Spring Happenings

Julia played spring soccer.  It was by far her best season yet.  Her coach was amazing and she had such a fun little team.  I think that she really figured out the game this time around and was making more goals and great plays.  I'm not going to lie.  Some of her previous seasons were a little painful to watch.  This time she was aggressive in a good way and really played well on offense and defense.  It is very rewarding to see your child progress in something. 

 I caught an action shot of her doing a goal kick.

 She said she didn't do a good kick here but check out those strong legs!  Way to go Julia!

 Such a cute soccer girl.

 A couple of more action shots.  Her knee is way up in the air in this picture.  I'm not sure what she was doing or if it was effective in any way but it sure looks cool.

 We had our first hot day and so we set up the swimming pools and enjoyed being outside.

 Lily begs on a daily basis to go swimming.

Bryan was so great and pulled out everything.  They had all kinds of pools and toys.  It was such a fun day for them.  I would have been far too lazy for that.

 My cute swimmers.

 We let them lay out their towels and have a picnic lunch as well.

 One morning I had to wake up Lily so we could head to the gym.  Have you ever seen anything sweeter than this?  When I see my kids sleeping so sweet like this I kind of wish I could just crawl in there with them and fall asleep myself.

 Bryan and I went to the school and met the girls for lunch one day.  They were so happy.  Audrey's lunch starts at 10:50AM.  I had a really hard time finding a restaurant open at that time of day.  Luckily Blimpie came through for me and we had a great time.  It was so fun to see her little classmates and spend that time with her.  We also got to eat with Julia.  They both loved it.

 We recently had a chance to drive out to a small branch in Oregon for a speaking assignment.  I was pretty nervous because Bryan and I were the only speakers and I knew that meant we each would need to speak 20 to 25 minutes to fill the time.  We also had the girls prepare a song.  They sang, "On a Golden Springtime" and even Lily participated.  It ended up being such a great experience.  The drive out there was so beautiful and it was fun being in this small chapel with such great people.  It was a great opportunity for our entire family.  The girls were shockingly well behaved and Bryan and I filled the time without any problems.  I seriously feel like it was just what we needed to do and was a very spiritual experience for each of us.

 I had to take a picture of the view from our drive back.

Lily had her two year old checkup.  What is that you say?  She turned two in November?  That's right.  I win mom of the year.  Thankfully she is a very healthy little girl.  She is 86th in height and 44th in weight.  She is just such a joy in our home and learning more and more every day.  I just love my little Lily bug.

 We had a Cinco de Mayo party with our friends.  We had a nacho bar that was delicious, homemade empanadas, pina coladas and a pinata.  We have such wonderful friends and it was so fun to get together.

 The obliterated pinata made a great headpiece as well.

Easter 2014

Before I jump into Easter I wanted to include this cute picture of Lily and her friend Hannah.  We watched Hannah for a little bit and Lily was so excited to have a friend over that was just for her.  

 Easter was a great weekend.  Bryan didn't have any call and we were able to spend it as a family.  The morning before Easter we had a ward party and Easter egg hunt/breakfast.  The food was so good and the girls had so much fun hunting for eggs with their friends.  Olivia is one of Audrey's very favorites.

 Lily did a little egg hunting herself.  I never did catch a picture of Julia because she went off and running before I could.  I had these cute long dresses for Audrey and Julia to wear but Julia refused because she couldn't run with a long skirt.  She takes her Easter egg hunting a little too seriously.

 That evening we dyed eggs.  This is one of my very favorite traditions and the girls really enjoyed it.  We did tie dye this year and the eggs turned out really pretty.

 Oh this Lily.  She is so fun.

 It was perfect weather for Easter as well.  I love it when the weather cooperates.

 The finished products.  It was messy and our hands were all green but it was fun.  I have girls who love to create.

 This one was Julia's favorite.

 That night we left the baskets on the table and notes for the Easter bunny.  I decided that I am kind of tired of Easter baskets full of junky toys that just clutter the house so I asked the Easter Bunny to go ahead and just get the girls ONE thing.  I don't want Easter to turn into Christmas but I really wanted the girls to have something they needed and something that would get them outside.

 The Easter Bunny responded.  The girls were beyond BEYOND excited about all of this.

 So....instead of hidden baskets the girls found one hidden present.  Julia and Audrey both got rollers skates. Audrey was so happy about this, if you weren't able to tell by her smile.

 Lily got a new trike.  The little push bike she was riding just wasn't cutting it and this bike can double as a stroller so it has been a great thing for her.  She just recently learned how to use the pedals.  She is riding this bike constantly.

 I assumed the girls would like the rollerblades but I was unprepared for how much.  The first day, I must admit, was pretty rough.  They both fell A LOT and got pretty frustrated.  I was surprised that the next day they requested to practice more.  This has continued for weeks now and they are both pretty good.  Julia has gotten really fast and can turn corners.  Audrey has also gained a lot of confidence and is doing great.  I think the Easter Bunny gets an A plus on this one.

 After presents they gathered the hidden eggs.

 As is common at this age, Lily just wanted the candy.  I bet she ate her weight in jelly beans.

 Then we got al dressed up for church.  I love Easter dresses.

 My beautiful girls.  It was such a great Sunday and I am thankful that we were also able to remember the Savior and all that he has done for us.  So grateful for this family and that because of Him we can be just together forever.