Easter 2014

We had lots of fun Easter celebrations this year.  Each of my kids got to participate in 2 egg hunts. We were grateful to those that invited us to join their fun.

 Caleb was a good little finder.  After he figured out how it worked, he was finding some real hidden eggs.

 We went out to Emmett the day before Easter.  What a beautiful setting for an egg hunt.

 The hosts really hid the eggs well and made these kids work for their loot.

 There was a new little bunny at the hunt.  He was a good snuggler.  Dillon could've held that little bunny forever.

 After collecting eggs everyone headed to check out the new four wheelers.

Boy Heaven!!!!

 Dillon was the only child old enough to ride this one, so he had it to himself.  It was so fun to watch him get more and more confident and really enjoy himself.  Proud of my boy for trying something new.

 We finished off that awesome day back at our place dyeing eggs with our cousins.

Our Easter Bunny came a day early so we'd be able to focus on getting to church Sunday morning.

 I always love the excitement in the boys faces as they discover the bunny trail down to their baskets.

 They were pretty thrilled to discover matching Sunday outfits, light sabers, light saber toothbrushes, kites and Walking with Dinosaurs (the movie).  They recently have been introduced to the Star Wars series -- watching the old films -- and now they can act it out!

 

A pretty good looking crew on Sunday morning.

 After church, we drove to Twin Falls to join the Chandler family for dinner.  These cousins always love being together.

 After dinner the traditional jelly bean hunt commenced.  I participated years ago, but I think this was a first for my boys.

 As always, Don went above and beyond in his preparation.  These games of his get more and more complicated every year, but the kids love it!

I'm so grateful to be able to celebrate with family this year (although I really miss my adopted family).  I'm grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the Savior and what His role means for me.  It's an amazing gift for which I am very grateful.  I know He lived, died and was resurrected for us. 

Happy Easter!

Spring Break 2014 -- Staycation

We toyed with the idea of going somewhere for Spring Break, but ultimately decided to stick around and explore some things in Boise we have yet to see. 

First stop, the zoo.  Aunt Amy took the two bigger boys for a quick trip in the Fall, but it was a first for Caleb and me.  Caleb loved the monkeys.

 So fun to be able to go with cousins.

 

 One of the highlights was the safari jeep they could climb in.

Caleb was in heaven!

 The little farm area was fun too.  Caleb really liked feeding the animals.

It was the warmest day of the week and a great day to be outside.

My birthday always falls during Spring Break. We had lunch with Daddy downtown (kind of a disaster) and later joined up with family for cake.  Thanks for baking Amy!

One morning, Daddy stayed home and we ran some errands.  Nothing is quite as exciting as the ride on toy at Walmart!

 Dillon was desperate to get to the Boise Aquarium.  On Friday, we finally made it. So fun to have all the Chandler cousins together! 

 These two have a love/hate relationship.   They are very similar and always want to be together, but drive each other crazy.  Love it! 

 This place was total hands on and the boys loved it!  I just need to remember to bring a change of clothes next time.  They all got pretty wet.

 Dillon heaven!  He was naming almost every species of fish and shark he saw.

 

 Aaron left work early to join the fun.  Although he did touch a sting ray, I think his favorite part of the day was playing with niece Violet.  She is such an awesome little baby!

 Saturday topped off the week with a visit from "Bruke" and a party for baby Lily's birthday.  Somehow I did not get one picture of that day.  Sad.  But the entire Chandler fam eventually made it and Lauren stuck around until today, so we've had lots of family fun.  Grateful to be close.

St. Patricks Day

On St. Patty's a leprechaun stopped by and made a bit of a mess in our kitchen.

He also turned the milk green.

For lunch I had some ladies over for a "green" salad gathering.  Fun excuse to play.

 

And for dinner that night we had Shepherds Pie with green mashed potatoes.

 We definitely don't go all out, but a little green is fun!

Sister pampering

A couple weeks ago I got to go with all the Chandler ladies to visit Lauren at cosmetology school.  Lucky for me, my sister married my bro-in-law, so I had my blood sister there too.  Pretty awesome.  We met up in Idaho Falls and stayed the night at a hotel.  I got to bunk up with sweet Brittany.  This selfie is rough, but we had to document our sister hotel stay:)
 

 First stop, pedicures!

Then scalp treatments, facials and a hair cut.  Lauren is awesome!

 She did color on two of her sisters and did an awesome job! 

 So fun to see Lauren in her element and have time with sisters!  I married into a great family!