March 2013

 In March Oakley earned his Weblos in Scouts. He worked hard all year, especially during the summer.

 Bryce had a happy birthday. He took Oakley and Tessa  to the natural history museum in NY as his gift to himself. I don't know who liked it more--him or the kids (probably him). They said they had to force him past some of the bird exhibits so they could keep moving.

 We had a cold March--even a snow storm. Hathaway took advantage to play in the snow.

 Just a few weeks later we were out looking for Easter eggs.

 Bryce hid them all over the yard with nothing in them and they were just as happy to look for them as when they are filled with candy (they did get some candy in their baskets, in case you were worried about them).

 Easter clothes are hard because Tessa does not like dresses or wearing anything too girly (ie pink). Hathaway loves fancy dresses. So, we came up with these skirts as a compromise--the Easter bunny is pretty smart.

Bandages and Balls

This week, Hathaway had her first KT procedure--laser surgety. She was very brave and did a great job and the procedure was successful. We will be back again in a few months and then evaluate after that. We are thankful for a great children's hospital and doctors close by.

Oakley finished his basketball season as runners-up in the B flight tournament. Here he is with his friend from school who was on his team. Last week they won 31-13 to make it to the B final. Yesterday they lost their game 5-2 (yes that is the correct score--it was a defensive battle). He has had fun and learned a lot and that is what it is all about.

A Busy January

 I think that we had the busiest January ever. It started with just a bit of snow, just enough to get in a early morning sledding outting. Tessa got a sled for Christmas and was dying to use it. We had lots of fun.

 Oakley started his Science Fair project--the physical properties of rocks in NJ.  Who says science isnt fun? Plus we brought in a professional for the acid portion.

 Then came our long awaited trip to Disney World with cousins. All the kids got the stomach flu a few days before we left. Everyone was better by the time we left except Hathaway who threw up all over me and herself as we landed in Orlando. But we still had a fun time. The first day was Animal Kingdom. All the kids went on the Himilayan roller coaster, even though it was scary (Mike and I went too since we are the only adults who dont get motion sick).

 The second day we went to the Magic Kingdom, here we are waiting to see Micky's Philharmagic.

 Taking a rest--it really is exhausting.

 We stayed late for the light parade and fire works.

 Tessa taking a test drive after the test track ride. She made a goal that she would go on every ride that any boy went on even if she was scared, and she did--she went on more rides than anyone. If a boy opted out, he usually felt bad afterward because Tessa went.

 At Epcot

 We stayed at the tree houses as Saratoga Springs--a great location.

 Our last day we went to Hollywood Studios--lots of fun. We had a great time with family.

The day we got back the girls wanted to be chefs, so we made these hats and baked something.

Christmastime

 We had a great Christmas Season. We started it by watching the First Presidency Christmas devotional with hot chocolate and pop corn. The kids listened and could tell me the stories.

 I got to go with Tessa's school class to a play. I had fun hanging out with a group of first graders and sitting next to my favorite one.

 We attended the best Spanish branch Christmas party--it was a lot of fun: friends, Santa, presents for each kid that Santa handed out by name, food, and a great dance at the end.

 My friend, Kristin, and I have birthdays right before Christmas, so we try to sneak in a birthday lunch. This year we met Kristin near work and took her out to eat. Hathaway and her friend both think that Kristin is their personal friend, she makes them feel so special.

 Oakley's school class did a performance of the Nutcracker--they did a great job.

 Here is Tessa's class during the holiday party.

 Tessa and Hathaway playing with friends over the break.

 Bryce on is trip to India.

 Picking out our Christmas tree.

 Hathaway had a Christmas ballet recital....very cute.

 Hathaway also had a program at school and she sang louder than anyone else---she knew every word.

 Group picture the Sunday before Christmas.

 Christmas Eve we did the nativity and Hathaway really wanted to be Mary.

 Mary with the shepherds.

 Christmas breakfast: cinnamon rolls, yogurt, fruit, sausage and hot choclate (with marshmallows, of course).

 Christmas morning.