Dance Recital

Last night was the girls' dance recital. Both girls performed two dances (I hope to get the footage on soon). Here are some of my favorite candids -- Whitni took "real" pictures of the girls in their costumes while she was here, those to be posted soon as well.



The boys were patient and supportive.

Family Visits!

It's been a while since we've had family come for a visit. My lovelies were showered with hugs and kisses and attention. Here are some of the higlights.

Grandma B. worked hard while visiting. Not only did she become my personal "kitchen maid" but she also became the head cook.

Swimming together.



Maisie and Asher spent at least 6 hours in the sandbox together.


Brent and Austin made at least 20 paper airplanes for the boys. Meg actually set up a shop where they could purchase their planes in exchange for jellybeans.

"Catan."

Come again soon!

got milk?

My dear friend asked me if I wanted a baby shower, I said no. Instead, I said I wanted one last night of freedom -- a night out on the town without a nursing baby in tow. She came up with this invite and GNO experience.

Here we are at SUMO.

Here is the group after seeing part II of the new "museum" movie.


(Thanks to sweet Austin who made the freedom possible -- he stayed home and managed the evening alone. He was even awake when he arrived home again!)

Meg's Baptism

Our Meg is baptized!
Before. (I wore this dress on my baptism day, too.)

Here is Meg's program.


After.




We had a brownie bar at our house afterwards.




Our night finished at our favorite restaurant, La Fiesta!

Meg's #8 Birthday

Meg is 8! We began the morning with scriptures and present opening. She wasn't too surprized about receiving scriptures, but she was surprized about the new outfit.




Lunch time came so we took Meg Wendy's and ate lunch with her. She showed us her playground; all her friends loved pushing Nick and Maisie in the swings.




We played Meg's new Wii game, High School Musical 3 kareoke, and Wii fit this afternoon. Dinner was pizza and watermelon.




Meg wanted a pink #8 cake with a purple top circle and a green bottom circle.



We love Meg because she is happy. We love Meg because she shares. We love Meg because she is aware of the needs of others. We love Meg because she is excited about her baptism.

Baby Shower

Last night I hosted a baby shower for my friend, Stefanie, she 34 weeks pregnant and having a boy. Angie, a mutual friend and I decided to serve cheese and chocolate fondue. Here is a picture of the food table. (I was crazy busy up to the last second, so I didn't get pictures of the other decor. I'm hoping Stefanie will send me some she took.)



What did the kids do during the party? Austin took them to McDonalds for dinner, then they picniced in the playhouse -- since they weren't allowed inside -- finally they were banished to the basement. Lots of happy screams and laughter came up from down there, which means Austin, as always, was the best daddy.

Mother's Day

Here is my post to the all the mothers in my family that buoy me up.
First, my mother. Each day I make an effort to be gentle and sweet. She is the epitome of all that is good and true.

My two grandmothers, whom I love and admire.

My sweet sisters and sisters-in-law that face the same realities of day-to-day motherhood, and do so without complaining. (Nat, could you possibly send me a picture from Ricky's wedding with the sisters in it? I know this one is outdated...)

All of Austin sisters are mothers of great worth and generosity, so a shout out to you. OK, not Shelly, but as an aunt she is top notch and deserves honors today as well.

And to my dearest, darling mother-in-law to whom I owe much of my happiness.

My current state of motherhood.


Happy Mother's Day!