Beware the Ides of March

James turns 5!

James' birthday was a super mellow day. I'm not sure if the kids were on the verge of getting sick or everyone was just super tired, but as you can see from the pictures everyone looks half-asleep.

It was a good day though, Grandma and Grandpa came up, and Amy and Mo.
We had pizza and spicy juice. James was excited to see everyone and get soo many present.

I can't believe how big my little boy has gotten. I love him so much!

Amy and Mo brought up kites for all the kids, that was super nice of them, they have had fun flying them.

 The SOFT swords James has been requesting for months!

 Amy and Mo also gave him some Legos which he has spent countless hours playing with and some spicy juice!

 Lauren is ready to pounce on the cupcakes!

First try! I think all his wishes came true!

PS (I swear that pizza is on a pizza stone, it just looks like we threw it on the table....)(Oh! AND there was an exciting fire in the oven. Barry said .."Um, Jill there is a fire in the oven, and then he just walked out of the room and went about his business." It made a rather smoking tasting pizza, but oh well!)

Saturday Afternoon

 Saturday was a BEAUTIFUL day, we decided to hike to Balanced Rock.

 Our friends showed up when we were on the way down. We later saw them when we were having a picnic in a different part of the canyon.

 

 Daddy made the sandwiches...
Mommy made the cookies.

 The kids made their own fishing poles and sat on the bank and fished. It is such a pretty spot. I think I will remember moments from that peaceful afternoon forever.

 

 

What we've been up to.

 Don't these pictures look like Emma's a red head? I put these pictures in for you Mom.

 I kiss those cheeks all day long.......... :)

 Emma is wearing the dress Barry's grandma made for Barry's sister when she was a baby. It is everything a baby dress should be. :)

 Eleanor is always stealing Emma and taking her to different parts of the house. She loves playing with her, and is having so much fun being her big sister.

   We had some new families move into the ward, We took these cookies around as a primary presidency. I think they turned out real Purdy. They weren't the best tasteing.

  Barry was having a bad day, so we decided to make him potatoe salad to cheer him up. Everybody helped.

 Little Emmaline was our cheer leader!

 Lauren really tried to help........

 but she mostly just ate the olives. That girl has a great love for olives!

 James did a great job peeling and chopping the eggs.

 Daddy smoked another pig for school, these are the hams he left on our counter. He kindof forgot about them so they got a bit burnt, but he said they tasted good.

I read this book yesterday. I quite enjoyed it! I looked for a copy of it years ago and no library had it, but it's back in print.

Everyday

 Everyday, I love my kids more than I did the day before.

I love being a mother, and feel incredible blessed that my Father in Heaven entrusted these sweet spirits to me. :) If only I could have 10 more! (heheehe)