flashback friday: headlock/hug among the tulips

The tulips around my neighborhood are just hitting their prime right now. I wish I could have packed our bulbs from Pocatello along with us, but I do have this picture to remember them by.

It always gives me a giggle.

crash landings

This is a picture of Ian at this current minute as I type. He asked me to put on his favorite movie for him and then would not stop talking. I told him to stop talking and watch the show, and this is what he looked like about a minute later. He started telling us he was too big for naps last summer, so I am grateful when it catches up to him every once in a while.

Natalie, on the other hand, is upstairs in her crib calling for me even though she should be sleeping.

On Sunday we had to go to church about an hour early. Natalie, of course, was taking a nice nap on that day. I had to go in to wake her up and found that she had just folded over while sitting up.

Does anyone else love to watch their children sleeping? Probably because we just don't get enough of it.

the fire is so delightful

The weather was BEAUTIFUL over the weekend, so we couldn't resist getting out the fire pit for our first fire of the year.

It was lovely.

(On a sidenote, did you know that marshmallows are about 25 calories a piece? That means you can eat 4 roasted marshmallows and that is a 100 calorie dessert. And such a yummy one too.)

Natalie discovered that she likes sugar in the form of marshmallows too.

Everyone wore their hats because they believe it shields their eyes from smoke.

Its wonderful to know that this is only the beginning.

disorganization day

Last night was our first night of soccer. We had "organization day" for Cali's soccer team. I don't have any pictures, because in my true fashion I was running out the door to stuff the kids in the mini-van as we were supposed to be getting there and I forgot my camera. I found these pictures from "Kicking and Screaming" because they give a fairly accurate representation of how things went.

It turned out fine that we were late, because I arrived to find that only about half of Cali's team was there for the meeting and practice because the other half sing together in a "choir." Our coach was standing there with the few other parents asking us if any of us had ever done this before.

Nope.

This wouldn't really be a bad thing except for the team that was parked next to us on the soccer field. They were all in uniform around their coach, who was wearing his own athletic uniform, running drills.

Great.

Our coach was able to put together a little practice for our small team which included the girl who spent the time dancing and spinning in circles, the English as a second language kids, the "husky" boy who kept needing to sit out and have a rest, the kid with the thick glasses, and Cali.

They may not win any games, but at least I don't think Cali is going to be feeling too much pressure.

Eggs

When you think about it, dyeing Easter eggs is a rather odd tradition, but it is one that I will gladly keep carrying on.

Here is a little of this year's egg-stravaganza.

My personal favorite: I heart Mom. What can I say?

the birthday boy

What a whirlwind weekend we had last week! We had Ian's birthday, general conference, easter, and Grandma coming to visit. We twisted Grandma Cracken's arm so that she stayed with us for a week. It was so packed full of fun I am just now getting time to post. Thanks again Grandma!

SO to begin with Ian's birthday: He started the day with our traditional birthday pop-tart. Ian is the one in who remembers we must have pop-tarts on birthdays so we made his extra special with a candle.
Since it was Saturday and everyone was home we got to open presents first-thing after breakfast. This was a good plan for a three-year-old. (Cali and Kimi had helped me decorate the night before so we could surprise him in the morning.)
Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Alan showed up right after lunch with a super awesome present. Now Ian doesn't have to ride around on pink wheels anymore. He is very relieved.
Ian is obsessed with two things: STAR WARS, and Lego Indiana Jones. He wanted a Lego Indiana Jones Cake and this is what I came up with.

I kept those little cake toppers I made and am thinking of sticking them in other foods, like broccoli.
Ian is definitely growing up ! He is a non-stop talker now. He loves to sing, (star wars and indiana jones themesongs mostly) play with his "guys," read stories, and be really goofy. I asked him what his favorite food is and he said, "treats!" He also loves to tell everyone (including the greeters at Walmart) that he is THREE!

easter breakfast

Happy Easter!

Hope that you all have a wonderful Easter and enjoy your Easter Feasts!