Spring Sports

This year we did Spring Sports with the kids. Kaleb was on the Cub's baseball team, and Tavy was on team Italia for soccer. Both were exceptional, and I think if they could get their Mom to quiet down from the side lines they may be willing to play again in the fall. Tavy was exceptional at stealing the soccer ball and was very good at driving it down the field. Kaleb was a great hitter, and when he played first baseman he made a few amazing outs, though he was put in the catcher's uniform more often than not.

Easter Comes in Threes

This year the kids had three Easter Egg hunts. The first one was in Clayton. This really cool lady in our ward planned and carried out an Easter egg hunt. The second was in Utah at my mom's house. It was on the day we drove in, and we had started out at two in the morning, so it was a little drowsy. The third egg hunt was at Grandma Barb's house with Braxton and Chelsea. The Easter Bunny really out did himself this year, and we are still eating all the candy we brought home with us. I think once we drove home, Tavy was going through Easter withdrawals, because a few days after our trip I found her Easter basket hidden behind our desk with four real, uncooked eggs in it. It had been there at least 24 hours. She said it was an Easter surprise for me. I was defiantly feeling surprised--it was mingled with other feelings as well. After we celebrated Easter, we drove up to spend some time with Grandpa Roy and Grandma Ruth. It was so nice to see them. We got to see them twice while we were up in Utah, and the second time we even played a game of Rumicube, and Grandpa took us all. We also had the opportunity to go up to Idaho to see my Dad and Danny's new house. It is really nice and we are really excited to spend the summer in Bear Lake. On our way home from Idaho Grandpa John and Grandma Doris took us to Baby Days in Logan. The kids held baby everything--kitties, duckies, chickies, bunnies, they rode ponies, and petted baby goats. The kids took a ride on a wagon. Then we had a lasso, and tried to rope wooden cows. I showed the kids how it was done, roping Kaleb with a surprising ease, but I've had so much practice--that's how we got through our terrible twos. Kaleb lassoed the wooden cow a few times, and Tavy even figured it out after a while. There was a pole that had money stuck to it with butter--Kaleb saw it and pulled of his shoes and socks immediately. That child tried everything he could to climb up to the money, his shirt still has grease stains on it. He would get close to the money and then he would slide down the pole trying to scamper back up like an old cartoon--his legs were moving forward, but he sure wasn't. Yellowstone had baby bears at the exhibit, and the little cubs ran around this play pen trying to climb up the ranger's leg. The kids were asking for pet bear cubs after and we had to explain, yes, they are adorable--but they get bigger. We came home and went to Diary of a Wimpy Kid with Aunt Amy and Grandma Barb, I think that one day we will own that movie, my favorite line: "Rodrick started it," "So you decided to pee on him?" All in all the trip was a fantastic blur. I came home to runny eggs, and a realization that yes, I did eat a cricket--but after motherhood, I think your eww factor has gone way down, and it was covered in BBQ seasoning. So what you going to do?

Tavy Turn's Six

On March 17 Tavy turned six. This year we told our kids, they could choose to have a present or a party. Kaleb of course went for the present. Tavy however, started kindergarten this year, and for the last few months she has become obsessed with the idea of a birthday party. For months, Tavy was very boisterous about the birthday party she decided she was having. At some point or other she told every kindergartner at her school they were for sure invited to her party, especially if they had a better snack than she did. So by the beginning of March Tavy assured us that her whole class was coming to her party. Chad and I looked into options, and found a fun place full of bounce toys that we could rent and she could invite all her friends. It became very apparent that Tavy has her daddy wrapped around her little finger because it took no effort at all for her to convince daddy that she just had to have her birthday party at Pump it Up. The party was on her actual birthday which is St. Patrick's Day. On a side note, I feel sorry for Kaleb's wife, she is going to wonder why Kaleb has this overwhelming need to throw huge bashes on St. Patrick's Day--"Come on hun, St. Patrick's Day? We aren't Irish." Anyway, when the day arrived, we had 30 kids confirmed for the party. It turns Tavy stayed very vocal about her party and all the kids she invited just had to come. There are 32 kids in Tavy's class, and a solid majority of them came. We had a blast. Chad and I were right there with the kids playing in the bounce houses, while the other parent's who choose to stay sat on the benches looking at us like we were goofs, but we had a blast! Kaleb invited a friend, and they also had a lot of fun. Before we went into play the kid's were hyper, and excited. After and hour and a half of bouncing we went in for snacks and cake, and they had all wilted. More than one parent told me they felt sure their kid was going to sleep well. Tavy sat in a inflatable throne and we all sung Happy Birthday to her. It was a great birthday, and that night as I put Tavy to sleep I noticed she does seem so grown up. I still remember so vividly that sweet little baby girl with the black tuffs of hair brought to me in the hospital with the sweet little green bow on her head. I sure love my girl.

Kaleb's Road

Last Saturday Kaleb was baptised. So many family and friends came out to support us. It was awesome. Kaleb was a little nervous at first, but the spirit was so sweet and he was so good we had a great day. It was so wonderful to see Kaleb take that first step toward his own salvation. What a great Kid. The day started out a little hectic. It was hard to make certain everything was ready and everyone was fed. Then we went to the church early to set up for the luncheon afterward. The spirit in the church slowed everything down. It was nice to just get everything taken care of. The service was simple and sweet. Grandma Barb said the opening prayer. Grandma Doris lead the music. Brother Brian Blotter conducted. Grandpa John gave a talk on baptism. He stressed the importance of keeping the covenant Kaleb was making. After that Kaleb, Tavy and I sang a song about baptism which I cried through of course. Then Kaleb was baptised. His face was so radiant as he came out of the water. He was so pure. After the baptism I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, then Kaleb was confirmed a member of the church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The closing prayer was said by Grandpa Scott. We had lunch with family and friends from the ward. It was so kind of everyone to support us and I am so grateful for the influence Kaleb is too me in my life.