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.)