May 2017 Happenings

Samuel said "Dada" for the first time.

We had quite a few trials continue on. I'm so grateful for the hope the Gospel brings me.

The kids had youth conference this month.

Joe and I were able to celebrate the anniversary of our first date which was a walk through International Peace Gardens. We added a dinner at Rodizio's as we used some gift certificates given to us for our birthdays.

Because the "teens" were out of the house it afforded us the opportunity to spend some time with our moms. We celebrated Mother's Day with breakfast with my mom and dinner with Joe's mom. We had a nice time.

With Mother's Day, we also had the opportunity to hear from Josiah. It was my first Mother's Day as a mommy. I am so grateful Samuel chose me.

I had a field trip to the zoo, and so I had Joe bring Samuel to meet me. That was a great treat.

Alison had a dance concert for school.

Happy eight months my baby boy!

Extra pics of my sweet boy to enjoy....

April 2017 Happenings

We had a fun activity together as a family for April Fools. It is called Fool's Cafe. Each food item along with utensils and a napkin is given a code name. Then each person places three different orders for each of the courses. Our favorite memory is the first time doing it and Joe having to eat rice with a cucumber.

Samuel starting sitting in a big boy car seat. He enjoys being able to look around.

The kids' Spring break did not coincide with mine this year. Despite this I tried to make it fun for them with Pizza Pie Cafe for dinner on Monday, a drink and movie on Tuesday, a fun service day on Thursday, and cooking challenge activity on Friday. I think they enjoyed the activities.

The following week was my Spring break. Joe and I took Samuel to Idaho to show him off to family on Tuesday. We stopped to view Shoshone Falls on the way. It was amazing! Samuel did a great job in the car. The next day we were able to meet my Aunt Elise for lunch, get a ice cream treat shaped as a baked potato, took flowers to Grandma and Grandpa's graves, and drove around to see their home as well as the new temple that is breathtaking. That evening and next morning was spent visiting with family. Then we were back on the road toward home.

  

We spent a long time in the car that next day to drive home from Idaho to pick up Michael and Alison and take them to St. George. Samuel was a champ in the car! It was supposed to be a bigger trip with more of my family, but their plans changed. So it was just our family. The kids were able to swim, we ate at a favorite family restaurant, and we visited a ghost town. On our way home we stopped at Bryce Canyon. I loved it! We had a nice little getaway!

Hoppy First Easter to Samuel! He was a lot of fun to observe!

Samuel got his first "to go" container of mashed potatoes from Chilis. He also said "momma" for the first time. It melts my heart to hear him say it.

We had a fun outing to Discovery Gateway despite finding it is meant for younger kids.

We celebrated my nephew Carter's birthday at Chuck E Cheese's on the 28th. He is so energetic and fun to watch.

Then the next day we celebrated my niece Lucy's birthday. She has the sweetest little voice. 

The weekend celebration of birthday concluded with celebrating my mom's birthday with a nice Sunday dinner. I am so grateful for her love and support. She is amazing.

Happy 7 months!

And here is Samuel....