A Little More Spring!

Jace had been dreading the day he would get braces for years. In fact, when I told him about our first consultation, he burst into tears. His teeth are decently straight and he was sure he didn't really need braces. When he ended up getting them on, he did surprisingly great and still looked so cute with them. I was surprised at how they made him look older right away. They started hurting quite a bit later and he was on a liquid diet for about 24 hours but now he is wearing them like a champ. 

We had a chilly, rainy day off from school, so I took the boys to Hill Air Force Base Museum. It was free and really cool. I could have gone through a lot more slowly, so much info to take in! I am so grateful for all the men and women who have risked their lives for our freedom. It was humbling to read so many of their stories. It was a nice way to spend an afternoon together!

For spring break we headed back down to St. George. It was rainy and really cold in Kaysville, so St. George was a nice escape (even though the weather didn't get good until the end). We were lucky enough to see Ez play baseball and loved spending time with cousins.

We took the kids to explore Glitter Mountain...an old gypsum mine. It took us FOREVER to get there because we couldn't figure it out, but once we got there, it was really cool. They collected lots and lots of shiny gypsum.

These two best buddies, snuggling it up with grandpa!

Mike flew into town on Friday night and it was so much fun to have him there with us for a couple of days. Everything is better when dad is there. I was doing yoga and these boys decided to jump in ;).

Grandma decided to do a little Easter celebration in St. George and the kids loved coloring eggs again. Whenever Pierce thinks of St. George he always thinks of Easter, so he was thrilled!

Between Saturday conference sessions we decided to go take a hike to get our wiggles out and it was the COOLEST hike ever. It was the Red Reef Trail and it had everything. Cool desert landscapes, slots, cliff jumping, scary places that you have to scale with a rope, and views that make you appreciate this beautiful world. Loved my boys' adventurous spirits and willingness to explore. Grateful for a healthy husband who can lead the way on all these adventures.

Parker, Ez, and James made the big jump!

Pierce is fearless and does not like to be left behind. I am always so impressed with his bravery and coordination!

We ended the evening with another egg hunt for these lucky kids. There were even a few money eggs :)!

Another St. George trip with hours logged in the pool! These boys were absolute raisins every day!

And this little boy loves swimming the most by far. Usually the first one in and you have to drag him out at the end of every day!

We had some seriously fun games of Tenzi going. What a great game for a group of all ages!!! Love playing games with our family.

Spotlight on Parker at 11!

My favorite food is:  quesadillas, pizza, pomegranates, steak, ribs

My favorite sport is: soccer

The best show on TV is: Justice League

The coolest person in the world is: Mom

My best subject in school is: Reading or Art

I'm really awesome at: soccer, reading, art

If I could change my name, it would be: I wouldn't change it

My favorite color is: any kind of blue

When I grow up I want to be: a surgeon

My parents are too strict about: reading too late

My favorite song is: 7 years

My favorite book is: Spy Camp series, Ranger Apprentice, and Young Samaurai 

When we stop for a treat, I get this: choclate ice cream

4 words that describe me are: cool, awesome, fast, smart

When I was little, I used to: whine

My favorite scripture story is:  Ammon

My favorite primary/church song is:  The Miracle

My favorite season is: Spring

The best snack ever is: Sour cream and onion chips

My favorite superhero is: Captain America, Deadpool, Black Widow, Batman, Superman

The food that makes me want to barf is: tomatoes, stir fry

The car I would love to drive when I turn 16 is:  Ferrari XXO

My best friends are: Isaac, Tallon, Dillon, Bridger, Dayton

The cutest girl I know is: Kayla, Riley

The most memorable day this year was: Piano recital, science fair, reflections, Park City soccer win 

If I had one wish it would be: No one would be homeless or hungry

The best thing that has happened to me this year is: getting my fitbit

One thing I want to learn to do this year is: Square roots, grow!!

One thing I need to work on is: Getting to bed on time

If I could go anywhere it would be: Hawaii or Alaska or bahamas

The most important lesson I've learned this year is:  Soccer is not the only thing that is important in my life. We are going to win and loose, but it is about having fun and learning. 

Parkie, what a year you have had. It seems like you have excelled in every way...academically, artistically, musically, and athletically. You are so incredibly self-motivated and push yourself to achieve excellence in everything you do. It has been so much fun to watch you run track and play soccer and improve each day. The same thing has happened with piano...your music is just beautiful and you are willing to practice in order to improve. This year, you killed the Reflections competition and loved creating your pieces and being recognized for your talents. Your school teachers love you and you LOVE going to school. Every night you pray, you thank Heavenly Father for giving you the opportunity to go to school. Your mind is a steel trap and you are interested in and remember almost everything. It is amazing. You have found a wonderful group of friends this year and enjoy all your time with them. You are surprisingly the most social of the boys, always wanting to "hang out." Everyone seems to like you and want you around. You ditch the family willingly for friends, but do still have a good time with your brothers. Your soccer experience this year has been such a joy. You have an incredible coach who has taught you so much and teammates that have been perfect for you. I have watched you enjoy every second of the training, games and instruction, even the losses. You bear your testimony often and soak the gospel in. You know the scriptures well and are engaged in your primary lessons. At home, you are easy to have around and overall, just pleasant. You are responsible and kind for the most part though we do see you riled up every now and then. You don't mind doing your thing and having some down time. We almost never see you without a book...you bring them everywhere. It's fun to see you love to read so much. You are a force for good and an example of greatness. We are so happy we get to be your parents and cannot wait to see who you become. Love you millions our little Piggy. 

Easter Sunday!

It doesn't matter how old the boys get, they love Easter morning, especially looking for eggs. It is fun to watch them all get excited for Pierce too and hide them over and over again! Love these sweet boys of mine. 

I love dressing the boys up for Easter Sunday. They know that a few times a year, I get my way and this is one of those days. They are all just so handsome!!

Such a beautiful day with the people I love! I am so grateful for my testimony of the Savior. I know he died for us and lived for us.  He lives today and is cheering us on from the other side. I feel of His support and influence on a daily basis when I am willing to stop and recognize it. He is the reason for it all.