Our Family Reunion

My whole family got to go to my sister and her husband's family cabin a few weeks ago. As always, we had the most wonderful time. I wish I could somehow have captured the fun the adults had playing games at night and sitting around the fire after the kids went to bed. Too much laughing is definitely good for the soul! I also can't believe I don't have a photo of the boys shooting their new guns. Here is our trip, in a nutshell and in no particular order.

My favorite view, my nephew Calvin's chubby little hand. Asking me for more. More treats, more bubbles, more glow sticks. Whatever he wants from his Aunti Jane, he gets! This hand is so cute, I want to eat it up, dirt and all. He had to go and move to DC on me, darn it.

My main girl Debbie (Dawn's cute sister). I love her, everyone does. I love how she makes
everyone around her happy and smile. I love how she has a great memory and I love her use of words. She has such a big vocabulary. We are going to miss her when she goes back to Kansas.
Lots of kids! (15 to be exact) Notice tiny baby at the top.
Clueless baby, he had no idea he was sitting on the top step as part of a photo.

Our strong and handsome men. Lucky ladies are we!

4 wheeler action

Rides, sidewalk chalk, outdoor fun.
Big cousins comforting little cousins.

Water slide!

Forest scavenger hunt

Impromtu glow dance by me and Aaron. We had a million glowsticks around the fire so we copied an idea we saw and taped them to ourselves. First and probably last time I ever saw my husband dance.

Living on the swings, hours of fun everyday.
Bubble makers and finger knitting lesson by Aunt Katie.

Fishing, everyone caught some! The boys ate them for dinner.

Thanks Bracken family, we had too much fun and we love your cabin!

I may have a problem

I discovered Yogurtland. It opened near my home just two weeks ago.
I save our spoons . . .It is not uncommon for me to eat this as my lunch and/or dinner and I have been known a time or two to make an appearance there twice in one day. Maybe I should get a job there? It is so good! Go discover it, you won't be disappointed.

Feet

What is wrong with this picture?

I love it when this happens. Which is all too often, especially considering someone has two very different sized feet and needs two very different sized shoes.

My favorite pair of feet in the entire world:

Shhhh, twins sleeping

They always start out in their own bed.

I love to go check in them at night and see what has happened.

Random stuff

Just wanting to post a few random things.

Aaron had to be out of town on my birthday last week (oh, woe is me - no, not really - it was a great day!). My kids gave me this when I woke up. I treasure it. (thanks mom)

While doing the dishes Monday evening I got to enjoy this beautiful view. I don't know what I enjoyed more, the rainbow or the cutest attached vases my sister sent me for my birthday (thanks Kate!!) I am obsessed with them.

When Aaron got back in town I mentioned to him that my car was a mess. The next thing I knew, he took all the kids Mother's Day shopping and when they got home I opened the garage door and this is what I saw. All five of them, busy at work. Made me so happy.

And last, Antrhopologie sends me a coupon for my b-day every year. They are always packaged to die for. This year was a little card with a candle, the candle is part of a necklace. How fun is that?

Proud new Aunt

This is my brand new nephew, Clark. I took these photos of him this week and am so proud of them. I am head over heels in love with this handsome little guy and the only thing I want to do all day long is hold him! I make no apologies for the number of photos I am about to share, I am only sorry I am not sharing more. But hey, we have to keep his announcement photos a surprise!

This is our house!

We decided to sign Julia up for soccer with her cute friend London. Today was the first game & she had an absolutely wonderful time!

Her team, although much smaller than their opponents, won! Do you think it could be that the 5 year olds were intimidated by her older brother and his signage?
He was so excited for his sister that he spent the past three days prepping her for the big game. He showed her many fancy moves and told her time and again not to be afraid to slide!

PS - He scored a touchdown today at his first game of the season!

Easter 2010

My Grandpa Joe & Arnold Friberg

If you recognize this painting:

then you are probably familiar with the great artist, Arnold Friberg. My Grandpa Joe & Arnold Friberg were close friends for over 70 years. Mr. Friberg was also famous for painting the sets for THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Every Easter when the movie is shown, I'm reminded of this photo:

Arnold Friberg with my Grandpa wearing the actual robe

that Moses (Charlton Heston) wore in the movie.

PS - Notice George Washington's hands - - they are modeled after my grandpa.

Another take on "magic" jelly beans

Since we woke up to this today:

I thought I would test our "magic" jelly beans in the snow

Welcome to Easter in Utah!

Cutest Easter Tradition

I blogged about this last year after Easter and got requests to do it before the holiday this year. I think this is by far the cutest Easter tradition.

1. Buy some "magic" jelly beans

2. Plant them in your yard, this only works the night before Easter

3. The next morning go outside and see what grew.

I love magic jelly beans.
Anyone know how I can make some dollar bills grow overnight?
Now that would be fun!

(PS - I found these at Walgreens for $1.00, which is by far the best deal. I went to a specialty candy shop and they were half the size for about 5 dollars!)

My Brother

Happy Birthday Jeff!

10 reasons my brother is AMAZING

1. He is super smart -- he has a PhD in electrical engineering .

2. He is the BEST dad ever - - his kids adore him.

3. He taught himself how to play flemenco guitar and he is awesome!

4. He has a great sense of humor.

5. He reminds me of my dad (handsome, kind, funny, generous, spiritual and hard working).

6. He is a gifted athlete.

7. He keeps himself in great shape by running year round. (even in the snow)

8. He is the most disciplined person I've ever known.

9. He loves to learn and reads text books to relax?

10. In spite of all his talents, he's the most humble person I know.

St. Patrick's Day

Growing up we never really did anything to celebrate St. Patricks day except wear a bit a green, of course. I was not prepared for the fun that is had around here for Kindergarten. Every kid made a Leprachaun trap (I could not believe how amazing they were!) The Leprachauns come at night and make a disaster of the room, leaving chairs turned over, scribbles on the tables, notes on the board and more. No one caught him but he did leave a gold dollar for everyone. There was face painting, games, cookie decorating, a treasure hunt, candy, stories, hat making and more.

While most people were green on St. Patricks Day, a tender hearted little guy I know was very blue. He had way too much fun with his best buddy in town from California (more on that later.) and had to say goodbye before going to school. Broke my heart!

Happy Birthday Julia!

The sweetest girl I know turned 6 today

She was put in charge of all activities for the day. She isn't having a friends party so I told her she could invite a friend to join us.

Lunch: In-N-Out.

Activity: Shopping for jewelry, clothes and stuffed animals

followed by crafts at home

After dinner : Spoiled rotten and well deserved.

Happy Birthday sweet Julia !

Crazy Hair Day

When we woke up on crazy hair day I didn't have anything in particular in mind . . .

However, when I saw the finished product it reminded me a lot of: