Happy Easter!

We had a few little Easter egg hunts- one here in the house with their little playgroup, and one at Chris and Jamie's house in Mapleton.
The photo-shoot of them in their Easter best was something of a joke, but they're cute anyway.

Goodies in their Easter baskets.  Caroline is a big fan of jelly beans.

I'm so sad this one didn't focus. :*(

A little too snuggly...

Giving Ben a kiss.

Provo City Center Temple

I was privileged to be able to sing with one of the choirs for the dedication of this beautiful temple.  It was a very special experience.

Jared and I were also able to attend the cultural celebration the evening before the dedication.  What an amazing collaborative effort from the youth from so many stakes.
The theme for their program was "Beauty for Ashes" I think the phrase is in proverbs, but I forgot the reference.  At the end of the program they had the kids moving up and down the stairs of the Marriott Center in orange, yellow, and red shirts and it was so cool!  It was surprisingly fire-like.  The picture doesn't do it justice.

Maiden Voyage of the Camper

We took the camper out for the first time this weekend.  We had a one nighter in Meadow, UT where there are some fun lave tubes, hot pots, and some good piles of sand.
It was a very educational trip and very fun.

We learned that the water pump doesn't work- but jugs of water do.
We learned that we need more tongue weight to smooth out the ride.
We learned that we need to lower the hitch- otherwise we're practically pulling a parachute.
We learned that you should make sure the battery is fully charged before you want to use it for the furnace.
We learned that our kids will sleep even when it's 45 degrees in the camper.
and
We learned that we can use jumper cables to charge the battery.

There were a few things that we've added to our list of things to bring next time, but otherwise it was a fantastic trip- the kids slept great, we had great weather (we could have done without the wind, but it wasn't too too terrible), we had great company, great scenery.  All in all we were happy campers and we look forward to more trips!

Loaded and ready to go!

Great sand for playing and sliding... as long as you watch out for the cow pies.

Ben's getting really really good at this lately...

Our fun little homes away from home.

Down into the lava tubes.

Caroline really likes to "zoooom!"

She also really likes her friend Ella.

Hot pots!  The wind kept me from getting in this one since it's the coolest of the pools and I didn't want to have to get out to trek the 100 yards to the warmer ones.

But Caroline didn't mind a bit.

4-wheelin

Dave and Janette got a side-by-side so there would be enough room for everyone to go on excursions when we go camping.  We had to try it out. :)

Ben's First Birthday!

February 23, 2016

Ben is getting more confident every day in his walking skills.  He was just sitting down whenever I would let go of his hand, but more and more he'll take a few steps.  He can also stand up from sitting on the floor without holding onto anything.  

He loves pulling the toilet paper off the roll.

He loves pulling the books off the bookshelf.

He likes pushing things around.  I've had to go  looking for the laundry basket more than once.

He loves to be chased.

He doesn't like strangers.

He eats and then he eats some more.  It seems like he is always hungry.

Is pretty good at entertaining himself.  

He still doesn't really say much- that's not true- he jabbers and makes lots of funny noises but only he knows what he's saying. 

He's learning the art of the "high five"

Sleeps great. Usually only one nap in the afternoon- but every once in a while we'll sneak in a short  morning nap.

Still has four teeth- two top two bottom.

Ben's Stats from 2/16/16:

Weight: 19 lb 15 oz (27%) 

Height:  28 in (2%)

Party Time!

Thurs, February 25th

I feel a little bit bad that we didn't have quite the shin-dig for Ben's birthday that we did for Caroline's.  Hopefully there won't be any long-lasting ill effects from our unfair treatment,  but February is just not as conducive to big parties. 

We still had a pretty fun party with Ben's Utah cousins, including all the essentials- 

cake, ice cream, and a few presents.  

 He really wasn't too into opening presents- so his cousins were happy to help.

Then he ditched the party and presents to go play with some of his favorite toys- the frying pan and the red dragon.

We're goin' campin'!

We're pretty excited about the possibilities... namely not having to worry about frost on our tent :)

View from the door.

Dinette with overhead bunk up. 

Bunk down.

Lots of cupboard and counter top space and a nice little stove and oven.

Potty/Shower/Sink all in one :)

Lately

Just a little snippet of what's been going on around our house this January...  aside from the stomach bugs and runny noses, of course...

This was during Dad duty. 

"Zoom! Zoom! Zoom!"

Caroline learning to use scissors.

Ben loves to jump in the Jump-a-roo

She would rather snuggle with a book than a stuffed animal.  It makes me happy- even if it does look uncomfortable sometimes.