Easter

We had lots of fun this Easter. It seemed to sneak up on us rather quickly. On Saturday, we went to the annual Easter Egg Hunt at our church. The kids all enjoyed finding plastic eggs with candy in them. They were each in different sections, so between 2 adults and 2 cameras, we were able to get some pictures.

Ian picking up some eggs:

 

Audrey, getting serious and walking through the bushes. It was interesting to watch her be so selective. There were a lot of eggs she passed up and definitely certain ones she really wanted.

 

Audrey with her full basket:

Rachel hunting (more like gathering) her eggs:

 

After Ian picked up a few eggs, he was more than happy to watch the others and play with his eggs in his stroller:

 Our happy three:

Andy then took off to work and I headed home with the kiddos. We dye Easter eggs as well for the Easter bunny to hide. I was surprised as I talked to several different friends and not many of them so this... Interesting... I guess Andy and I had this tradition growing up, so we've continued it with our children. I was going to have them dye their eggs while Ian napped. However, right as Ian was going down for a nap a neighbor friend called and invited both of the girls over to play. We didn't want to pass that offer up! While Ian napped I was able to get stuff done around the house and the girls had fun at their friend's house. Once they got home, we then dyed eggs. Andy was still at work and Ian was up by now. The girls had lots of fun dying their Easter eggs:

  

Ian wasn't a huge fan of the tradition (maybe next year when Daddy can hopefully be around):

The finished eggs, I think we ended up with about 27:

The next morning there was lots of excitement as the kids checked out their baskets. They each got new swimsuits, floatation rings for the pool this summer, and some other fun little items. I think they got one piece of candy and then a few snacks (goldfish and fruit by the foot - things I usually say no to).

Swimsuits were quickly put on and we headed out to find the Easter eggs. The Easter Bunny was very creative this year. One of the favorite hiding spots was two eggs in an actual bird's nest that has been abandoned for about a year:

 

 

 Happy girls who have found all the eggs:

 

Ian just observed the girls finding the eggs outside, since he still isn't walking. Once we got inside he was excited to check the eggs out and make sure they really were hard-boiled:

We then got ready and went to church. After church the girls were quick to get back on their swimsuits, have us blow up their flotation tubes, sport their headbands, and play with their flashlights:

We had a relaxing afternoon. That evening we met up with some friends and family for Easter dinner. Our friends have the tradition of making a bunny cake every year for Easter. The kids thought the bunny cake was pretty cool!

We definitely enjoyed our Easter weekend. The girls and I enjoyed doing their "Resurrection Eggs" starting 12 nights before Easter Sunday. Each night we read some scriptures and learned about the events leading up to our Savior's crucifixion and resurrection. This has become a tradition in our house and they look forward to it every year. They are getting so smart and learning so much. We do have fun with the Easter bunny, but we also truly know why we celebrate Easter. And it's a very tender thing to watch your children learn and grow in the Gospel. We feel blessed!

Boys in Utah, Girls in Texas

Twice a year Andy heads up to BYU to recruit employees for Ernst & Young. Rachel and I use to join Andy on these trips. Audrey went once with just Daddy. And it was Ian's turn this past weekend. Not many dads are willing to take their little ones on business trips, but Andy is. It's nice because Ian's able to spend time with the Smith grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Once the little ones are weaned and are still under 2, it works out great. This particular time was special, because Ian got to help celebrate Liam's 1st Birthday with him. So fun! I didn't even get a chance to really miss Ian. I got lots of pictures sent to me (excuse the quality of phone pictures):

Enjoying some play time after traveling Friday morning:

Uncle Ken time:

 

Hanging with Uncle Nate while Daddy's at an event on Saturday:

 

Meeting Bentley on Sunday:

 

Pyramid with Daddy, Isaac, and Presley:

Mastering the stairs with Papa on Monday while Daddy's off interviewing:

Playing, playing, playing:

 

Playing with Liam one last time before flying home Monday:

 

Here are the pictures Andy took...

Liam and Ian being introduced again on Liam's birthday:

Ian loved being pushed around in this wagon that normally holds blocks:

 

  

Watching the birthday boy open presents:

 Enjoying the birthday spoils with Liam and Presley:

I love this picture! Supposedly Liam went pretty crazy with his cake. It went everywhere, on the floor, on the wall, on him, etc... And then you can see Ian in the background with his fork.

