Nature Birthday Party Extravaganza

We hadn't had a big birthday party for the kids in quite a few years, so we marked two fifth birthdays and one seventh birthday with one big party at our local nature center. It was a perfect location for 25 kids, and we all had so much fun.



Adorable cupcakes made by my stepsister, Sateen.



Adam and Anna in the room that houses all of the animals.





I set up a "make your own trail mix" bar for the kids that was very popular.






We also had some coloring and crafts for the kids to do while we waited for everyone to arrive.



Then the nature center helped all of the kids make an animal print.



Next they did a series of animal encounters with about 6 small animals.





And last we went on a short hike.

Anna in First Grade

Anna loved her first grade class this year with Mrs. Greiner and really came a long way in school. At the beginning of the year she wasn't quite reading yet, but with the help of a nice lady from church who read with her once a week, Sister Biggs, she was a pro by the end. She got straight As all year and was Student of the Month the very first month of the school year. Great job Anna!



Anna and her first grade BFF, Brianna.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

We LOVED having Disneyland passes. They are about to expire and I have decided not to renew since all three kids will be in school next year and I know we won't be able to go as much. We took our last trip on one of the very last days the passes were good, and by surprise saw some friends from school there. We had a great day and I know we will miss it!

Adam's Turn

Adam enjoyed celebrating his birthday at preschool too!

Separate but Equal

Last year we celebrated the twins' birthday together at preschool. They were fine with that, but I decided to give them each their own day this year.

Isabel was up first (since she was born first).

Fixin' to go to Texas

Ever since Ellie and I were roommates about 10 years ago and she was obsessed with her home state, I have wanted to visit Texas. I found a good deal on a flight and Ellie and I met up in Austin (a 3 hour drive for her). On my next trip I would like to bring the whole family and go to her hometown outside of Fort Worth. But this one was just the girls.

On our first night we walked around 6th street, which ended up being full of bars and not too interesting for us. Then we walked around South Congress, where all of the street vendors and shops are.



The next day we ventured out to San Antonio to visit the Alamo. Ellie was sure my visit would not be complete without seeing this Texas landmark. It was pretty, and the history was very interesting.



After the Alamo we went to the Riverwalk, which was beautiful!



On the way back to Austin we did some shopping, and then caught a chick flick that night. It was pretty much the ultimate girl weekend. I missed the kids and Ben (really!!) but still enjoyed it so much.

On Saturday we met up with Ellie's cousin who walked us around downtown and took us to Lance Armstrong's bike shop. Then we drove a ways into the mountains to go to a restaurant someone told us about called Oasis. The view was amazing, but the wait time was too long so we just took a few pictures and left. I bet this lake is great for a summer vacation.



We had Texas BBQ at Rudy's instead, and I think it was a good choice. The brisket was amazing! We were in a hurry because we were going to a comedy show in downtown Austin called Esther's Follies. It was hilarious and I felt like I got the true Texas experience. So much fun!

April Summer Swimming

It is about 85 degrees today. The built-in pool at Grammy and Grandpa's house will still be too cold for a few months, so we busted out an old baby blow up pool and the slip n' slide.

I was surprised at how much fun they could still have with a tiny pool!












They had tons of fun, until Isabel cut her knee and Dexter made a hole in the baby pool. I guess I will have to get another one and tie Dexter up for the next backyard swimming adventure.

Little Slugger

Adam is playing his first season of t-ball. He played soccer in the Fall and was excited to try another sport. His best friend is on his team, and he loves it.





Go Giants!






I asked him the other day whether he likes soccer or t-ball better. He said, "T-ball, its way cooler."

Easter Egg Hunt

A very nice family in our Ward has started to hold an annual Easter Egg Hunt. They have hundreds of eggs in their yard and I think there were about 30 kids this year.

I don't have much to say, here are some photos of the kids having fun finding eggs and also posing for the camera.

Egg in Front, Chickie in Back

This week Adam and Isabel had their last preschool parade (tear...). They were very excited and practiced their Easter songs at home. Isabel told Grammy she would be wearing an egg in the front and a chickie in the back. They were both very happy to see Mom, Dad, and Grammy and Grandpa watching the parade.



Isabel was Special Helper that day, so she got to be at the front of the line. She loves to be in the spotlight!



Adam gave us lots of smiles!

Last Preschool Parade

After spending four years at First United Methodist Preschool, I was pretty sad to attend our last preschool parade. Adam and Isabel loved being Cute Kittens and were so cute in their homemade costumes. Isabel talked about the "egg in front, chickie in back" for weeks afterward.







We also celebrated Easter with an Easter Egg Hunt at a family in our Ward's house. They hide hundreds of eggs and the kids have a great time every year.









And, the obligatory Easter 2011 picture!