Cousins and Birthdays

This was a few weeks ago but I don't want to forget it! My sister Noelle and her family are going to Texas for the summer, but we got to see them one last time to celebrate Noelle's 30th birthday! That makes me feel old. We also gave my mom birthday hugs for her day on May 1st. 

I thought 30 was worth a little attention, so I made her a hat and sash to wear at the restaurant.

We ate at the yummiest pizza place called Pizzeria Limone. My pizza had three types of cheese, fresh basil, and blackberries!

Afterwards we went to a park to spend more time together. Dana made a "Dirty Thirty" trifle and we put number sparklers in it because 30 deserves fireworks! 

The toys were super fun and different than I've seen before. The cousins had a blast!

You can tell how they feel about saying goodbye for 4 months... so sad. See ya'll on Labor Day!

Jake at ONE YEAR!

Happy 1st Birthday to this little guy! His big blue eyes, gappy teeth, soft cheeks, and squishy little legs make him just about the yummiest thing in the world. We can't believe it's already been a year since he joined the family!

I tried to get a good picture of him in his handsome Easter outfit, knowing that he was turning ONE this week too, but he was more interested in being silly!

His favorite thing is pulling dirt out of the flower beds. That and rip my flowers out. But I still love how saturated the colors were on that sunny day.

He is starting to talk a little... mostly just Mama, Dada, and uh-oh. This is the face he makes when he say uh-oh--so cute!

He is getting pretty silly. Ty made this mess, but Jake quickly sat in the empty basket. He loves toilet paper, trying to get to the water in the potty (none of my other kids were so persistent!), pulling books off shelves, emptying drawers, and climbing the stairs. I've gotta keep my eye on this one!

We kept things pretty low key for his birthday, but as usual I like to savor every moment of the day. Ty wanted to wake him up so we snuck in his room to take sleepy pictures.

He was pretty excited to see the presents and balloons for him. He made a bee-line to check it out.

At breakfast he noticed the balloons and banner in the dining room.

Jake also says "ah-ah" for monkey, and since he has a couple of sock monkeys that theme seemed as fitting as any. (Tyler's 1st birthday was Curious George--I guess we like monkeys!)

Cutest little Birthday Boy!

We had some monkeys jumping in the bed before dinner! Daxton & Bodie came to help celebrate.

Love that little monkey bum.

It was a good thing I followed the kids into Jake's room as they played, because I caught Jake's FIRST STEP on camera!!!! He let go of the rocking chair and stepped over to the race car! He is so close to walking and balances on everything.

Dinner was pretty delicious. We went ahead and had our bbq even though it was windy and rainy. Dana made homemade buns and it was probably the tastiest hamburger ever.

After dinner was present time! Jake got some sweet baby toys (and a re-gifted ball toy with new batteries) and then the kids helped him open a new wagon!! The older kids are enjoying it too, although they've only been able to play indoors since it's been so rainy.

We had cream cheese banana muffins for the birthday treat. Jake didn't like the party hat or the candle, but he devoured three muffins.

It was finally sunny today and the kids took the red wagon out for a spin after church. It seems like a quintessential kid toy... I remember pulling my siblings in one at my Grandma Jensen's, and Mike had one when he was little.

Time marches on and babies grow up. We often tell Jakey to "just stay little" but I guess he's not listening!

Easter Eggs

We were able to gather our own Easter eggs this year! Our neighbor went on vacation for a week and asked us to collect the eggs every day while they were gone. We love eggs... sunny side up, scrambled, hard-boiled--you name it!--so we were happy to do it.

 

 It was such a fun experience to visit the chickens every day and see where eggs really come from.

One chicken laid blueish white eggs, and the rest were brown. We weren't sure if this would work with our Easter egg dye, but we gave it a try. 

My freshly bathed babes all lined up to start.

We tried a new kind of dye this year called "Pearlescent." You just put a little in a baggie 'glove' and rub it around on the egg. Much less messy, and they turned out so pretty!

The Easter Bunny came during the night and hid the baskets. Tyler was so cute this year because he can understand all the traditions better. When he heard the Easter bunny came, he said "I want to shake his hand!"

After everybody found their basket they could collect eggs from around the house. It was a little rushed getting the festivities finished in time to get ready for 9 o'clock church, but we made it! I can't say they didn't eat any candy for breakfast...

After church we stayed in our Easter duds for a few family pictures. It was a bright and beautiful day, although the wind was blustery, which made it hard to get a good picture.

My little ones are so sweet! Jake's face cracks me up. I am so blessed to be the mommy of this clan, even if it's a zoo sometimes.

The wind was perfect for blowing their bubble wands from the Easter bunny.

 

They also got star sunglasses and the kids had an impromptu concert being rock stars after lunch. Ty's dancing, Ella's guitar strumming, Maddie on lyrics... cracks me up!

Everybody had a nap in the afternoon (except me as I was busy in the kitchen). I guess Ella tuckered out from all the fun!

We had Mike's family over for Easter dinner. We had roasted a chicken and mashed potatoes and gravy, and everyone brought yummy sides and salads. I tried a healthy dessert called raw berry cheesecake, although there was no cheese. The filling was made from soaked cashews pureed with berries and honey, and the crust was almonds and dates. It was delicious and refreshing after the holiday sugar rush!

Our brother-in-law works in radiology at the hospital and had to work all weekend, so we brought him some Easter dinner at work! It was a fun surprise and outing.

I went to bed feeling full to the brim--not just of food, but also of family and feelings of love and gratitude for my Savior and all that he has done for me. Because of Him life is beautiful. 

Lunch at School!

Last Friday we surprised Maddie and ate lunch with her at school! Ella and Ty thought it was awesome to eat with the big kids.

I thought Maddie might be embarrassed to have us come, but just the opposite. She was proud to lead her little sister around and show her where to go.

We joined Maddie's usually posse of friends. I love seeing them talk and giggle.

Of course the best part was going to recess!!!

Maddie showed off her mad monkey skills.

Jake had a ball on the toys. He is a little climber already!!

I had to keep a close eye on Ty--he was brave and went up and down the playset on his own, mixing in with all the big kids.
 

It made all of our day to spend that little time together having fun. We didn't want to say goodbye! Ella can't wait to go to Meadow just like her big sis.

Ella recently had a preschool field trip to Hee Haw farms. She got to hold a goat, go on a wagon ride, and go down the big slide.

Ty was a pill that day, but he's always happy to ride a tractor!