Good Times

***WARNING***Be sure to scroll down for the post that explains all these pics. ALSO - I just realized I forgot to post bike pics, but they're coming soon!







What a week we've had. We started out with a wonderful trip to Kirtland for FHE (we only live 34 miles away). We had a picnic dinner on the beautiful grounds overlooking the river where the early saints were baptized, and then a sweet sister missionary gave us our own personal and kid friendly tour. It was a wonderful family night.

Our sweet baby turned THREE years old on the 1st and we honestly can't believe it! She is such a joy in our lives. We had a small party with some family friends. Ellie requested pink Dora cupcakes, pink balloons, and hot dogs for her party. We gave her that and then added some bubbles and coloring pictures to the mix. Her party at the park was rained out so we ended up at the church, but all's well that ends well. She claims to have loved it and overcame her "shyness" enough to say thank you for her gifts. The next day our family celebrated our Birthday tradition of going out to Red Robin for dinner. She loved the singing....plus liked her ice cream this year. On her 2nd Birthday she wouldn't eat cake or ice cream so we made her cookies. Well, she's come to her senses and devoured her cupcakes and ice cream this year. For those of you who don't know her very well, some of her favorites include singing, baby dolls, setting the table (she's obsessed and will throw a fit if anybody else sets the table), picking flowers, cheese, preschool, and Dora the Explorer. She's very entertaining and always has us laughing. She got a bike just her size for her Birthday and loves riding around with Emma and Brady. We're so excited for the long flat paved driveway at our new house.

And as for the house progress, thanks to computer glitches at the mortgage company we our now scheduled to close 12 days late on Tuesday the 12th. Don't worry, we'll let you know.

Since I typed this last Sunday and never posted it yet...I just thought I'd add to it. Matt completed a couple Finals this week and I helped host a surprise baby shower for Emma's teacher. All the kids helped me make the diaper cake. My kids are becoming very helpful these days.

Anyway, this week was great and very special to me. Emma had a Spring Concert and it brought back many memories of having my parents attend my concerts while growing up. I had a good time teaching my children "concert dress and etiquette" and introducing them to going out for ice cream tradition after the concert is over. Emma had a special surprise when Sister Lloyd (our kids fill-in Grandma) showed up to watcher her...WITH FLOWERS! Ellie had a Mother's Day Program in her class - she made me a book and a bag that I adore because her sweet little handprints are everywhere! Unfortunately, due to a Dr.'s appointment running late, Matt had to play Mr. Mom and fill in for me. He was such a good sport about it. However, the next day I didn't have any conflicts getting to Emma's Mother Day Breakfast at her school and then to Brady's Mother Day Tea program in his class where I dined on cookies and potted a plant in a cute little pot he made for me. Then on Saturday Matt took the kids to Lowes to make a Mother's Day project for me while I went shopping...for several hours...alone. I now own a new dress (I only had 2 - one for summer and one for winter), 3 new shirts and 2 pairs of capris since my stuff from last year is falling off. This is all so exciting to me and it was so much fun to try on clothes in smaller sizes. Today I was treated to Breakfast in bed, a beautiful red rose at church, and a yummy dinner and dessert my husband and kids are preparing. I'm a little unsure how I'm going to make Father's Day this good for Matt. I've really been spoiled for several days in a row now. Simply said, My family is the best - HANDS DOWN!