Time Away

I spent a few days at Nicci and Chris's doing crafts, shopping and trying to relax. Time always goes by too quickly when you are trying to pack so much into your days. As always, we did quite a bit of shopping. We made it to Costco on a daily basis. I went down on Wednesday and by Friday, Jake had about had enough of the shopping thing. We drove into Costco parking lot and were pulling into a parking space when he said, "Costco again?" Now, here is a kid who likes Costco (nearly like his Grandpa Dunford), but after 3 days of returning, he was a bit disgruntled. Funny, though, we went back again on Saturday!! We are some kind of crazy!

The rest of our time we spent crafting. Niccole worked on her sewing (make-up bags and other cute handbags) and I set up shop to do some beading. It was fun to do those things together. Nicc has talent in so many areas and I wanted to learn all I could from her. She taught me how to make fabric flowers and how to hem pants a new way. Thanks, Niccole, for a fun-packed stay!

Marc met us on Saturday to transport me to their home for the weekend and Mother's Day. How I love my grandkids! I love being with them and spending time with each of them.

Mother's Day morning was a day of relaxation for Gretchen and me while Marc and the boys fixed breakfast. We had pancakes, bacon and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Who could ask for more! Great job, guys!

Marc slaves over a hot griddle

While Kaden and Ivan work together to squeeze the oranges.

It was a combined effort. They work well together in the kitchen!

Tucker flips the pancakes.

And Cooper looks on and makes cute faces for Grandma and her camera!

After church and later in the day Chris, Nicci and boys came to join together for the Mother's Day dinner. Once again the mothers were "allowed" to watch on while the guys made the preparations. It was hardest on Gretchen. Marc was sure to let her and the rest of us know that the men were in charge and that they needed NO guidance in fixing the meal. It is not easy for women to have men in their domain! But it was nice to have the rest from making a big Sunday dinner, isn't that true Gretchen and Niccole?? It was for me. And it was fun to watch. Marc and Chris did a super-chef job and we enjoyed the day and the meal. Thanks again, guys!

Chef hats and aprons are on my Christmas list this year!

The guys are really serious about their job!

Steaks done just right!

Grilled pineapple, potatoes & gravy (not shown)!
Who could ask for anything more? .....

Cooper looks to be saying, "Steaks! And I get this stupid hotdog??"
Aunt Nicci gets the "stinky" eye!

He guesses he better eat it and like it .... and he did!

Jacob's favorite part of the day's celebration was getting to play with all the great toys at the Hale's!

It was a really fun day spent together .... well, until the two cousins (Coop and Jake) decided to see if a full roll of toilet tissue could be flushed down the "potty" in the basement! Took some clean-up by the master chefs! I had to think of the Matt and Nic days of long ago and chuckle a bit!! All comes with mother and fatherhood!! And yet we still find the enjoyment and delights of parenthood!!! RIGHT?

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY everyone!!

A Busy But Fun Month

We have had a full and busy month. We have had lots of time to be together as family and taking advantage of all of the holidays and special occasions. It is a special occasion just when we can spend a few days together.

We have had birthdays, Easter, Girl's Day, General Conference, and just visiting times. April has been here for about 5 weeks and left to go back to Missouri this morning early. 6 a.m. is early!!

This is the way we spent part of the time:

April & I took the kids to Idaho to visit the family there. It was fun to see the kids get reacquainted with Great Grandpa and Great Grandma.

Is that sign language? Nope, it is Enoch showing some of his superhero moves!

"Bob" (Elias) gets to know Hiram's "Fur Real" monkey.

No visit would be a good one without a lunch or two out. This one found Nicci, Hiram and Enoch having that "Black and Tan" before the "real" food was served! Well, maybe that WAS the "real food"!

Mighty good "Black & Tan"!

The Month of April Birthday celebration! April (April 1st), me (April 4th), Marc (April 5th) and Christina (April 10th). It was fun to be together for the day!

Besides a birthday celebration, it was also Easter weekend and the big Family Easter Egg Hunt was held at Mike and Christina's ward meeting house. The kids managed to find all of the eggs but one (well, maybe two). Someone in their ward might be lucky enough to find the "unfindable" egg. Is unfindable a word?

Carter

Ivan

Enoch & Tucker take a minute out of the big "hunt" to pose for a cousin picture. How cute is that?

With the egg hunt over, the kids are checking out the "loot".
(l-r) Cooper, Tucker, Enoch, Ivan, Caitlin and Cayanna

Caleb

Another day:

Grandpa and Caleb manage to take a little "down time" to watch a bit of Discovery Channel.

Grandad takes Isaac to do some promised golfing.

Isaac promised to pay Grandad back when he got home to get his money! Grandad said that Isaac could just treat him to a game next time.

A little "warm up" opportunity.

Isaac spent as much time as he could with his Great Grandad. When at home, he spent most of his time right there on Grandad's lap. It was a real bonding time!!

It was so much fun to have April and the kids here. We are glad that we were able to spend a lot of time together as family. April left to go home this morning at 6 a.m. Thanks for coming and spending the time with all of us, April. Be safe traveling home!! And get to feeling better, too. Not a fun trip to feel so "crappy" and have to be driving!