In other news

During spring break last month I took the boys to the BMX track for the first time. It has now becoming their favorite place to go biking. I have to admit I was a little nervous watching them race around the track but was pleased that we walked away with only minor injuries.

The boys had to work harder on their mountain bikes but there were several seasoned BMX riders there giving them tips.

The weekend of General Conference we were delighted to be 'egged'. This fun tradition went through the ward last year without it hitting us. The kids were thrilled to be egged this year. We had such a blast returning the favor to a couple of other families.

Joseph was selected to be in the "battle of the books" this year. He competed against three schools and came in 1st place.

The following week he went to districts and his team placed 4th. We think he would have come in first if his team mates from the first half of the competition hadn't had so many mistakes. :)

Hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend.

More Partying

Greta had her friend party today. She requested a "mermaid" theme. I wasn't super excited about doing the "Little Mermaid"... I'm just fussy that way.

So, I hunted the stores in town and amazon.com and found some things I liked and hoped Greta would like too. (thanks again Tracy for being my post office and to mom for bringing the stuff to vernon)

Ignore my dirty window, please :)

I tried to create a underwater feeling with seaweed and bubbles hanging from the ceiling.

There were fish, shells and other sea life everywhere.

I used nori (sushi seaweed) as place mats. :)

Gift opening mayhem.

More candles to blow out.

My attempt at cake decorating.

Take home "bag'.

How sad for Greta when she wakes up tomorrow and realizes the party's over.

Remarkable Weekend

We had our stake conference this weekend. My brother has been the stake president for 9 yrs and in the presidency for 3 yrs before that. He was released today. Elder Oaks and Elder Cook (of the seventy) came to our hometown for the reorganization. It was such a wonderful and uplifting event. Elder Oaks is hilarious... something that I had never noticed before in general conference. I even had the pleasure of shaking hands with him 3 times. He doesn't know it yet, but he's my new BFF :)

My parents were able to come up for the event and we spent a short time together before they headed back to the Temple.

I feel very blessed to be born of goodly parents and to have the example of goodly brothers and sisters (this includes my sisters in law). Elder Oaks asked my sister in law to bear her testimony in a moment of inspiration. She did a beautiful job encouraging us to recognize the sacrifices made by those that serve us (and their families). She asked us to make their sacrifices worth it by listening and doing what they ask.

It is remarkable to watch the Lord's hand as he directs His church through his servants. I look forward to sustaining our new Stake Presidency and to seeing my brother with his family more often.

Greta's Three

Our little girl is growing up so fast.

Monday night we celebrated Greta's 3rd birthday! She was in her glory opening presents and receiving all the attention.

Great Grandma K gave her a really cute high heel shoes and jewelery set.

After a meal of bacon, pancakes and hashbrowns (Greta's choice) we had mini cupcakes.

(notice her new mermaids, Greta's new obsession... also from Great G.)

Tuesday, we had our Burnham cousin's over for a bbq and MAGNUM bars. You can tell from Greta's hair how much fun she had.

"The Brother's" gave Greta fish for her birthday... just what she wanted last year. :)

Grandma and Grandpa K sent a package to Greta. She carries her little purse with her everywhere! She even slept with it last night.

And... she loves her new nails.

We love our special Greta! She makes our family complete!

Happy Birthday, Princess.

1/2 marathon

just a reminder that the seattle rock and roll marathon is coming soon. June 25th! you can sign up here.

http://seattle.competitor.com/register/

Moments in March

March has been MARVELOUS! My greatest pleasure comes from my sweet Greta who is finally POTTY TRAINED!

She is dry through the night and can even take herself to the potty. I can hardly describe my joy that we are done with diapers. AND we did it before she turns three. Three cheers for Greta!

My stellar hubby watch the kids while I had a weekend at the coast. It was such a blast. I was able to spend some time with these two gorgeous ladies.... and my dad but I don't have a picture of him. :(

Rachel and I also had a short visit. We have to have a weekend to ourselves one day.

I hadn't been to the island since I was 16! It was a quick but throughly enjoyable trip.

While there I met up with some dear friends from the Saskatoon days. So fun!

Joseph's cub car rally was actually at the end of February but we are lumping it in with March.

It was a really fun night and all the boys behaved very well considering only one car consistently crossed the finish line. All the parents were thrilled we wouldn't have to take our cub to districts. :)

All the snow here has melted so we spent our first day of spring break up at the ski hill skating and tubing.

We hope every moment of your March has been just as marvelous.

spring has sprung

the tulip and daffodil shoots are up. crocuses are on display. the snow has melted and spring clean up has begun.

due to my fall laziness i did NOT finish all the raking. i was able to get 20 bags filled before the snow fell. 8 more were bagged yesterday which 'leaves' me with a measly 32 more bags to fill.

but with the warming sun and smell of soil and life in the air i don't mind that much.

the kids will be so disappointed with the clean up plans i have for spring break :)