolate ice cream covered in fruit and butterscotch sauce. 

Aunt Brookie taught the kids how to play Phase 10.  Cole and I rocked that game.

 We had lunch at the American Girl Cafe for Liv.  It was crazy, fun, and very pink.  My boys were good sports and endured all the dolls and silliness.  Liv had a great time and then she got to pick out a new outfit for Elizabeth (her doll).  She chose a new bathing suit for the summertime.  

We had a wonderful weekend and were so glad to get to see my sister and her family.

Cole's Art Show

Cole's art work was chosen for an Art Show this past week at the Library.

It took us a long time to find it because Cole couldn't really remember what it looked like.  It ended up being some kind of abstract art painting that he named "Zombie".  Our school has such great art and music programs. The kids have learned so much.

Last Utah Post

Wrapping up all the Utah fun we had.  We did lots of other fun stuff while in Utah.  Date night with Jam and Kev, Lunch with Shawn's mom and dad and new shoe shopping for the kids, spa and pedicures with the girls, game night with cousins, eating out at great restaurants, and lots of playing.

We also went suit shopping for my boys

Helped Jam and Kev put sod in their yard while the boys built a big fort/cave in the dirt pile next door.

Playing with the bubble ball.  The kids climb inside and rolled them around.

More face painting

The boys got to spend lots of fun time with their wonderful Uncle Mike and Matt (except I don't know where Matt was during this picture) and the forever loved dog, Milo.

The kids were begging for another Utah trip the night we returned home.  Thanks to all our family and friends who made Spring Break in Utah a wonderful week for my kids :)

Birthday Celebration

Today my baby turns 6
She is not much of a baby anymore
Liv is a perfect caboose to our little family
She can definitely hold her own in this crazy house

We did lots of celebrating for her birthday.

First, we decided that since we were in Utah around Liv's birthday we should celebrate while we were home visiting family this past week.  We started with a combined birthday part for Liv with Grandpa Reese (his birthday was also this past week).  We went out to a fun pizza dinner and then had cupcakes with rootbeer floats and ice cream.

Next we celebrated with a combined party with Liv and her Uncle Mike (as his birthday was also this past week) and we did Liv's birthday tradition of floating sky lanterns with all our family.

Next, after returning from Utah we celebrated Liv's actual birthday last night with dessert and gifts (swim suit, sandals, barbie, stuffed animal, books, notebook and markers, gift certificate to American Girl Doll store, and her own packet of Washi tape-she always stills mine).  She requested a fruit tart for her birthday cake with yellow filling.  

We are going to do some more birthday celebrating this weekend in Chicago at the American Doll Store and Cafe with more family.  

She is one lucky and spoiled 6 year old with all these parties :)

Boondocks

We spent a fun day at Boondocks. We played lazer tag, went mini golfing and bowling, drove go karts, and water boats and played arcade games all day.  The kids had a blast, but I think we wore out Shawn.