We Like Visitors!

Darren's brother Nolan had a work conference in Scottsdale for a few days.  They called us Thursday night and said they were headed over to see us.  We ordered up some pizza, then busted out the stuff to make s'mores again.

My kids love their cousins.  They soaked up the love from Liv and Clara.

Thanks for stopping by guys!  It was so fun to have you for an evening!

Isn't he yummy?

I could totally eat him for breakfast!  Those cheeks are delish!

Memorial Day Backyard Picnic

I really wanted to head up to the mountains for the day on Memorial Day, but Darren was having a hard time with the time/gas issue for one day.  So we stuck around here, watched a movie or two and then headed outside for a picnic and some smores.

Getting the fire started.  That's my job.  Darren hates the smell and smoke of a fire.  I love it!

And were off!  The smores were so yummy.  I traded the fire pit for pictures a little while back and had been itching to use it.  I'm sure when it cools down we'll get lots of use out of it.  After the smores were all eaten, Melissa headed to a movie with friends and the kids serenaded us with "Love Story" and "Eye of the Tiger."  BEST ENTERTAINMENT EVER!

Spring Season Baseball

We love baseball season around here.  Darren is super serious about it and therefore...so is his son.  Parker is pretty good.  He loves the game.  He loves the time his dad spends with him because of it.  We tried a different league this time around and although it was a busy season with games two nights a week it was such a great time.  We wrapped up the season before it got too hot.  The boys were supposed to rotate defensive positions but coach played him at first most games.  He loved it because of the opportunity to have the ball almost every play.  Once in a while he got to catch.  That picture up there brings back memories of his daddy in that same get up.  I'm sure we'll be spending many an afternoon or weekend at all my boy's baseball games.

Espee Park

Just before school got out Alexia's teacher, Mr. Cederstrom put together a little video for their class.  Each child had to submit 5 pictures of their child for the video.  She brought it home and showed it to us.  I watched with a sinking feeling.  The pictures of Alexia were taken at her piano recital, around our house, and on our lawn.  The pictures of the other kids were taken at Disneyland, on beaches, on cruises, at bounce houses, and a dozen other really fun places.  It made me look extremely boring.  That night I decided to do something about it.  I packed their swimsuits and some towels without telling them.  I loaded them all into the van and told them we were going to drive around looking for potential spot for photo shoots.  They all groaned but hopped in anyway.  We stopped at Little Cesar's for some $5 pizza's, called Daddy and told him where to meet us, and then I drove them all to the sprinkler park.  They all squealed with delight and I felt like a fabulous mom because it was Wednesday, just an ordinary day.  We all had so much fun.  

Yes!  I do feed him!  A LOT!

I love this picture of Alexia!

BOYS!  I swear...

Love that face!

I don't think she saw that one coming.

All tuckered out!

At least he's equal opportunity. =)

The sprinklers shut off every once in a while in order for the park to drain.  But it's no problem because all sorts of fun things are available on the other side of the park.  The kids loved this twirly thing and made a new friend in the process.

The happiness on their faces in this picture almost makes me giddy.

I love pictures of Darren with my babies.

Elijah made a little friend while we were there.

 

Even Aunt Melissa got in on the fun!

Famous Arizonan 4th Grade Project

Alexia had a big project due in May.  She had to choose a famous Arizonan, dress up like them, create a backdrop, and give a speech about them. 

She chose a woman named Isabella Greenway.  She was Arizona's first congresswoman and who used her rollerskates to get around the buildings in order to get some exercise because she couldn't use the men's gymnasium for members of congress.

Alexia's 4th grade class

It's Official...

...Aunt Melissa is here to stay!

Spencer thinks her phone is the bomb!

And we all think he's the bomb!  None of us can get enough of this little happy guy!

I'm adding this picture here just because.  I love these little boys.  They may not come in matchy cute frilly packages but they're mine for the keeping. If you look closely you can tell the jackets do not match the slacks.  These boys want to be just like daddy though so who am I to tell them to wear something else?  Love this picture of my three little handsome boys!

Easter Sunday

I love holidays.  I love the specialness of the day.  This one was extra special because not only was it Easter but it was Alexia's 10th birthday as well.  We started out with baskets for the kids and Grandma Stewart found matching outfits for the boys this year.  Seriously still cute even though they are boys.  It took me a while to pick up Alexia an Easter dress this year.  She's way too tall for the really pretty ones in the stores even though all of the girls her age can wear them.  I'd kind of decided to not even worry about it but in the end, she's my only girl and she should get an Easter dress, right?  I thought so.  :)

Apparently the candy was yummy....

I splurged and did Jelly Belly's this year, so even Darren thought the candy was yum!

We dyed some eggs.  This is one of my favorite things to do holiday wise and I almost forgot all about it this year.  I was in the midst of a photography rush (16 appts in April!) and so the eggs didn't get done until Easter day itself but they were colorful and delish in potato salad later that day.

Very tricky to get four of them smiling and looking in the same direction, but at least they're all in there.

Once Spencer found an egg with candy in it his hunt was over.  He found a comfy spot, plopped down, and proceeded to eat some jelly beans.

Not these three though.  They were on the hunt for the Golden Egg with $5 in it.  I remember my dad hiding one of these once.

And she found it!  The egg was actually a tiny green one and was hidden in the middle of the rose bushes.  They all were so excited about it!  We'll have to have a repeat next year. 

Hope it was a happy day for you all too! 

In the Meantime

I have lots to post from Easter weekend, but don't have the time right now.  I'm supposed to be in the shower getting ready for church.  But I do have a minute and wanted to post these.  I took Parker and his friend Carter out to do pictures for their upcoming baptisms.  These boys were so funny and silly and wanted me to stop taking their pictures already!  I have quite a few to wade through, but thought I'd post a couple.