Soccer season is now in full gear. This year we have three soccer players! So before the madness began, we took off for a fun weekend in Dallas. Sadly, this was my kids first time to Texas! I know, embarrassing! I couldn't believe it either! Randy and I have been down there a million times... in fact, I use to live there!
We coaxed two of our best friends, Tyler and Amanda
Vaclaw (here with baby Jake) into going with us! We were so glad that they could join us! Our kids are all very close so we had a blast. The main reason for this trip was to watch
BYU play
TCU. But we had stipulations on our hotel. First, it had to be located somewhere between where
BYU was playing and the outlet mall in Allen, TX. Second, and hardest to find was....
It had to have an indoor pool!! The weather was really nice when we were there, but it was still February and an indoor pool was a must! All smiles... Avery, Ashton and
MaryKate.
I couldn't believe that most pools were outside, but I guess it is Texas! We were so excited when we finally found one! Two of our water babies- Evie and Addie.
And this hotel suited us perfectly. Logan and Austin seem pretty happy about it! Our rooms were steps away from the exit, the pool, fitness room, and computer area. It was also steps away from our other must....
Free breakfast!! This was a great bonus when there are 8 kids to think about! I think I mentioned before that Addie isn't much of a morning person! Here is Addie, Ashton and Evie entertaining themselves with Amanda's phone while waiting for breakfast.
Everything's better in Texas! Or is it bigger? Either way, I thought the waffles were awesome!
The kids were really great sports about our other main reason for being in Texas... the Outlet Mall at Allen! We shopped, then shopped, and then did a little more shopping!
But as long as we were going back to swim some more... they were fine! Ashton is ready to jump back in!
And along with shopping, we ate, then ate, and then did a little more eating! I think I gained 10 lbs. this weekend!
And then back to the pool! Evie has the sweetest smile ever!
Did I mention we did a lot of eating?!?
And then back to the real reason we were in Dallas....
gooooooo COUGARS!!! We love our Noah
Hartsock and anytime we can make an excuse to watch him play we will! This game was sold out but Noah was able to get us 4 tickets. We thought it would be a great father/son event, so Randy and Tyler took Logan and Austin to watch the game.
The Cougars did great!! They won by 23 points (I think). Austin had a blast and thought he was big stuff to get a picture with Noah. I know everyone is Jimmer fans, and so am I! But Noah will always be our favorite!!
While the boys went to the game... you guessed it!! WE SWAM!!! Here is Avery enjoying the pool. We also took much needed naps!
Such a great weekend with such amazing friends!
With so much family around, Easter is again one of those holidays where we try to fit in as much time with both sides of the family as possible. This year, Randy was gone for Easter so it was all on my shoulders. I made the best of it though and I think the kids had a great holiday... and hopefully learned more about the Savior in the midst of everything else that was going on.
Our first Easter event was over my grandmothers house to dye eggs. My mom always provides all the entertainment which is great for me because I don't have to worry about all the mess! 
We spent the evening with my mom, grandma, sister and her girls. Here is Austin and Sora dying some of their eggs. My mom let them each do 6, and of course they wanted them all so we brought home 2 dozen hard-boiled eggs... and I'm still trying to get them all eaten!
After dying eggs, we had dinner. After dinner, the kids did an Easter Egg Hunt. Mika was being very sweet and helping Ashton find some eggs.
I think they hid the eggs 3 times before we finally had to call it quits because it was getting dark! The kids had a blast! Thanks, Nana!
And then there was Easter Sunday. We just changed wards since we moved in with Randy's parents and now attend church at 9am. I'm not complaining! This is our favorite time for church... but when you are trying to get 5 people ready all by yourself it definitely got stressful! How did I do? :)
Randy's mom goes above and beyond for Easter! The kids really enjoy her Easter Egg Hunts, and here's a little glimpse as to why! She and I were up til midnight one night filling these eggs with candy and money! Sadly, Easter was a very rainy day here this year... but it didn't stop our fun!
Here are all the John cousins who attended the Easter Egg Hunt this year... which we did inside the house. I told them they couldn't have their baskets until they took a picture. They didn't seem to mind... look at those happy faces. :)
Ashton and Logan were the first released from Grandma's bedroom to start hunting eggs. No time for pictures, mom! I have eggs to find!
Addie and Hannah took off next. We had so many eggs it was hard to find places to hide them! Addie found a lot under the table.
Next of course were the older kids, and they did a great job finding all the eggs. Here's Avery after the madness. The most fun was opening the eggs and finding the prizes within!
Austin's showing me his full basket, which included a Braums gift card, $5 bill, a Pez Dispenser, and lots and lots of candy!!
This is my nephew, Logan. I just had to get a picture of this cute little man who took it upon himself to give everyone sacks for their candy so Grandma John could have her baskets back! It was a very important and serious job!
Wow, my little boy is eight years old! In our church, when you turn eight, you have the choice to be baptized by immersion by someone holding the priesthood. We were so proud of Austin that he was willing and anxious to make a covenant with his Father in Heaven, promising to take upon him the name of Jesus Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments.
It seemed like just yesterday that is was Avery making these great choices. We are grateful for her example, and so many of our friends and family who have been such great examples to Austin. We are especially grateful that Austin is following in our Savior's footsteps to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
Randy and I are two proud parents! We are so blessed to have such great kids. Austin's baptismal program was super special. We are so lucky to have so much family around. Randy's dad and my mom both gave talks, Avery and our Aunt Jen gave the prayers. And I feel so blessed to have my wonderful husband be able to perform the baptism.
Austin and Avery have been such great examples for their little sisters, who were very proud of their brother and couldn't wait to see him get baptized. They still talk about it! Avery sat by me and teared up a couple of times... she has my sensitivity.
Our very last party in our old house!! Our house was in complete disarray, but we wanted Austin to be able to have a little get together, so Friday night we had a few friends over. Luckily is was a group of boys and they can find plenty to do outside to entertain themselves!
After playing, opening presents, and eating some cookie cake, we took the boys to go see Diary of a Whimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules. It just so happened that it was opening night so for us it worked out great as an alternative to a "party". Austin had a blast. This is his big year... turning 8 years old! We had this party on Friday because Saturday was going to be very busy with him getting baptized! 
Avery's birthday fell on a Thursday. This year was Avery's toughest year to realize that life doesn't stop just because it's your birthday! At first she didn't want to go to soccer practice, but in the end I think she was glad she went. Her soccer friends bought her these flowers and balloon. It made her feel very special.
