Crazy bird!

For the past two weeks, we have had a visitor. He comes in the morning and politely pecks. When no one answers, he backs up, takes a flying leap, and propels himself into our window. We can't figure out why this bird wants to get inside! I'm tempted to let him in and see what he finds so fascinating at our house!

Happy Easter!

For Easter this year, Jeff and I went with his family to Palm Springs. Melissa and James, and Carrie and Andy joined us on this fabulous Spring adventure.

Jake enjoyed riding the coin-operated helicopter with Lizzy and Jenny!

The kiddos spent hours finding Easter eggs--then hiding them for each other!

Hailey enjoyed our trip to the outlet mall.

The girls loved getting their toenails painted!

We had so much fun, we're going to make Carrie plan our Easter vacation every year! ;)

Navigating the Monkey Bars

I've learned something about myself the past few months: I write best when I'm happy. It took me a while to start writing again after the miscarriage. Then Dad had his stroke. I fell across the monkey bars of life for a while, but now I'm back swinging! Thanks so much to my friends who gave me a gentle prod to start writing again.

Speaking of monkey bars, Lizzy just learned how to swing across them, and she has been showing everyone! Take a look:

Thank you, SANTA! HO HO HO!

After Lizzy and Jenny opened their presents on Christmas morning, I said, "Say thank you to Santa. He can hear you." They mumbled a halfhearted "thanks" and kept playing. A while later, I spied them in the backyard yelling, "Thank you SANTA! HO HO HO!" Apparently, they didn't believe me when I said Santa could hear them, so they took matters into their own hands.

The Silly Show

Last week, Maia, Lizzy, and Jenny decided to produce "The Silly Show." First, Maia said, "Ready, Set, Go!" Then Lizzy and Jenny ran across the family room, slid into the kitchen, and dumped their faces in bowls of whipped cream. The funny thing is that Lizzy and Jenny wanted to do it several times! We all got a kick out of it. Thanks for planning that one, Maia!

Messiest Car Ever

Our family is notorious for having the messiest car ever. I have one friend that is hesitant to allow her daughter to ride with me. I try to tell her that I clean the car all the time, but when she looks inside and sees the pit of despair, she doesn't believe me.

Before we left for Utah for Christmas (to see the fam!), we cleaned the car. Look at what we pulled out before we put suitcases in! My next-door neighbor, Mandy, was horrified and awestruck at the same time--and made me take a picture.

12 Years Old!

Jake just turned 12 years old on December 12! Can't believe he's so old--and I'm so old!

Jake enjoyed his birthday party: about 20 12-year-old boys making pizza and watching a movie. I think, though, that they liked Pin the Tail on the Donkey best! He also loved receiving the priesthood and going into the Young Men's program. He is really excited to be able to pass the Sacrament and go to all of the youth activities!