Salt Lake City

We decided to take the kids up to good old SLC for some LDS Church History.  We went to the "This is the Place" monument and park and got to go back in time and see how a town would have looked and worked!  We happened to pick a very cold day which made for some very cranky kids. 

 But the kids loved their pony rides...

 Checking out the old school house.  The teacher even spoke to the "class" and told them some of the differences.  One being boys and girls were put on different sides of the rooms

 We found a hole in the wall waffle place...it was yummy!

 Took the kids around temple square...

 When we got home Emily had prepared some sushi for snack...APRIL FOOLS!  I have never done much for April fools so my kids loved it!

Museum of Natural Curiosity

WOW!  What a museum!  My niece and nephew ditched school and came with us to the Museum on Monday.  What a cool place.  I tried to relax and let the kids run around but I was just as interested in all that this place had to offer!  The museum was broken up into a few different areas: Kidopolis, Water works,  Rainforest, Garden area and the traveling exhibit was a science room.  We spent about 4 hours there!  Watch out for photo overload!

 The Entrance

 The Music Room was AMAZING!  A stringless harp, electronic drums...I could have spent a long time here!

 Magic Room

 Vet Room

 Using motion to make lights come on!

 How Long can you hang like a sloth?

 Outdoor play

 Jungle climbing-yes I even got up there!

 The world is a stage!

 Learning about green screens!

 Noah's Ark

 Can you squeeze as tight as a python?

Utah or Bust!

We promised our kids that when they turned 8 we would do our best to take the to attend the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  This is a semi-annual meeting of the church, held every 6 months.  It is broadcast from SLC, UT but there is an amazing conference center that we can go to.  Xander turned 8 a year and a half ago and we haven't made it.  This spring the session perfectly lined up with our spring break!  So we decided to take our whole family and spend time with my sister and her family.  The drive, as always, was long but there was excitement the whole way and even more when we arrived in Utah at 10PM.  The drive had a ton of dust funnels though...it kept me entertained!

Nuestro Mundo

The first graders performed some songs and titled the program "Nuestro Mundo."  It was lots of fun to see Eliza with her classmates singing and dancing.  She did a great job and we are all proud of her for her accomplishments in first grade!

Winco Field Trip

 Violet's preschool group got to do a field trip at Winco.  It was one of the better field trips I have taken with my kids.   This was the 3rd grocery store and the best grocery store I have ever toured.  The woman who lead us was so patient and we learned so much.  She even taught about honesty in the candy aisle! 

Later that night, Xander received a couple awards towards his Bear rank.  We are really going to have to get going on this one since there is a whole new program rolling out soon!

Easter Concert

I got to participate in the orchestra again this year for our annual Easter concert!  I always LOVE the music for this concert and this year was no exception.  I was the only bass player again which is always a bit nerve wracking but I made it!  I got to have a few friends come see me this year, which always is special and makes me feel so loved!

A VERY fun Day! And a little naughty...

 My kids love the park. (I struggle at the park).  They love the monkey bars but my rule is that they have to be able to do them on their own.  So Violet kept at it and made it across!  Way to go V!

Later that day, we pulled the big kids out of school early (it was a Friday after all!), packed lots of candy and went to see the Cinderella movie.  Xander and Eliza had no idea I was going to do this.  Xander cried because he was going to miss PE.  Eliza was indifferent.  I was a little crushed.  I am a silly girl who still has this crazy desire to follow all the rules so it was not easy for me to decide to pull the kids out of school and go see a movie.  BUT Xander had said he wanted to see this movie and it was the only time we could figure out to go when it was still matinee times.  In the end, everyone was happy and we had a great time.  And Abby almost made it through the entire movie! 

Friends

Got this picture from the Mom who was hosting preschool.  My first thought?  Violet is being a pill and shes on time out.  I'm so bad.  What actually happened?  Violet bonked her head really bad and her friend Ryken made her this special bed, got her an ice pack and took care of her!  So grateful for good friends!

Speaking of friends! I also have some good ones.  So thankful for this one who invited Abby & Violet to play while I got us ready for our trip.  It was a lifesaver!

Eliza's Spa

Eliza got a spa pedicure gift and she finally got to use it...on her and her sisters.  Fun was had by all!

BFF, BBF, BSF, BMF

Violet came home from school and told us she had a BFF.  Eliza came home and asked why she doesn't have a BFF.  Oh man.  Girls and their drama.  We now have BFF's, BBF (Best brothers forever), BSF (Best sisters forever) and BMF's (best moms forever).  Everyone is a BF! 

What has been so neat is too see how close these two ladies are.  They love playing with each other!  It will really be different when Violet starts kindergarten next year!  I know Abby will be grateful that she gets to go to preschool but I'm not sure it will be enough for her.  And that might mean...(GASP) that I have to entertain Abby.  What will that be like?

Free Pancake Day

My kids really missed warm breakfasts foods while we have been under construction...(because I have spoiled them so much!)  Thanks IHOP for free pancakes...great timing!

Sunday Shenanigans

We try to take Sundays easy around here...and walking to Nana & Grumpy's is on top of the list.  Nevermind that it is 2.5 miles!  These kids can handle it. Especially since Uncle Jake will play war or fooey with them!  good times are had by all!