Easter Fun 2012

Kiley and Addie look so much alike, they could be sisters.

 Annalise loves to pose for pictures.

 The cousins waiting for the big egg hunt to begin.

Found one (even if it is pink)!

 The girls discovering what is inside...

 It looked good enough to eat.

 Beautiful Kiley.

 And sweet Abby.

 All the grandkids with Grandma and Grandpa Rocque, Amber and Dana. Thanks for the egg hunt.

Our little family. Addie was grumpy, but we'll forgive her (this time at least).  

The kids got to find their Easter baskets throughout the house. Annalise was happy to find hers filled with crayons, new sunglasses, necklaces, bubbles, and of course of chocolate bunny.

After hosting Ryan's family for an Easter Dinner of ham, potatoes, veggies and strawberry shortcake, we went to visit my parents in Salt Lake where we dyed Easter eggs and had another egg hunt with the Ostler cousins.

 Only one shoe, but she was still fast.

A nice sunset shot of our beautiful Adelyn.

 Preston counting his spoils with Luke and Miles.

 Preston took his eggs and ate some hard-earned candy.

This, of course, is the commercialized Easter recap, but my favorite part of the day was an amazing church service. The sacrament program was really nice. I got to sing with the choir this year and it was an incredible experience. We truly celebrated Jesus Christ and felt His wonderful Spirit.

PINK Lemonade for Sale

We got a special visit from Ryan's sister, Heather, and her family over Easter weekend. Out of the blue, the kids decided to make a lemonade stand. They made a few quarters, but mostly just had lots of fun. From right to left: Adelyn, Savanna, Leah (our neighbor), Kiley, Abby, and part of Stan (Leah's brother).

Turning Seven is Awesome...

Because you get a new bike with "black wheels"...

And lots of candles on your favorite home-made chocolate cake. Adelyn had a wonderful birthday. She is growing up so fast, and we are incredibly proud of her. She is a hard worker, a big helper, and great friend, and she really knows how to have a good time. We love you so much, Addie Christine!

Strawberry Shortcake Party

Adelyn will be the big 7 years old tomorrow. This past Saturday we threw her a friend party. Adelyn is quite the little planner and she's been giving me ideas for her "Strawberry Shortcake" party all year.

This was on the front door.

I went a little crazy with the streamers.

This was Ryan's only job--painting this darling Strawberry Shortcake banner. We all LOVED it!

We started off with a Strawberry Shortcake coloring sheet while we waited for everyone to arrive. Then we played hot potato to Strawberry Shortcake music. Next, we read a Strawberry Shortcake book where she and her friends make Easter hats. So then we made our own Easter hats!

Then we had a Strawberry Shortcake puzzle contest. Of course, everyone helped each other and won.

Then we rewarded the girls with a feast of strawberry cupcakes, strawberry lemonade, and all these yummy treats.

Then Adelyn opened her presents!

She got some "berry" great gifts! Thanks everyone!

All the girls in their cute hats. Top row: Savannah, Emma, Addie, Leah, Julia, and Ellie. Bottom row: Emma, Jenna, Aubrey, and Grace. I think everyone had a great time, especially my little birthday girl.

More Park Pics

Angel Baby

What more needs to be said. I love to watch my kids sleep. I love this precious little girl.

Park Day

It was sunny and about 64 degrees yesterday, so we stopped in at the park. So glad we did. I definitely needed the extra Vitamin D. And the kids ran around and released some pent-up energy.

Annalise has turned out to quite enjoy spinning and swinging. Last year, she was too afraid.

Preston ran around the park like a chicken with his head cut off. He especially likes the rocket and all the special hiding places.

She did this slide over and over with her trusted monkey-puppet friend.

This picture is a little blurry, but I love Annalise's expression. So serious (for once) and beautiful.

Hangin' Out At Home

Model Train Show

Preston and Adelyn were excited to go see the model train show in Salt Lake with Dad. (Unfortunately, at the same time I had to take Annalise to the doctor to get her ear infection treated).

Building trains of their own.

Ryan had to stand in line for over an hour and a half so the kids could ride on Thomas.

It looks like it was worth the wait.

SNOW!!

Utah has had a pretty mild winter. Of course this was the first year I was well prepared and had stocked up on good snow clothes for ALL of my kids. And we've had only two small snow storms. But the kids enjoyed the snow while it lasted, and we took advantage of some candid moments.

My Little Wonders

I sure love these great kids! It is fun to have a picture with the three of them together.

Adelyn: age 6 3/4

Preston: age 4 1/2

Annalise: age 2 1/2