 Okay, he gave up on the fork idea:

 Playing at the King's house on Sunday:

 

 

Having fun back at Papa and Grandma Smith's Sunday evening:

 A not-so-happy picture with Grandpa Mills - I think he was exhausted and headed for the bath.

Unfortunately the trip did have some hiccups. Late Friday night Liam went to the doctor and had bronchitis. So, Ian didn't get to spend as much time with his cousin. On Monday afternoon they came over for a little bit. But everyone was being cautious about spreading the germs. And then the big hiccups were on the way home. 

First hiccup... Andy's about to get on his flight from Salt Lake City to Denver. He decides to go change Ian's diaper. Well, it's a major mess. Onesie gets thrown away... As Andy's cleaning everything up Ian also just pees all over the changing table. He hasn't done that since he was teeny tiny... So, Andy puts Ian's PJs on a little early and they head for their flight. Andy calls me and tells me about the little incident. I couldn't help laughing. The flight is running late, but Andy has a 90-minute layover in Denver, so we're hopeful.

Second hiccup... A little while later I log on to the computer and realize that Andy's flight left really late and he's going to have about 8 mniutes to get to his next flight. I make some phone calls. NO ONE can do ANYTHING for them. They can arrange for a wheelchair, but that's it. Andy had been upgraded to first class. I watch his seat be given to someone else. Andy calls me 2 minutes past the time his Denver flight should have left. The plane with still there, but gate was closed. Later we find out that the luggage actually made it. So, Andy and Ian are stuck in Denver for the night. He goes to talk to them. They don't give any help to the people in front of him, but then the man sees Andy with Ian and gives him a hotel voucher. Either way, he would have gotten a hotel room, but it was nice that they showed some compassion. So, Andy and Ian (who's exhuasted because he didn't sleep at all on the SLC-DEN flight) head to the hotel. They get about 5 hours of sleep before they have to catch their 6 am flight. Quite the adventure! Andy's quite an amazing dad to take it all in stride. He was so calm through it all. I would have lost it. I mean, I was losing it back at home. But then it's different when you're a woman traveling by yourself. It would have been scary. I'm glad it was Andy and not me. And I'm glad it all worked out in the end. 

Ian slept the whole flight from Denver to Houston that morning. When the arrived home I expected Ian to be all excited to see him. He just STARRED... It's like he was either really mad at me or he didn't know if it was really me. It was quite odd. And he really wanted his daddy. Andy went to work and came home later that night a bit early (7 pm) so the girls could see him. Ian was thrilled Andy was back. I think he was worried I was just going to disappear again. Ian took an awesome 4-hour nap that afternoon and then he was good to go. I'm so glad he got to go up and spend time with so many who love him. He's one lucky boy!

So, how did our girls' weekend go? Well, it was nice. It was nice to not have to schedule around naps. It was nice to run errands on Friday with just Audrey. It was nice to have children who could dress themselves, feed themselves, strap themselves into their car seats, etc.. It was fun to go see The Croods in 3D on Saturday afternoon: 

We painted nails and had movie nights and made a gigantic egg wreath:

 

We had fun, but we did miss our boys. It's always good to be one big, happy family again! 

My Three

Life just gets crazy some times and I am so grateful for moments like this to help ground me:

At the end of the day, all that really matters is if I met the needs of these little ones. Some days are better than others at achieving that goal. But there's always tomorrow...

Patriotic Parade

Rachel was in a Patriotic Parade at school this morning. Why a Patritotic Parade in the last week of March? I'm not sure. But it was still fun to go see how hard she had worked on learning all the songs they sung. It was better than the award ceremonies they do at the end of the year. Audrey, Ian, and I really enjoyed it!

Here's Rachel parading in:

They sang several songs and there were some speaking parts as well. Here's a video of the last song, which was Rachel's favorite. (Please excuse the shaky video, Ian was on my lap by now trying to escape.)

 

After the program the parents were able to take some pictures. Here's Rachel with Riya (her on again, off again friend).

Cute sisters matching! Audrey insisted on putting on her 4th of July outfit from last year as well.

Rachel and Delaney (a good friend):

My Patriotic Girl (and her poor swollen allergy eyes):