I can't believe Trent is really 9! How did that happen?

Trent turned 9 on April 11th. I can hardly believe that my youngest child is that old. Really? We had such a fun weekend at the Temple and in Tacoma. Trent really enjoyed seeing family on his birthday. I think the hotel stay and the escargot made it extra memorable!

Easter Weekend

Skylar

Brooklyn, Skylar and Rylee

Sean, Brooklyn, Casey, Rylee and Casey McAnally

The Temple in Spring

On Easter weekend we had a special treat. We were able to spend it with some of Todd's extended family. We also celebrated Trent's 9th Birthday. Saturday morning we went to the Temple where cousins, Sean and Casey, had their daughter, Skylar, sealed to them for

Time and all Eternity!

It was a privilege to be present as they had their three daughters in the temple. I truly felt blessed to witness this special sealing and feel my testimony of Eternal Families strengthened. We were also very happy to see Doug, Carol, Denice and Zina here from Vegas. After the temple we went to a delicious lunch and feasted on steak and seafood. Doug even challenged my kids to eat escargot. Three of them did! Amazing! It is not a surprise that Kyle declined the challenge. Spencer had a little too much to eat that day, but it was so yummy!

After lunch we drove to Tacoma. We took the kids and did a little shopping. Then we checked into a hotel and Trent opened his birthday presents. Then we went swimming and played at the hotel. We went to Bill and Janette's house for ice cream and then went back to the hotel.

The next morning we went to church with the McAnally family. Baby Rylee was blessed in Sacrament Meeting. What a great weekend for Sean and Casey! After church we had a yummy ham dinner at McAnally's house. It was so nice to spend time with family.

We really enjoyed the weekend.

Mukilteo Beach

Our Spring Break was spent at home. Kyle was still in school and we are keeping vacations simple this year. But when Kyle finally had a day off, we (except Spencer who had a better offer) went to the Mukilteo Beach and Lighthouse. Kyle has a class this quarter about the beach creatures and he showed the kids all kinds of living things. It was a cool but nice day by Washington April standards. It was fun, especially because we had such a knowledgeable guide. Thanks Kyle!

Is there a drummer in the house?

Playing the full drum set is his favorite thing to do.

Look out Neil Pert.

One of Spencer's biggest fans.

Spencer is becoming quite a good drummer. He plays percussion in the school band and he is also the drummer for the Jazz Band. He is doing great job. These pictures are from his most recent band concert. He had a great solo during 'Brazil'. Way to go Spence!!

Kayak Point

One Saturday afternoon in February we were feeling restless and needed to get out of Monroe. Nicole, Trent, Todd and I took an drive to Kayak Point State Park. It is only about 40 minutes Northwest from our house. We had so much fun just walking around and enjoying a change of scenery. The park is great. An awesome playground and a beach to explore. We can't wait to go back in the summer! Come visit us and we will take you there.

The Climbers!

Using up some of the energy!

Winter Beach Fun

Hello in there

We can see you

Trent's School Music Program

Back row, 4th from the right

Future drummer?

Trent had his school music concert. The kids performed songs and played on different instruments. It was very nice and they had so much fun. Trent was mostly excited about playing the drums. I think we may have another percussionist on our hands.

Flushingly Beautiful Valentine's Box

Trent really wanted to make a super cool Valentine Box for school. We didn't have very many ideas until Spencer remembered one he saw a couple of years ago. So we went on a trip to the dollar store and bought a white bowl and some white poster board. Then we measured, cut, taped and created the perfect 8 year old boy Valentine Box. The Toilet!!!! (Complete with lifting lid.)

Balloon Sinking

The kids creatively and accidentally created a new game. I named it Balloon Sinking! We had some balloons from Spencer's birthday party (post still to come!) While Todd and I were at a baptism, the balloons got loose (hmmmm) and floated up to the sky light. The kids wanted to get the balloons down, but they didn't know how. Kyle came up with this awesome idea. They got Nerf guns and used the darts with suction cups on the tips. They shot at the balloons until the darts would stick. When there were enough darts on the balloons to give it enough weight, the balloons sink to the ground. Brilliant!

Now it is a game. Of course, you just take the darts off and let the balloons rise. Then start shooting again. Try it. It is a blast and your kids will think you are awesome! But I am not responsible for any Nerf darts that stick to your windows or walls. We didn't have any, to my great surprise. I am also not responsible for the cleaning that may happen after you play this game. After looking upward to the skylights and tall ceilings, you notice cobwebs and dust you didn't see before. Sorry.

This is a super cheap game. Just a few helium balloons and a Nerf gun or two. A balloon that has 'flat' sides would probably work best. Let me know if you enjoy the game.

Crepes

Nicole had been to a friends house a couple of times when they had crepes and she started asking (bugging) me if we could make them. I had never made them before, so I finally gave it a try. Now we have them almost every Sunday morning. Nicole and Trent like to put lemon juice and brown sugar on them (I know, sounds yucky!) I like them with either a little butter and powdered sugar, or when I have planned ahead, whipped cream and berries! This also reminded me that crepes filled with custard and topped with strawberries is the refreshment that was served at our wedding. We are loving this new indulgence! Thanks or the inspiration Nicole and Risenmays!! I guess if she is going to insist that we make them, I am going to insist that she helps.

The best way to eat a crepe!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Our family was lucky enough to have Kaighin and Anslee Callahan come and stay with us for a few days in February. We had so much fun with them. They were a real treat to have in our home. There was a lot of singing while they were here. One evening they dressed up to perform their act. I think Nicole, Kaighin and Anslee have a real future together as performers.

Trent "The Pine Wood Derby Master"

Trent made a Pine Wood Derby car. He modeled it after a Ford GT 40. It looked great!!! He had a great time racing the car. The car wasn't super fast, but he did win for his design and appearance. It was a great night. Way to go, Trent.

Sanding and sanding and sanding.

More sanding.


A little help from dad and the dremel.

A few coats of paint.

Trent's car and the model car. Sweet!

Lining the car up just right.