Birthdays at the park

Grampy and Owen

Em and Chance

Sam and Chrissy
Lesson: Always wear your bike helmet when riding fast through a park!

The "Girls Club" is back in order now that Dev is home!

Andy, Kelly, Brandon

March 21st is my Dad's birthday AND my sister Em's as well! Kelly's is the 24th and so we celebrated his birthday with theirs this weekend at the park! All of our kids ran around, rode bikes and scooters, played basket ball, and spent a lot of time swinging on the swings while the adults sat back, relaxed and ate, talked and opened presents. Good times!

Llama Llama!

Jenna and I went to visit the llamas today. She absolutly LOVED it! Now we are going to have a hard time driving by without stopping!

I need Lent!

Yesterday, when I was getting my hair done, Lyn (my hair dresser) started talking about Lent (she's Catholic). Her family is so good every year-no alcohol or chocolate and this year, no grocery shopping unless it's an emergency! They are eating out of their pantry! Well, as I sat and listened to her I thought how brilliant the whole Lent thing is! I don't need to worry about the alcohol-no problem. Or meat-who cares! I can do without chocolate too! I don't want to eat out of my pantry-not until a disaster hits but that is just their deal anyway. I HATE fasting! That would be hard for me since I turn into a BEAST without food! But I thought that maybe I should go without something for a month until Easter! Hmmmm...what about treats in general? Those darn Girl Scouts are out in force again, looking angelic in their tidy uniforms, but lulling you with their boxes and boxes of fatty goodness! I've already eaten too many to feel comfortable admitting. (Thanks Kelly for getting sucked into their temptation!) Do you think I can do it? If you know me well you KNOW that it would be a sacrifice to say the least! I'm going to try this. I need to support my Catholic blood! Right Dad? (His fam is Catholic) Anyone want to join me? I'm trying to convert Kelly! Wish me luck!

Bailey's Art

Bailey has always loved art! When she was 4 she started a class through our community center in Castro Valley and went there for a few years. Then last summer, she took a class at the Bountiful Art Center with Marco. Recently we started her with Chris Jacobs who is the art teacher for the Charter school in North Salt Lake and she LOVES it! She is coming along well and enjoying all that she is learning! I love the city picture! It's fun to see her doing what she loves!

House Challenge Results for week one:

House #1

House #2

#2 won last week's challenge! This house IS so cute and charming! I can see a black and white checked tile entry, white everywhere with fun, bright colors to accent, lots of wainscoting, fun transoms...I love to dream of this house! BUT there are so many others to choose from so here is the new house of the week! It is grey shingle, love the porch in front and back! Sorry, not the best photos but I was in a hurry and didn't want to get caught taking the picture! Cast your votes!

Camera 101

My dear friend Carin had a photography workshop last Saturday which was fabulous! It was all day camera but really fun too since many of our friends and neighbors were there! It was a little mind boggling at first but by the end of the day I felt like I knew what I was doing! I got a few good shots and had a lot of laughs in the process. We had a practice day at the park today with our kids. It was WINDY and COLD but I got a few descent shots anyway! I am in awe of Carin's work and love her as our family photographer and friend! She is AMAZING both as an artist and as a person! So, thank you for a great day Carin and I WILL keep practicing!

a five year old's take on romance

Tonight I overheard Sam and Noah having a discussion about Star Wars movies and their favorite episodes, scenes, etc. Sam started talking about the part where (in Episode 2 I believe) and I quote,"they come out in the carriage and kiss. Everyone says, ahhh they're so cute. It's the most romantic part!" He put his little hands on each cheek and said it soooo cute! If I don't write these things down, they are lost! He is going to be a lady's man!