Scout Advancement

Scott earned his Bear badge this month. We really enjoy the Scouting program. We are pleased with Scott's commitment to setting and accomplishing goals. He has GREAT Scout leaders through church and his parents do a phenomenal job helping him progress in the Scouting program as well. I must pat myself on the back considering all I do to help him with his Scouting requirements. I have to admit that it's a lot of fun spending time learning & doing things together.

Bake ME a CAKE as FAST as you can!

Caroline was brave enough to try the shell border.
At first, she was afraid she would mess up the cake, but I reminded
her that she had practiced the night before and could take it off it she messed up.
So she gave it a try and was happy with her efforts.

Caroline's adding stars to fill in the leaves.
Mackenzie helped by eating icing. She added a few dots on the side,
though she doesn't have the strength to squeeze the icing by herself yet.
Scott did a few shells and stars as well.


Final Product

A talented cake decorator at church is teaching a series of cake decorating classes. Caroline joined me for the latest class and really enjoyed learning some techniques. I think designing and decorating cakes will become a new family tradition. The kids just love it!

Wolf Walk 2009

Scott and his friend, Nick, enjoyed the Wolf Walk.

Caroline, with friends Karmin and Sophie, wore capes for the Wolf Walk.

Mackenzie walked 2 hours, so she was ready to join Caroline's class for an icee.

She LOVES Caroline's classmate, Rachel, so she walked and sat with her.

Mackenzie and I were able to join the kids at school for their annual Wolf Walk

(Technology Fundraiser). The kids LOVE walking the bus loop for an hour.

There is music during the walk and icees afterwards.

So, I finally make it to the school to see my children and they are busy talking with their friends. I figured this would happen at some point. They did talk/walk with me some, but I could tell they really wanted some free time to chat with their friends, as that's rarely allowed at school, even at lunchtime. It's good to see them socializing well. They're growing up so quickly.

EASTER morning

The kids were surprised to find their Easter baskets inside the front door, as the Easter bunny usually drops a basket on the back door, but they eventually found their baskets and enjoyed their candy and gifts from the Easter bunny. They looked picture perfect for church, so I took a quick picture before heading out the door. We were able to visit with Eric's dad, mom, sister and my family. The kids enjoyed playing with their cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. It was a busy end to a busy vacation, but the kids and I had a week to recover, unpack and catch up on sleep. Poor Eric had to be at work first thing Monday morning, but we knew a trip to DC would be anything but relaxing, so we were mentally prepared for the pending exhaustion. It was worth it though. We all had a great time. Eric actually seemed rejuvenated by taking time off from work to spend with his family. We're good company, what can I say?

Smithsonian Highlights

We spent very little time in Smithsonians while in DC. We entered and exited the Art Museum quickly as their idea of art was X-rated. We especially enjoyed the well-hidden Smithsonian at the Dulles International airport. It was worth the toll & parking prices to see all the retired aircrafts and the US Enterprise along with other actual space equipment (satellites, rovers, etc.).

DC Temple

We were excited to take the kids to the DC temple grounds and Visitor's Center. Despite the rain on the day we were heading home, it was still beautiful. We saw an inspiring video about the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Visitor's Center which has been rennovated since our last trip almost ten years ago. I can't believe the Apex temple has been up and running that long.

ZOO highlights

The araungatang (phonetical spelling), put on a show by leaving it's cage and walking across wires above everyone's heads. It was a real sight! The elephants put on a balancing act show too. It was like a trip to the zoo and circus all in one. We had a great time. Perfect weather too!

The butterfly house was GREAT!

Mackenzie enjoyed the wild horses.

The girls fell in love with these little monkeys whose faces

favor a lion due to the golden mane. They are tiny little monkeys

that jump from limb to limb so quickly. It'd be a cute pet, but that's not an option.

Let's just sit and pout!

My dad used to carry his favorite picture of me in his wallet for years and years... a portrait of me pouting. I was around Mackenzie's age and I was sweet as could be, but didn't want to smile for my picture because I was so shy. Mother bought the picture despite my pouty face and daddy just loved it. So, when Mackenzie took a seat to pout at the ZOO, I thought it was a Kodak moment to save for posterity. She's a cute pouter too.

Creepy Reptiles

Had to include a few pictures of some of the creepy reptiles at our National ZOO for all my nephews. The Anaconda was HUGE and pretty scary looking... no doubt it could squeeze the life out of anything dropped into it's habitat. Scott was looking forward to seeing the iguana. For all the reptile lovers out there... enjoy the pics!

Spring in Bloom

We enjoyed the beauty of spring while in DC Easter weekend... tulips and cherry blossoms at their peak. D&C 59:17-20 "Yea, and the herb, and the good htings which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man." Our Father in Heaven loves us and Christ created this earth for our benefit and enjoyment. May we be wise stewards and appreciate all He's done for us.

Quick Tour of DC

Washington Monument

The White House

Lincoln Memorial

The Eternal Flame: Gravesite of JFK & JKO

The changing of guards: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Here's a few highlights of our sight-seeing in Washington DC. To make this educational trip appealing to the kids, we had to mix in stops at icecream vendors and gift shops, as well as indoor swimming in the evenings at our hotel. The weather was perfect for all the walking outdoors. Riding the METRO to get around the big city was much better than driving in DC traffic during peak season. Mackenzie was scared of the Metro at first because it was dark and fast, but soon learned to swipe her pass and enjoyed riding the escalators to access the Metro. We visited a few Smithsonians and the Spy Museum as well. There is much fun and learning to be had in DC. It was a great trip.

Let the Games Begin

The kids enjoy going to Lake Benson park each spring for an Egg Hunt. It was a beautiful day for it. The Easter Bunny was playing with Scott for the picture, thus the hand over the face. Scott gathered enough eggs & candy to share, which he did with a happy heart. The Easter season is a time to celebrate Christ's resurrection with the rest of the Christian world... a favorite time of the year for us. Someone told me today that Easter Eggs are a symbol of birth/new life, something I hadn't heard before. Now who can explain the Easter Bunny? Hmmm... that may be purely commercial.