Birthdays and Easter

Whew! We made it through April with birthdays, traveling and Easter. Tessa decided she wanted a pillow pet birthday and a cake that matched her pillow pet. Here is our attempt (I know not the actual size--who could eat that much cake?). But she seemed happy with it.

She had a few friends (plus the Coxs) over for a little party. They went fishing for these little dogs and made felt animals.

She opened presents and had cake--really what else do you need? She was even happier that she got to open more presents on her real birthday.

Tessa's preschool class had a field trip to Howell farm (and it was freezing). Here she is with her friend Nina grinding corn.

Oakley and Hazel after their safety puppet show.

Can I give you a little advice? Do not travel south on I-95 the Saturday of spring break with tornados coming. If you do, you just might end up in a hotel room instead of grandma and grandpas. This is Hathaway on her birthday eating an ice cream sandwich in a hotel room instead of a cake at grandmas.

We FINALLY made it after 6 extra hours on the road. Easter dinner and an Easter egg hunt were waiting for us.

Hathaway's second birthday celebration with a cake grandma Donna and Aunt Marian made.

Once we were there, the weather in SC was great and we went be the beach with the Adamsons.

The next day we headed out to Fort Sumter on the ferry. It was the 150th anniversary of the start of the civil war. It was interesting (Bryce even let me stay and listen to the lecture, since I'm not from the south and need some instruction). The kids thought it was OK for not having any animals (although we did see a lot of dolphins).

Hathaway's third birthday celebration with the cake mom brought and made.

Finally, we made it to the Caw Caw reserve. Bryce saw some kind of kite how wanted to see (it's a bird) and the kids saw: 12 alligators of various sizes, lots of birds (including the special one Bryce saw), skinks, lizards, a tree frog, lots of catepillers...I think that is it. They were upset about no turtles. It was nice to walk around outside.

We had a great time with Grandma and Granpa and Blackie and Jesse (even though Tessa isnt showing it here).

And no trip is complete without a stop at the great dismal swamp. We had a fun time walking around and then sleeping in at the hotel in the morning while Bryce went hunting for another special bird (a type of warbler this time), and he found it. We must be good luck.

We made it home just in time for Easter. The kids had time to color a few eggs.

Easter Sunday!

A final picture: I told the kids I had checked out some books at the library. A few minutes later, I walked in and this is what they looked like. I love it!

March Happenings

With the bad weather, we have had some fun indoor playdates. Here is Tessa with her friend Chase playing pirates. We didn't have the right hats for everyone, so I told Tessa that sometimes pirates did one unique thing and that is how they got their names. She became Pink Hat Pirate.

Hathaway had to dress up too. She looks like a little princess.

When I went to Stake RS Conference, Bryce and Amy Beth took the kids to the farm. Tessa was brave enough to get on the horse first, then Oakley decided he could too. I love the farm--I wish we lived on one sometimes. Good thing this farm is close enough.

Get ready....two birthdays and Easter are coming up in April. These are the invitations for Tessa's pillow pet party (you can hang the leash on your door so you don't forget).We went to Kids Town after school with some friends. Oakley ran into a boy that wasnt looking where he was going. He still has a very purple eye. He said "like 50 people at school asked me how I got my black eye."

Misc winter fun

We had lots of fun in the snow this year. With Tessa's "girl" influence, the kids went for a snow princess.

Tessa and her friend at Disney Princess on Ice--very fun.

Tessa at crazy dress up day at school.

The Stinsons came and we went to visit the model train display.

Bryce had a birthday--forgot to get a picture of the cake.

Oakley was awarded his Wolf at the Blue and Gold Banquet. He worked really hard to finish and I was proud of his initiative.

Mexico

...I am finally posting about our trip to Mexico. We had a great time. We started in Talum (south of Cancun--and much better, I think). We had a cute little bungalow right on the beach and maids came every morning with this fresh, Mexican breakfast.

These are the ruins in Talum. Right on the beach and beautiful. We decided we would have wanted to live there is we were ancient Mayans.

While in Talum we went snorkeling in the cinotes and out on the reef.

...look how low the roof is getting...kind of freaked me out, but it was interesting and unique.

Next stop, the middle of nowhere...I mean Rio Lagarto. The reason we went: flamingos. You cant see them very well, but they are the dots in the background. The boat tour was pretty cool, the hotel was not.

This is the highest pyramid in the area and it was only open to climb for a few more weeks (I guess someone fell off). It was quite steep but an amazing view.

Finally to Chichinitza--this is the older Mayan area.

Here we are near the famous pyramids. We had tour and it was really fascinating.

An amazing time--thanks to mom for watching the kids.

Christmas

Oakley's cousins helping him put together his lego Star Wars ship.

Saying good-bye to good friend with one last play-date (for kids and adults).

Tessa and her friend at their dance recital.

The Spanish branch Christmas party (I didnt know Santa wore sun glasses).

Birthday pedicures with Aunt Heather.

Bryce made a delicious carrot cake.

Tessa helped me blow out the candle. Thanks to everyone who made it a great day!

Tessa's school Christmas program.

Taking care of Alden.