Happy Easter!

 

What a weekend! Easter Sunday was expecting rain... so we filled our Saturday with many activities. We started out the morning at Grandma and Grandpa Johns home with a lot of our cousins. Julie and Grandma planned a fun easter egg hunt for the cousins with pizza afterwards. We came for the hunt and then had to hurry off to Avery's soccer game. The kids had a blast and Austin and Addie stayed behind to continue in the fun!

 

After Avery's soccer game we went back to pick up Addie and Austin and then headed over to my grandma's house where she and Nana planned to dye eggs with the kids and their cousins from my side of the family. They made beautiful eggs and then did another easter egg hunt and made some desserts. After that we hurried over to Austins soccer game! And if that wasn't enough, Randy took the older three kids to a movie while I stayed home with Ashton. I was tuckered out!

 

Easter Sunday was a rainy day, but the kids didn't seem to mind. The Easter bunny left eggs all over the house, some coloring books, and some fun t-shirts!

 

We had to hurry and get ready for morning church, but it was sure nice to come home and nap to the sound of rain! Hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Citizenship Award

 

Randy, Addison, Ashton and I went to Avery's 3rd quarter assembly. Avery was presented the Citizenship Award. Two students from each classroom(one boy and one girl) were chosen by the other kids in the classroom. The award says "For showing outstanding mutual respect, attentive listening, and appreciations both inside and outside the classroom." Way to go Avery!

 

The first graders sang at this assembly, so Addie's friend Evie was there watching her sister(MaryKate) sing. The girls had a lot of fun dancing around!

Austin's Campout

 

While Avery was having her birthday party, Austin was having a little party of his own! Austin, Tanner and Derek had a little campout and slept outside in Tanner's new tent. Well, they almost made it all night! I think Derek said they went in the house around 3am because the boys got cold.

 

What's a campout without a fire! I have to say, this is my idea of a campout! I actually tried to get Randy to buy me a ceramic firepit so we could do "campouts" in our backyard. I'm still pushing for one!

 

I know I've mentioned the smores Austin made me in Tennessee... it was seriously the best I'd ever had! So when I saw this picture of him enjoying his marshmallow, I really wanted to be there!!

 

Thank you Julie and Derek for the fun night! Austin had a blast!

Avery's Birthday Party

 

Avery was wanting to do a Hawaiian birthday party. But after I finished Austin's party just the friday before, I decided it would take too much planning. I stuck with the scavenger hunt, but through in a couple of Hawaiian things. One of the things Avery really wanted was the fun drinks with the umbrellas.

 

Luckily the weather was nice, so this party went much more smoothly. They were able to take their pizza and play outside for a while before getting started on the scavenger hunt.

 

This was our first picture from our scavenger hunt. All the rest was outside. I had the girls all do the hunt together instead of splitting them up, and I also had more activities afterwards. There was a hula hoop contests, toe nail painting, and frame decorating which we put this picture inside. Luckily for Avery we had a trial run with Austin's party!

 

And here is a collage of some of the scavenger hunt activities. I think the girls all had a great time! I know Avery did! This time we barely got the cookie cake and presents opened before parents started coming!

Avery's Baptism

 

I can't believe Avery is eight years old. In our church, when you turn eight years old you have the opportunity to choose to be baptized. Avery couldn't wait for this day, she was so excited!

 

Avery's Nana (my mom) made her baptismal dress. She looked like an angel. My mom spoke on the subject of baptism and Randy's mom spoke on the subject of the Holy Ghost. It was very special to have both grandma's there to be part of the program.

 

Needless to say, Randy and I were very proud of Avery and her decision. We love her so much and feel very blessed to have her as our daughter.

 

I always tell Avery that there was a reason why she was born first. She is such a big helper and such a great example to her brother and sisters. They really look up to her. Austin was very proud of her, he kept asking if she could get baptized again. Once he realized you only get baptized once, he couldn't wait for his turn. We had a lot of family and friends come from near and far. I know it really meant a lot to Avery to have all the support!

Snow in March!

 

I know in some places of the world, snow in March is no big deal. But for us in Oklahoma, to have snow at the end of March was a HUGE deal. In fact, it was on the record books. This was actually the day after Austin's birthday party, so now you know why we couldn't go outside!

 

Randy took the kids to go sledding down one of the hills in town. I sent him with the camera and my well-wishes... I was not about to go! I think I've mentioned before how much I hate the cold!

 

The kids all had a lot of fun... at least for the first hour.

 

I love this picture Randy took of Addie. I think you can tell who she takes after! She was ready for a nice warm bath!

Happy 6th Birthday Austin

 

I'm way behind on my blog! Life has been so busy! Austin is now 6 years old! Wow, has time flown. I remember when he was first born and I just couldn't stop kissing those big fat cheeks of his! His cheeks aren't so chubby anymore, but I still like to kiss them! Austin took cupcakes to school for his birthday.

 

Austin had a birthday party this year and around 11 kids came. Here he is getting ready to blow out his candles. Hope your wish comes true, buddy!

 

I don't think he had a favorite gift this year, they were all good! He still loves his Spider-Man guys! I think he's up to about six now, and he plays with all of them!

 

I had planned a scavenger hunt, but the weather turned bad on us so I had to be creative in doing it all indoors! The kids had a lot of fun. They had to go to different areas of the house and do some crazy activity while we took pictures. Special thanks to Julie and Derek, and Kevin and Kelly for helping us with the pictures and with all the kids! Word to the wise, never plan a 3 hour birthday party for 6 year olds at your house if there is a chance for rain! Whew- it was crazy!! But Austin had a blast... and we survived!