Play Time

More good times with family!

Trey and his cousin Mason had a great time playing in Grandma and Grandpa's play house.  Can you see him way up there?

While the other boys enjoyed a friendly game of football.

This was quite the chase.  And Bryce had the biggest smile on his face the whole time.

The big boys had a good time as well.  I'm not sure if Blake's going up for a block, or a victorious leap.

This ended up being a touch down for our team.  I've never been more proud.

And the girls idea of fun.

Then we transitioned to a different kind of play time.

The kids repeated their recent Suzuki Book 1 and Book 2 recitals.

Grandpa blessed us with his awesome piano skills and learned the accompaniment in about two weeks time.

Family came up for the performance.  Which was fantastic because playing in front of people (especially those we know) always gives their motivation to practice a nice boost.

And it makes them so proud!

Fortunately, they didn't see how many of their uncles were busy on their phones halfway through the recital...

And then we took the opportunity to celebrate Bryce's birthday a couple days early because this was his first opportunity to do so with extended family since his very first birthday.

And this time there was plenty of it.

He loves having a big deal made over him.  It makes him so happy!

And, apparently, she likes ribbons in her hair.

Everyone spoiled Bryce and he's still loving playing with all the gifts.

And then we got up early the next morning to go back home.

Here's how we look after too many hours on the road, but with still a long way to go.

Mahwage

Mahwage is what bwings us togevah today.

Unfortunately, we forgot to take photos of said marriage.

Not because we weren't happy and excited, but because we were a little distracted keeping track of 4 kids.

But, Blake's brother got married back in March.  Kayli got to be a flower girl and still tells proudly tells people how great that was.

And we're super excited to have a new sister-in-law and her sweet daughter join our family!

Blake had to fly home for work, but the kids and I stayed to play with family.  It's nice having Blake's family and some of mine in the same place so we get to see both.

These two wrote and illustrated several books.

They kept us all entertained.  And had a blast being creative together.

And these two couldn't get enough Lego time.

And this was Bryce telling me to stop interrupting them to take pictures.

Then we headed to my parents' home for a few days.

And my cousin made this cake.  A coconut cake.  And I don't know how to describe it.  But, I'm still dreaming about it.

The kids played dress ups one morning.  Aren't they adorable?

And he was furious with me for even thinking of taking his photo while he was dressed up.  Perfectly logical, right?

So, when I was a little girl, making my list of qualities I wanted in the man I would some day marry, I got pretty specific. As in, he needed to be wearing a really sweet red flannel shirt. Because it's the shirt that makes the man.

And because the most important man in my world at that time had a really great red flannel shirt.

Oh, wait. He still has it. And he even put it on after I found it in his closet and told him about what the 5-year old me looked for.

I love my Dad!

We took the kids for a little hike.  That was really more of a hike.  I love how much my kids take care of and look after their little sister.  When I was pregnant with her, I worried about how I'd possibly have the time for her she deserves and that she'd miss out.  But I'm pretty sure she actually has more than any of the other kids, because she has the other kids.

Fun with Grandpa!

Playing Pooh Sticks.  (And freaking me out by being so close to the edge, even though I knew there was no possible way she could fit through the railing.)

It's difficult to tell because it's so dirty, but that's snow they're standing on.  Snow from an avalanche a week or so before we got there.

We visited the Provo Temple for Family Home Evening one night.

Lanaya was pretty happy running around the beautiful temple grounds.

And we went to a concert with my parents and the kids.  It was BYU students who had won a concerto contest.  The selections were beautiful and the kids got to watch a bunch of talented violinists (the last concerto soloist was a violinist and she was fabulous!) and play.  Win-win-win.

And that was the first half (or so) of the trip.