Snowbird Sunshine

On Saturday we ventured around the point of the mountain and up the canyon to Snowbird. As you can see from the pictures, the kids had a good time.

Dancing Divas

Savana and Sidney had their spring Dance Recital today! They did such a great job! They have both progressed so much since the beginning of the year. First they did dance steps across the floor to show us the different techniques they've been working on. Then they did a dance to the song "Popular" from Wicked.

I felt bad after the performance when Savana and Sidney asked me where their flowers were? A lot of the other Moms brought flowers for their girls. I guess I'm just a loser Mom because I didn't even think to do that. It was just a small recital and they only did one dance so I personally didn't think flowers were necessary, but I guess I was wrong. We decided to take them out to get frozen yogurt in lieu of flowers and they eventually conceded.

On the way home from getting frozen yogurt Cannon started complaining that his tummy hurt: "I sick Mom. My tummy hurts." I didn't think too much of it until we got home and he threw-up all over the couch!!! Poor kid. At first I was concerned that the frozen yogurt made him sick, (when Cannon was younger he couldn't handle dairy products) but then I remembered that some kids in our neighborhood have had the throw-up bug so I'm guessing he was hit by the bug. After we got him all cleaned up he was acting fine, so I really hope I don't have to deal with more puke tonight!!!

Sidney is in the front in a pink leotard. Savana is in the back on the left side in black. Their teacher was right in the way so it's kind of hard to see Savana.

Cinco de Mayo

Yesterday my little brother Brian thought it would be fun to have a Cinco De Mayo party. Basically, it was a great excuse to get together and have some yummy food and great fun........So, we headed to my parents house yesterday evening to have a PARTY!

We had yummy pork burritos with all the fixings, 7-layer dip with chips, and of course some Piñacoladas. My brother Joe got a piñata for the kids. It was great fun watching them try to break it open.

Here the kiddos are patiently waiting in line to hit the piñata.

Sidney and Cannon gave the piñata whack!

Savana and cousin Collin had some great hits and candy went flying.

Here is everybody searching the grass for all the candy.

After the piñata we headed over to the park to play some baseball. Uncle Joe made all the kids hold hands to cross the street...it was pretty cute! I didn't get any pictures of the baseball game, but it was a riot! I think I gave my brothers a run for their money with my baseball skills...LOL! I'm sad that Jason is in California and had to miss out on the fun. Maybe we'll have to turn this into a tradition.

Cousin Slumber Party!

On April 24th we were lucky enough to have Ezra and Ethan come for a visit. My sister Sarah and her boys (and hubby) live in FLORIDA so we don't get to see them very often. Fortunately Sarah flew to Utah for a girls trip with the in-laws, so we got to watch Ezra and Ethan for a day. My kids were in heaven. They love having cousins come play, especially when they get to sleep over. We only got to have them for a day because Grandma Howard and Pam wanted a turn too! We wish they didn't live so far away and can't wait for their next visit.

Spring Break/Easter!

I'm finally posting spring break! This year for spring break (April 11-18) we went to Arizona to visit my sister, Jessica. My Mom helped me drive with the kids because Jason was in California working. Jason drove from California to meet us for Easter and then he had to come back home and work. We had a fabulous time. The weather was windy and a little cooler than I expected a few of the days, but nothing like the snow storm we missed back at home.

Jason and Joel took the kids to Makutus Island on Saturday afternoon. Makutus is sort of like Boondocks in Utah. The kids had a blast!

Saturday evening we dyed Easter eggs. Jessica bought all sorts of fun stickers and glitter to make the eggs look pretty. The kids had a great time trying to find them all on Easter Sunday. We went to church before Jason had to leave. I made everyone pose for a family picture so we could remember the day. It was such a treat to go to Relief Society for two reasons: First, I have been in primary for the last few years and I've really missed Relief Society. Second, My amazing sister was the teacher and did an incredible job on her lesson! I'm so glad I got to listen to her teach.

Savana and Sidney got new dresses for Easter. They aren't exactly Easter colors, but I thought they looked adorable.

We also took a trip to the Mall with some of my cousins and the kids got to ride the carousel. Cannon was really excited until I put him up on the horse. He freaked out when it started to move at first, but then he calmed down and enjoyed the rest of the ride.

We took several trips to the park, which the kids just loved. We also got to see my aunt Susie. It was a new experience for my kids to be around someone with mental handicaps. They asked a lot of questions, and it was a great teaching opportunity to remind them that we are all different and have different challenges. We love our Susie!

During the week Jess and Mom watched Cannon so I could take the girls to see the new Hannah Montana Movie! We all loved it. It was so fun to hand out with my girls!

To top off our great week we went to Cassie's school Carnival. It was quite the event. They had about 5 big bounce houses, a hayride, snow cones, and tons of fun activities. Cannon liked the bounce house the best until he saw the big fire truck drive up. He thought that was pretty great to get up inside the truck like a real fireman. We had such a great time. Thanks Jess and Joel for being such great hosts.

Great News!

I went to the doctor today for my 6 month kidney check up and got great news. My protein levels are staying stable and my blood looks good, so the doctor said I don't have to come in for another year..............WAHOO!!! Unless of course I start to have symptoms of kidney failure, but hopefully that wont happen for a very long time (if ever). Thanks to all my family and friends for your continued love and support.

*This is NOT an April Fools joke.

Memory Lane

Tonight the kids and I were playing music on the computer and having a great time singing and dancing. It reminded me of the good old days when I would sit with my Dad and siblings and listen to his old records. One of my all time favorites was my Dad's "Johnny Horton's Greatest Hits" record. We made him play The Battle of New Orleans over and over.

I played some of the old songs for the girls tonight and they gave me the strangest look. After a few minutes they wanted "their music" back on. Maybe one day they will be able to appreciate it.

One of the things I love most about music is the vivid memories and feelings it can bring. Whenever I hear the song Tom Dooley by the Kingston Trio I'll think of my tone deaf Dad sitting around a camp fire late at night singing. That's one of the things I love about my dad. He can't really carry a turn, but he'll sing his heart out. He showed me how to love music. I think it's something he learned from his dad, my Grandpa Howard loved music too. He would always play his harmonica and sing songs to us.

I just hope I can carry on the tradition and teach my kids to love good music as much as I do. There's nothing like a good song to brighten your day and change your mood.................THANKS DAD!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I know, I know...totally cheesy! I made everyone take a picture in their green shirts for St. Patricks day. Jason did a pretty good job setting the timer and then running back to get in the picture. We hope you all had a great day!