Uncle Don and Aunt Mary

My dad has one living brother and my mom takes communion to him each Sunday. He suffered a stroke a few years back and getting around is a bit difficult. Whenever we or the kids are in town with mom we tend to go with her to see Uncle Don. The kids are often doing art work for their great Uncle Don to brighten up his walls. I do not think we have taken a picture for quite some time and Don and Mary looked so great, plus we had the camera so here we go! a great picture!! Makayla said quietly to a few, since my grandpa died I kind of pretend "Uncle Don" is my grandpa now.  She is such a sweet kid!

pictures! ugg

 Trying to get pictures taken prior to leaving for church was almost impossible! Gabriella was not in the mood for photos! ugg! Anyway the following are the best attempts!

 This one makes me smile as it looks like mom's Lilly is coming out of Makayla's ears! hehe

 We went to my aunt and uncles after church and had a cousins snap these pictures... a little better moods and then we let them do a picture with "attitude" and this is the result! the picture to the right just cracks me up!

Last is the family picture with "attitude" and cute picture aside from PJ being a crazy fool. Had to include it in the blog as it still makes me smile! love each of them and all the corkiness our family enjoys!

Easter baskets

 Easter morning the kids were up at 730 and ready to find baskets! Thankfully no one had to search too long before finding their prized basket.

 The big unveil and all the fun it brings. I think each kiddo was happy with their contents.

A couple genuine smiles caught on camera. Brie is definitely into this holiday thing!

Easter party

 The annual Easter party hosted by my sister Jacie and hubby Al was another success. The rabbit made his appearance and the kids were not terribly excited about getting pictures taken except PJ!

My other sister made the cutest Pinata'. He was almost too cute to destroy, though the kids had a grand time trying to break him open! It took until we got to the adult grand boys before it finally let loose.

Certainly each of my kids gave it their all trying to break the well done Pinata'.

 Maggie and PJ were entertained by the remains of the bird!

 It is an afternoon of many activities, including some card playing amongst some favorite cousins.

 The egg hunt was fun as well. The kids found their 10 eggs and were pleased with the contents of them.

 Grandma got each of the kiddos kites and the afternoon was finished off with kite flying and enjoying the warm day!

A big THANK YOU to Jacie and Allan for making it another fun Easter. My kids were worn out by the end of the day!

eggs, eggs, eggs, eggs

Coloring eggs is a very serious ordeal around here. Pete is always so kind and buys each child their own dozen eggs! The kids did a good job of patiently waiting for all the dyes to dissolve and did an even better job of dragging this activity out to longer than 90 minutes! (remember they each only had 12 eggs!) Anyway  a lot of fun was had by all and many giggles each time Maggie or Brie "dropped" their egg into the dye! somehow no eggs ended up breaking!

 Each of the kids getting started on their eggs, it is daylight and before 7 pm.

 One close up of each kiddo enjoying their egg coloring fun!

The nice thing about being behind the camera you can take pictures of whomever you choose, say cheese daddy!

 The final products, after 830 and nearing dark! All in all a lot of fun and some very beautiful eggs! Brie was distract at the fact we were immediately going to break their eggs and turn them into deviled eggs for the party the next day.

PJ soccer Spring 2014

 Of course it was the coldest game so far that I would bring my camera to! Here are a couple action shots with PJ is his winter coats, hat and gloves! He is having a blast this year and seems to be getting the concept better this time.

mom's help, yes please

Pete and I are in charge of a teacher luncheon each spring and last year and this my mom has also helped. The staff just love her and so do we!! She just brings a calm presence to what could be a very stressful situation! 

We had her with us from Wednesday until Sunday and could have kept her many days more! She watched kids, attending a birthday party with me and did some shopping along with everything else in between! My mom continues to amaze me, she has so much energy and  patience! God keeps given me these precious moments with her because I have a lot to learn yet! Thank goodness she is so healthy and is able to spend time with us and the kids! They truly enjoy their grandma time! Thanks mom for being such a great sports and always being up for whatever life brings our way while you are here! we LOVE you!