Easter 2011

pre-egg hunt! they were both excited and knew what was in those eggs! 

Kaden running as fast as his little eggs could go! 

He stopped and posed for a picture! He wasn't worried at all about getting lots of eggs...he must have know Kaleb had his back! 

Awwwww! So happy with his treasures! His face just tells it all! 

Oh yeah! look at all that loot! He was more than willing to share with Kaden (and Mom)! 

Kaleb and Kaden! 

so cute! 

On Sunday, we celebrated the true meaning of Easter. No candy or gifts from the Easter bunny, just a typical Sunday including Church Services, family time, and a wonderful dinner with friends. It was wonderful to share the Easter story with the boys and recognize the Savior's resurrection as the true meaning of Easter Sunday. 

joyful moments...

"recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction." (M. Russell Ballard, “Daughters of God,” Liahona, May 2008, 108–10) 

 My boys really do bring me so much joy. I love that I am blessed to be able to stay at home with them and nurture and love them each day. We definatley have our struggles (mostly mine) , but I believe that I am becoming a better person as I strive to teach these boys the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to find real and lasting happiness in this life. I really think that often times they are the ones teaching me, and I am the learner. Here are a few snapshots of some of our "shining moments of joy and satisfaction."

Kaden enjoying a Popsicle- in no hurry at all. 

All his idea! I turned around in the kitchen and there was Kaden, giggling and enjoying his hat. I cant help but laugh every time I see this picture! 

"they smell like salad" lol

I looked at Kaden the other day and he was standing in the same place he sat  about 2 years ago, just smiling the same way...and it made me stop and think about how fast these years are going by. He isnt much of a baby anymore. He is talking, teasing, and eating like a teenaged boy at times!  

Kaleb loves Legos and is so proud of his creations. I get so excited for him when he creates something on his own. 

I love it when these two are playing together and being nice! They are best friends most of the time. 

Kaleb loves to dress up as a super hero, cowboy, & spiderman. He has a fun imagination. 

No more naps for this boy (mostly). So we get some one-on-one time everyday. He is my little buddy for sure. 

and one more snapshot just because...

swim lessons

Kaleb took his first swimming lessons in March and April and loved it. It was mostly just learning basic water safety, kicking, learning how to use flotation, and just being comfortable with the water. His teacher was great with him. Two of his preschool friends were in his class too, so that made it extra special. He is more confident in the water now, so I'm really glad that he took the class. We have loved going to the YMCA and swimming as we have lived here in Iowa. It has been a favorite place to go. We will miss it for sure!  

fun time cooking

In March, we had some warm days and so Adam fired up the grill. It was awesome. It had been way too long since I had sunk my teeth into a good juicy cheeseburger- and the waiting just made it even better! Can I get a whoot-whoot for cheeseburgers? Seriously, Adam is awesome at the grill and the boys love being outside with him. I love how easy it is to clean up afterwards too! 

 We also got fancy and rolled up our own sushi in March. It was delicious! It actually turned out way better than either of us thought it would. This is a picture of Adam's (his looked way better than mine). They have carrots, avocado, salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese in them.

 We also tried out a new restaurant, courtesy of restaurant.com and LOVED IT! Dos Rios served up the BEST MEXICAN FOOD of my life! It was awesome to pig out with Adam. Here is a picture of us pre-date night. Thanks to our photographer, Kaleb!

St Patricks Day

we had a fun st. patricks day this year. there was a tricky little leprechaun that kept leaving green candy around. kaleb tried desperately to catch him. i almost got him (kinda like snipe hunting). the boys enjoyed plenty of candy and green food. we went to the downtown parade and had a blast. we camped out at the begining of the parade route and got tons of loot. we even left early because we had enough candy and necklaces to last weeks. the boys were cute and so excited to see firetrucks, buses (too bad they were party buses and not school buses, but hey, it was st patricks day), and motorcycles. it was a fun holiday to celebrate the color green!  

just a little update on us

Given the freezing temps and sick bugs...we have been inside A LOT lately! The weather was very mild today and we are all feeling better, so tomorrow, we are getting outta this house! A few things noteworthy events from the past month...
-my little sister got married in January and so the boys and I fly out for that!
-G&G Bingham came down from Idaho to see us at the wedding!
-Jamie started training for another 1/2 marathon
-Kaleb and Adam both got sick with nasty head colds that lasted 10 days! yuck!
-Kaden and Jamie both got the flu...as in influenza. It was awful.
-our couch has been our most used piece of furniture for the past 3 weeks!