Super Spies

One of the best toys at Grandma and Grandpa's is the spy gear. It is a big box full of cameras, glasses, remotes, bags, and fancy spy gear. The cousins spent a lot of time spying on the grown ups.

Sylvie wasn't in to it, though, as she was too busy "bustin' up guys" on Aunt Nan's phone. Brave Aunt Nan.

Utah! April 16-25

We had a great time in Utah. We left Saturday afternoon after spending the morning cleaning and exercising. We grabbed lunch on the way out of town and made the drive in an uneventful 10 1/2 hours, which is pretty good. Our kids are great travelers--they got along and were generally happy the whole drive.

In Utah, we packed in as much as we could--lots of eating out, plenty of time with cousins, friends, and Grandma and Grandpa. Mike and I snuck out for a few dates--lunch, the Carl Bloch exhibit at BYU, and dinner with friends. Jens played with cousins. The kids had so much fun. I think our house feels extra boring now that we are home and there are no cousins to constantly play with.

We also did fun Easter things--dyed eggs, Easter baskets, and an egg hunt with the cousins. I am pretty sure there were over 500 eggs for the cousins to hunt--by the end of "hiding" them we were just throwing them on the grass.

We always enjoy our Utah visits, and they always pass by too quickly. It was good to get home, though--the kids were worn out and thrilled to see their own things. Now we are battling seasonal allergies and enjoying spring weather.

Doesn't this look so fun?

Jens

Mike and Jens went to the school science night, which was quite cool, according to the reports I heard. There were all sorts of experiments to check out, and Jens even held a cockroach.

Jens also got a haircut this week. The weather is warming up, and all that hair is pretty hot!

Before:

Middle:

After:

Front Yard

Just a reminder of the "before."

There has been progress! I have had such fun buying flowers, it is hard for me to stop. I will wait a few months and then put in a few more things that will bloom while it is hot.

Easter Treats

I got this cute idea from Heather's blog. The kids loved making them AND eating them, although just looking at them gave me a little stomach ache.

April 18th

A few precious moments from our house:

Clearly, we were unaware that it was picture day

Sylvie got a new bike helmet. She likes to wear it around the house. Also, she chose her own silverware for dinner.

Jens

Jens and Mike went for a huge bike ride this weekend. Half was on bike trails, but half was on a dirt path. Jens had a great time and let Mike know all about how much he loved it. The ride was a little over 7 miles, with a little stop at the lake in the middle.

I am finally taking our St. Patty's Day decorations down.

Jens in action.

coyotes

Were SUCH a hit. Sylvie seems to truly love plush, so Mike was very wise in his gift choice. The camp chairs have also made a come back. Sylvie brings hers out to the front when I am gardening to keep me company.

Here is my yard progress. There is still plenty to do, but I love seeing some flowers instead of dirt and weeds.

Spring has sprung, which means the lawnmower is back in action. It is always easier with a friend to help push. Jens really does keep our yard looking nice.

April 12th

Last week was busy! Mike flew to Arizona for work on Monday and was gone until Wednesday night. We really missed him while he was gone. It is interesting to see how things change when he is out of town. It hardly ever happens (thank goodness). I was really organized and managed everything just fine. We did our usual play dates and carpooling and library and cleaning. I also did some yard work projects. But when Mike came home, I was suddenly exhausted and had no energy left over. He came home tired, too, after sleeping in a yucky hotel and working hard. We are happy to be all together again. He brought the kids some stuffed coyotes, which have been very popular.

The rest of the week was the usual stuff--music makers, visiting teaching, clay firing, school, work, cleaning, etc. I did manage three nights out (!) with Natalie. We braved Costco with the kids, which Sylvie hasn't stopped talking about, had a Grey's night (the singing really was awful) and went out for Natalie's birthday, which was really fun.

Jens gave a talk at church on Sunday. He spoke about Jesus and told the things he knows about him. I really let him help write the talk--mostly his ideas with a scripture furnished by me. He READ the whole thing BY HIMSELF! How's that for making his mom feel old? I was just there to hold the picture and give moral support. He did a great job and I was so proud of him.

Sylvie is a whirlwind of cute fun. She sings and dances all day long. This week we have been hearing "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and "Toot Sweets." Unfortunately, none of us really know all the words, so we just sort of make things up. She is continuing to stubbornly suck her fingers. I don't think she sucks her thumb any more. A shallow victory that turned out to be.

Sylvie has been calling everyone and everything "She" lately. Today she referred to a picture of Jens as "she." "Sylvie," he said, "I am a boy. See my hair? And I've got junk. I am a dude."

Yard Work

The rocks I dug up were ridiculous. I am excited to plant something pretty, though!

My dirty little helper.

Who knew umbrellas were so awesome, even when it is sunny?

Swimming with Sarah!

Field of Flowers

Sylvie and I walked by this field of flowers, which prompted family pictures later in the week. She was not very cooperative about looking at me.

April 4th

Well. I love spring! When it is so pretty outside it is hard to stay in, which is why I am really wiped out from yard work. I spent about 4 hours this morning turning over dirt in the front yard so I can plant some flowers, this on top of the 4 hours I spent Saturday digging and fixing sprinklers. I am really excited about actually getting to plant some things, though, so I still have that to look forward to. Sylvie spent the morning wandering around outside with me, occasionally digging, building little things out of rocks, sitting in her camp chair, visiting with me, and picking flowers (ack!). Jens spent the morning laying down and watching a movie--he is home sick today.

Sylvie was sick last week, I thought because she got a chunk of mac and cheese. Now I am thinking she had some sort of little flu bug and now Jens is having it. I hope none of the rest of us get sick.

Last week, along with all of our regular stuff, Jens had a week of swimming lessons. It took a day to remember what he was doing, and by the end of the week he was probably back to where he was at the end of last summer. Next year I will start him in swimming earlier and ut him in a few more classes. He is doing one more week next week. He did enjoy flopping around in the water and visiting with his friend Sarah.

The other highlight of the week was doing family pictures. Liz Bell, a sweet and talented friend came and took some pictures in the most beautiful meadow of wild flowers. I haven't seen them yet, but I am very hopeful that they turned out well. Then we went out for a little family dinner, which was also fun. Sylvie also got a trim for the event--I took about two inches of the bottom of her hair, which was looking pretty wispy and raggedy at the ends. It looks much neater and fuller now. Jens is still refusing to let me cut his hair, so he is rocking the Raggedy Andy look these days. Luckily he is cute enough to pull it off. I hope that as the weather gets hotter he will realize it is really hot and let me buzz him for the summer.

So Happy Together

Jens lovingly built this little fort for Sylvie to play in. She obligingly loved it and promptly had a birthday party for dog, dog, and sheep with lots of "Happy Birthday" singing. Aren't we creative animal-namers?

Family movie night.

Aren't they adorable? Makes me wonder what precious miracle #3 is going to look like . . .

Ok, fine. April Fool's.