Family pics

We took this pic right before my parents left for the airport. Knowing we are going to see them at the end of May for my brother's wedding really helped our goodbye. We love them so much. 

 And while we had a photographer around, a family pic:)

 Pete and Parker stayed up one night for a movie night. He's been wanting to watch Ninja Turtles, which is too scary for Austin, so after putting Aussie to bed, these two popped popcorn and enjoyed the movie. Such a fun bonding time.

 Then the next morning, it was back to the not-scary cartoon watching:)

 We had been in the habit of going to the gym on Base as a family on Saturday mornings, but we'd kind of fallen out of that good habit. But last Saturday, we bucked up and did it (in fairness, Pete always goes, but we have been too lazy to join him). The boys love going there and Parker has been really into fitness lately since he started his soccer team. So instead of just playing in the kids area, he also lifted some light weights along side me. So cute.

Randoms...

I just adore this face. Parker was throwing an epic tantrum the other day that literally brought me to tears. This little angel came over and starting patting my back. What a sweetheart he is. 

 The boys have been loving the table that Grammy and Papa got them. They color, eat, play, and race around that thing. Such a fun addition to our yard.

 Here was the last night that they were here visiting... Even the dark of night couldn't get them inside.

 My mom planted various flowers and herbs for us while she was here. It hadn't even occurred to me to beautify our yard, but I'm so glad she did. Now the trick is keeping them alive. Parker has been a good gardening partner so far.

 I went with some friends to see our friend BreAnne in Legally Blonde the other night. It was at a beautiful theater and was a very professional production. She is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and she played the "villain" Vivienne, so it was funny to see her so mean. What a talent she is!

 Parker can be found most afternoons riding his bike out front. We are lucky to have a sidewalk on our side of the street (the other side doesn't have one) so he just zooms back and forth within his boundaries.

 Another job my mom did while she was here was organize the toys. She labeled the bins and I will say it's helping. While my boys are still mess-makers and dumpers, they are much more likely to be able to find their things now that the bins are labelled. Thanks, Mom. You can tell she's a preschool teacher:)

To-mah-toes

I always dreamed of having a child with an accent and finally, my dream has come true:) I don't know where he learned this pronunciation, though it was likely a show like Peppa Pig. I remember when Parker was learning some sign language, he watched a video on Youtube of a British person signing, so when he asked for a cracker, he would sign and say that he wanted a biscuit. 

Anyway... anyone want a tomahto?

Monkey boy

Parker came home from school one day so excited to tell me he had crossed the monkey bars all by himself. He said I wouldn't believe it because it was so incredible. So that night, we went as a family to the park and he showed off his skills. It was incredible indeed! More than I could do. 

The Great Trike Race

Parker got this tricycle from my grandparents when he turned two, and now Austin's little legs are finally long enough to pedal it with vigor. The boys literally just do laps on our deck all day long. We are loving this nicer weather!

Happy Easter

I really love Easter. While I love Christmas, it's easy to get caught up in the holiday festivities, when the real purpose is to celebrate the Savior. Easter is the best of... celebrating the Savior without all the stress! I love pondering upon the dichotomy of the sadness of his death and the immense joy of the resurrection. It's so applicable to our lives. We all face trials that bring us to the brink of despair, but learning from the example of the Savior, through prayer we can get through anything and ultimately His true purpose comes to pass. It's a beautiful message of hope. We have talked a lot about the Easter story with the boys and I love to see them taking it all in.

My parents are in town visiting and it's just been a wonderful day celebrating with them. We started with some family photos, followed by egg dying, and then a hunt. Then we did a simple Easter object lesson and Parker and Austin both taught about the Easter story. Then Parker sang the song "He Sent His Son." The message is beautiful about how Heavenly Father needed a way to show the world how we should be and what his plan is for us, so He sent his Son. And because of that he expects us to have faith, hope, and live like His son, helping others on their way. Papa video taped the song, so I'll have to get that. Happy Easter everyone!

What a fun week!

We have so missed living near Grammy and Papa. We have had a lot of fun going places, but it's been just as nice just running errands together, eating dinner, and being together. 

Mom wanted to beautify our walkway with flowers, so we did some plant shopping. We also bought a BBQ for our anniversary, so we christened it with some delish steaks and chicken. So excited about this long-time coming purchase. 

 They got to see Parker at soccer practice. And Papa was so good to stay there when Mom and I had an errand to run. Love multi-tasking. Here Parker is... singing?... preaching?... I picture him singing, "Or the land of the freeeeeeeeee.........."

 Planting with Grammy. Austin did was not interested in getting his hands dirty.

 Our roadtrip to Williamsburg. There was SO much traffic that we actually didn't spend that much time there, but it was still a blast.

 The boys playing with all their new Paw Patrol characters. Now they are all set!

 They also got to go to the Children's Museum.

 Movie day to see Cinderella. It was a very sweet movie, and I was surprised how well it kept there attention without animation, singing, or potty humor.

 Snuggling with Grammy. It was such a special moment when he was so tired, but as soon as I get the camera out, he whips out the stink eye.

 That's my boy!

We are so lucky to have had them for a whole week. We are soooo going to miss them when they are gone. They have been so helpful and the boys have loved having them around. My dad is Mr.Fix-it and did so many honey-dos for me. We even recovered our dining chairs. Amazing. Do they really have to leave? At least we have Ryan's wedding in May to look forward to. It won't be long now. We LOVE you Grammy and Papa. Come again any time. We'll be waiting!