Mustache March

Every March men in the military grow a mustache. I suppose the women could do it too, if they really wanted to. ;) This year, since Beau was not in a leadership calling at church, he decided to give it a try. When we left for our 2 week trip in March, it was just the beginning. When we got home, he had a nice stache. He couldn't wait to get rid of it. I liked the way he looked with it, but agreed with Eliza that it was poky whenever he kissed.

Visiting friends

Enjoying family loding at McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas. Pizza, Gatorade, and watching America's Funniest Videos.

We made it to Blue Springs, Missouri to be with our great friends that we made in Maryland. The Sypherts, Maschgers, and James families. It was a rainy week, so we had to find things to do indoors. We took the kids to an art museum. It was very beautiful, but the little kids wanted to touch everything that wasn't supposed to be touched!!!

 I am such a horrible photographer! These pillars are not moving, and yet they are blurry.

 Count 'em. 4 moms. 15 kids.

There was a break in the rain, so the kids went outside. They just couldn't stay away from the mud.

I loved the beautiful blossoms on the trees. Not to mention the little boy. :)

Poor Zachary had a short bout with a fever and needed a nap.

These two were writing a book about Breakfast Wars. The food was fighting against the people. Ah, I love their imaginations!

Mealtimes were always interesting. Merrin looks too happy stabbing those potatoes.

Tam is figuring how many chicken nuggets to make. Just make them all, the kids will eat them!

It would take teamwork from all four of us to get a meal out to the masses.

Thank goodness there was enough room for all the kids to eat at the same time!

These three little girls were such great friends while we lived in Maryland. The way they went right back to playing together, it was like they were never apart.

Despite having to spend a lot of time in the house due to the weather, there was never any problem with them finding something to occupy their time.

By far the best activity was watching movies on the big screen complete with surround sound.

Finally it was warm enough to go outside and eat popsicles!

It's a pity that they couldn't have spent more time outdoors. The backyard was a great place to play!

The night before we left, we celebrated Jane's birthday. Yummy, delicious cake from Costco!

I love these women!

Visiting family

On the road again, traveling to New Mexico to visit family. 11 looong hours.

Making chocolate covered strawberries.

 Yuck! Go brush your teeth!

 Roasting marshmallows.

Going to get ice cream for Grandpa.

 They had so much fun jumping on the trampoline at Grandpa's house.

Sariah didn't quite have the jumping down yet, so she just ran.

Riding the train at the zoo.

Beautiful peacocks.

Everyone who visits the zoo has to take a picture with this African chair.

Looks like this momma found some new cubs.

Stinky zebras.

We visited the Albuquerque zoo more than 3 years ago. A lot of babies had been born, and they were brand new. It was fun to see how much they had grown in 3 years.

Feeding the ducks and fish.

It was fun to spend some time with cousins.

This polar bear was pacing and moaning. I thought he was going to jump the fence to take a bite out of the crowd.

He didn't scare Sariah. She was exhausted.

Watch out for those scary predators, Zachary!

By far, the creepiest exhibit. The catwalk. The Cougars were pacing above the walkway, looking quite disgruntled.

Everett wanted to see the reptiles, but the building was closed for rennovations.

Eliza helping Auntie Alli with her scripture study.

Zachary always finds the girls to play with. Even the girl cousins.

The sand was warm, and fun to play in.

Sariah found a shovel and went to town.

This was the most boring slide. The kids had to scoot down it.

Abi looking out for Eliza at the bouncy house place.

Alli came too, and helped keep an eye on Sariah.

Grandpa told Zachary that when he was done drinking his water, he was supposed to put the cup on his head for a party hat. Zachary believed him, and carried it around and would put it on his head at various times.

One, two, three, four, slide! See, Zachary still has the cup in his hand!

Eliza did a lot of sleeping in her carseat.

Eating popcorn and watching the big kids bowl.

Bowling with the cousins.

A few of the three-year-old girls.

13 grandkids, and we're missing half of them!

A small balloon rally for St. Patrick's Day.

Playing on the playground while the balloons were lifting off.

It was a cold morning. It's a good thing we took warm jackets!

Sariah loved the stroller at Grandpa's house.

Her other favorite toy was Charlie.

Jumping with cousins. So glad we got to spend so much time with them!

Playing with the largest assortment of Lego's I've ever seen outside a LegoStore.

Saying good-bye to grandparents.