Family Reunion

 The kids and I drove up to Utah, and as seen in the last post, attended the Rodeo.  Mike and Tyler joined us the next week and we had a reunion of sorts.

  Grandpa B was in the hospital and so we were lucky enough to have Grandma B hanging around with us.  My mom gave a small private concert.

 So here is some of the family.  Devin and Lauren are the coolest people according to the kids.  Lauren and Ben hit it off from the time he was born.  The kids never tire of their attention.

 The same could be said of Uncle Bryson.  Here he is with his girlfriend Karen who might just be cooler than he is.

Here is just a funny one of Mark getting caught doin somethin he shouldn't.

Mike and I got to go visit our old stompin grounds for a bit and came back with some swag.  Here is the quintessential BYU baby in swag and a diaper. 

Uncle Tyler acquired a new toy that is pretty exciting stuff.  Mark thinks its really awesome.  Thank heavens there is also a small part of him that is smart enough to be sort of scared.  

Hanging out with family is the best.  I never laugh like I do when I am around my dad and brothers.  Our brand of humor is unique to say the least.

Summer

We went sprinkler swimming before the summer really started but it was hot enough to be considered summer weather.  Ben is a bit sprinkler shy but was more than happy to guard our truckload of fresh picked carrots.  Megan usually just jumps right in.

After doing ninja moves around the sprinkler but never really getting in, Mark finally conquered.

I absolutely love our sunflowers!

One vacation we took was up north.  Here we are at Grandma and Grandpa's all ready for the rodeo.  Megan of course had the perfect pink shoes for the occasion.  Ben is rockin the stone face awesomeness.

The End of School

Mark has enjoyed first grade immensely.  His teacher, Mrs. Clark is an angel.  Her personality and teaching style were just perfect for Mark this year.  He has made a lot of good friends in class and learned so much.  On the last day of school they had a small awards ceremony. Mark earned some academic, phys ed and citizenship awards.  He is so excited for next year, thanks to his teacher making school so awesome.  Here comes summer- let the games begin.

The Dragons

 Mark has discovered soccer.  We heard of a team through some good friends and he has loved it.  Its a coed team.  The first couple of seasons we played indoor.  This last season of the school year is outdoor.  I don't think its hard to guess which one is preferable in this heat.

His coach is really great with the kids.  Everyone is encouraged and gets a chance to play. Mark gets a little nervous but he runs his heart out.

I have apparently passed my pink cheeks onto all of my kids.  Mark is a great goalie, but he likes to play forward where all the action is. 

 We had a little team party after the last game.  Here he is with his coach and assistant coach and all those cute team mates.

May

Ya know, Benny spends a lot of time in a diaper.  I think he prefers it.  He is my big helper.  Anything mom can do he can do ... messier.  He is constantly pulling over a chair to help make dinner or whatever.

Here we are at the end of the saga.  Megan is turning 5.  I cannot believe it.  Everything she got involved pink or purple.  She got to have a friends party that involved a lot of glitter and giggling..

Megan is not a cake fan so we just had ice cream.  She is such an amazing little girl.  She loves to mother, teach, boss around her little brother.  She can be very kind and loving.  She gives the best hugs.  She sings a plethora of her own original songs.  She is tough and pink all the way through.

For example- Anybody can look good in Mom's boots or shoes.  Somebody has to teach this family how to walk the walk and by golly Megan is gonna do it.

MoreBirthdays

Birthday row continues.  Mom's birthday was in March but no pictures.  Uncle Tyler is living near us for a bit so we helped celebrate with him.  His new dirt bike hobby was the theme for this mound of a cake.  Mark thought it was the coolest thing he had ever seen.

No party for Uncle Tyler would be complete without Root Beer.  Ben is a fan.

The kids decorated.

Mark is taking lessons on how to be cool from his Uncles.  I don't know how qualified they are to teach him but it sure provides a lot of laughs.

Dad's birthday was next in line.  This cake was proudly decorated by Mark and Megan mostly.  In honor of Dad's job Mark insisted on a tall building cake.  We only made it to two stories on the one side and three on the other (that must have been the architects doing).  

You would think all we do around here is eat cake and decorate with streamers.  One birthday left and then we can maybe get back to cookies.

Joshua Tree Campout

During Spring Break this year we traveled with three other families to camp in the Joshua Tree National Forest.  The weather was perfect.  We saw so many new things and drove around a part of the country I have never been to.  Though I don't like to admit it much the Mohave Desert does have its own kind of beauty.

Mike had to stay home so I was on my own with the kids.  They were so great.  With the trips to Utah all the time they are getting really good at being in the car.  Our friends also watched out for us and took really good care of us making sure to step in and help with the manly stuff.

I think we saw as many Joshua Trees as possible as well as some amazing rock formations.  Nevada is the king of long straight roads.  Though we had a great time we were all ready to get home.