Messiah in America

We had one of the most fun and relaxing Utah trips we have ever. We went as a family visiting lots of family, but I spent most of my time in Salt Lake with the choir recording and practicing Messiah in America. We had a wonderful concert Friday night at the tabernacle and then again on Saturday afternoon in Abravanel Hall.

The kids were happier than they have been in a long time, smiling and giggly. We are so grateful we had such supportive family around to play with and enjoy. Lulu and her cousin are 10 weeks apart but have just this trip started to be friends. Wyatt kept referring to her as his "girlfriend" and they played so well together. It was darling. We miss everyone so much already!

Fathers' and Sons'

We were in the process of moving last year when our last ward had their Fathers' and Sons' camp out so Adam couldn't take Baylub. This year was their first year! Adam was so excited. He printed out a list earlier in the week of things to take. Baylub didn't exactly get what camping was (we have never gone as a family) but he loved the thought of sleeping in his own sleeping bag.

Packed up and ready to go.

Here, Baylub got a hold of the camera and took pictures of when he felt was important.

I gave Adam specific instructions to make sure and take a lot of pictures. I was really impressed he remembered to do it.

They had a good time! Baylub of course was up at the crack of dawn, got himself dressed on his own in the cold morning air and couldn't find his way of the tent. He kept unzipping the "windows" and telling Adam it was time to get up.

I sure do love my boys.

** The girls did have a party at home, eating popcorn and candy, putting on makeup, and watching Babe. Unfortunately, no cute makeup pictures because the mountain men had the camera.

Rub A Dub Dub

I have vague memories of being three and even four to a tub as a kid. So so cute...

Our new favorite pj's are Dad's jerseys. (Baylub does sleep in one every night and pretends he's a turtle going in and out of his shell)

From the back. Two of course are Shevchenko (the most famous Ukrainian soccer player)

The kids (and we) are excited to see family soon. Kid hand writing is just too cute.

Hope you are all having a fabulous May. Summer is almost here!

The Cutest Little Easter Party Ever

Our little pre-school group had a post-Easter party and it was darling. Look at this get up! Flowers, peeps, carrot cakes cupcakes, beautiful centerpieces, it was magical.

Lunch was provided... sandwiches cut into easter shapes, edible grass...

...little flower pots full of veggies from the rabbits garden.

Easter door hangings

Of course, a large easter egg hunt with lots of candy.

We had so much fun and I felt inspired. Thanks to everyone who put it on!

An Event

Yesterday we had a concert and soon we will be performing in Salt Lake at Temple Square (tickets here). All who would like to come, it will definitely be worth your time. This is some of the most inspiring and moving contemporary music around.

It's been a wonderful experience participating in this choir, and I even usually don't like being in choirs.

Sea World

I had never been to Sea World before. A friend of mine recommended it above Disneyland. The price is what is making our family agree with her. Buy one day pass and go the whole year. A day pass is about $60.

We've already gone twice. Once with my parents, once with Amy and Beau. It is quite a fun place. Amazing shows. Stinky at times. The kids love it.

And those are all the pictures I took of our entire day. I'm dropping the ball on documenting my children's lives.

Happy Easter

We started our lovely spring festivities with dying our eggs. The kids were so anxious, I could barely hold them off until 10 am when dad would be ready from surfing (his now weekly escape every Saturday early morning).

You can see the kids hair is still wet from taking a shower with Adam. Poor guy, the second he gets in the shower all three kids have to join him, not matter how early he gets up. It's kind of funny to see them all in there, the kids sitting at his feet in a little huddle. He won't let me take a picture. I might sneak one though...

We got a special kit that included chalk. So we colored our eggs and then dyed them. It was a blast.

The finished product. I didn't want to use too many eggs because I know no one will eat them but me and maybe the baby.

We made some cute little rabbit buns, recipe from this last month's Friend magazine.

(I know, my camera is lame and will not take good pictures of food. They were cute, I promise)

The Easter Bunny filled our baskets with candy, a slinky, a new tooth brush (to offset the affects of the candy) and brought the usual new picture book.

In our new lovely easter outfits, ready for church. I absolute LOVE this bright yellow with white polka dots. It seems I search and search for good holiday outfits at all the great kid stores online and in the mall, getting ideas. But then, I drop by Target for something basic and just love one of their little outfits and grab some on my way out. Go figure...

Post church meetings (note how Lulu's hair has completely fallen out, as usual) waiting for the small but fun easter egg hunt to begin.

My sister Amy (in the pink) and her hub came down from LA to join us. This picture is much funnier than it looks. All I wanted was to snap a shot of the kids running to our little grassy communal area but Jo still has to pull a cheezer even while she's trying to run. She is still at the wobbly phase of life where running includes flailing her arms and lots of falling. So all that, combined with her trying to say cheese was too funny.

And the hunting. It was really cute. I'm so grateful we have some family around to make these little holiday celebrations more special.

I hope everyone's holiday was full of fun tradition, beautiful spring colors, and most importantly, the Spirit of our Savior and His love. Happy Easter!