*SPRING BREAK

We had a lovely Spring Break! We had a lot of fun, spent a lot of time at home, took a lot of naps, played with lots of friends, slept in almost everyday, went to the Fair, had 2 Easter egg hunts, went to a neighborhood bbq in the rain, roasted marshmallows and celebrated Easter. We really enjoyed the week off from school and most responsibilities...Kyle even had the week off of work. What a week! Here is a few (ok a lot) of pictures from the week (not in chronological order...I am too lazy to rearrange everything).

*Easter Egg Hunt (for the little ones) with friends!

We ended up having it at the Stake Center instead of the park because the weather was horrible!!!

Eli and his good buddy, Austin. They may look sweet and innocent, but these two together spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E!!! I won't even tell you about the time we found them in a bull pen (with bulls!). YIKES!



*Easter
The day before Easter, we had a neighborhood bbq and it was pouring rain the whole time. We set up some canopies and forged ahead. The kids had a blast looking for eggs, eating good food (and candy) and playing in the rain and mud. The adults enjoyed the adult conversation and occupied kids. That night, we colored eggs and then while mom was trying to take pictures, the kids decided the see who could be the funniest...hence the pictures of them acting like they are eating the eggs and dye. Funny. Nate was at a friends while we colored eggs, so he missed out.

Claire in her Easter dress. I was going to get pictures of all the kids, but the second we got home from church they all ran inside and changed their clothes. O well.

*THE FAIR
We swore we weren't going to go to the fair this year, but once again...we caved. We went up on Thursday and spent a few hours. We skipped the carnival (I fear the "carnies" and those rides are all death-traps!) and just hung out, ate a little, and did a few fun things. It was fun. The kids were bummed about the carnival, but they will live.

*Backyard FUN

*Random cuteness

Did you spot all 3 kids in this picture?

So clean and cuddly...Claire, I mean.

Poor puppy.

Whew...I am tired just recounting it!

IT'S GREAT TO BE 8!!!

Last week, was a big week for Josh!

On Tuesday, we celebrated his 8th birthday! Wow...I can't believe he is 8! I still think of him as my goofy, little toddler. He is such a cute, quirky, tender-hearted, kind, funny, happy boy. He makes us laugh on a daily basis. We have always called Josh our "oddball". He doesn't look like our other boys and he has always been his own person. He is our middle child and is always the LEAST of our worries. He rarely causes us any problems. He is easy going and he gets along with everyone (he and Nate have their moments...but for the most part, they are good friends). He is a good student, but could be better if he wouldn't always rush when he is doing his work. He is a great athlete and he is FAST. He loves to race Nate and Ansley because he can always beat them. He is a picky eater, but can eat a ton if it is something he likes. Everytime we sit down to dinner, Josh asks what is for dessert before he has taken one bite of his dinner. If there is something good for dessert, he will eat his dinner, but if there is no dessert...he rarely cleans his plate. He is such a good kid and we are so blessed to have him in our family. I hope the next 8 years go by a little slower!

For his birthday, Josh some great presents...including his first suit and a Power Wing. He loves the Power Wing and so does everyone else. He has had to share it with everyone...including mom!


For his birthday dinner, Josh chose to have meatloaf (mostly to torture Ansley because she hates meatloaf), mashed potatoes and corn. He also decided that he wanted brownies instead of cake (such a smart kid!).

On Tuesday night, our visitors started arriving for Josh's baptism. We had a steady flow of visitors leading up to the baptism on Saturday. Josh is one loved little boy! Most of the people who came, traveled from out of state.

Visitors were:

G-Ma & G-Pa Cox

G-Pa & G-Ma Lowell

Aunt Kathy & Uncle Alan, Jen, Jill and Kody

Uncle Keith & Aunt Karen, Matthew and Ashleigh

Uncle Dave & Aunt LaNeace and Elle

Uncle Andy & Aunt Janna and Miles

Aunt Renee and kids

Cal and Cindy

Plus...many great friends from here in the valley

The baptism was on Saturday and it was wonderful. It was a stake baptism, but Josh was the only child from our ward being baptized. He was nervous, but very excited. The baptism went off without a hitch. Kyle later told me that when he and Josh were walking up the steps out of the font, that Josh said, "Wow, that was fast...is that it?" He realized that he was nervous for nothing...it was over before he knew it.

We then gathered in the Primary room for the confirmation. Ansley played "The Spirit of God" on her viola and then Aunt Janna gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. She did a great job and had the whole room in tears. Kyle then confirmed Joshua a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was perfect. Jill said the closing prayer and then we went outside to take some pictures. After pictures, everyone headed back to our house for dinner. There was a ton of great food, lots of good conversation and plenty of kids to entertain each other. It was such a great day. We are so proud of Josh for the wonderful kid that he is and also for the decision he made to be baptized. He is such a great example to he is siblings, friends and parents. We love you Josh!

Lots of cousins!!!

Eli and Kody. Two four-year-old cousins/spitfires!


Josh had a great week and we all had a lot of fun. Thanks to everyone for their help with the baptism...you know who you are!