General Conference

Matt and I had the opportunity to take the boys to the Sunday morning session of General Conference at the Conference Center. We also were there early enough to see the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. 

Matt and I were excited to be there and be able to take our boy and give them the opportunity to listen to beautiful music and inspiring messages from our church leaders. 

They boys did a awesome job sitting and listening. Their favorite speaker was President Monson and suprisingly enough the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. With 30 minutes left, Bennett leaned over and said, "Wouldn't it be cool to just listen to the choir for the rest of the time?" 

After, when we were in the car and discussing the talks, Jacksen spoke up and retold a story that Elder Holland had related. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he had been listening while he was doodling in his notepad.

We had left Jemma with the Hammonds and drove back to Highland to pick her up. Before we headed home, we were invited to eat dinner at Steven and Angie's home. (Rob's brother). It was a very nice Easter dinner, but we were all a little sad to be leaving. Spring Break vacation was over. 

The cousins begged us to stay or take them with us. Our kids begged to stay or bring some back home. Although leaving was hard, we are looking forward to the summer when we can spend more time together. 

Spring Break Vacation

On Saturday, our last official day of spring break, the kids found a note taped to the door that led them on a wild hunt for eggs. 

This year since the kids are getting older, it was a little more challenging. We wrote their names on ten eggs for each of them. They were only allowed to touch ones with their names on it, and not allowed to tell anyone if they found theirs. It took the kids longer to find, but they had a good time. 

After the egg hunt, Matt and I took our kids to Scheels where they were excited to ride the Ferris wheel together. Then we took them to lunch at Texas Roadhouse. Although they had a good time, they were eager to get back to their cousins. 

Spring Break Vacation

On Friday we decided to take the kids bowling. In order to even the teams up a bit, we stole Grace and Felicity out of school. 

We were able to bowl 2 games. It's a little unclear on which team won, but I think we were all successful in having fun together. 

Spring Break Vacation

Another stop on our Spring Break Vacation was the Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point. 

The kids had so much fun running around and exploring all the exhibits. 

The highlight of the trip was the Ropes Course at the museum. There is an obstacle course of ropes that is above the museum floor about 20-25 feet. The kids strapped on their harnesses and made their way around the obstacle course. They did awesome!  Bennett admitted to being a little scared, but he continued on and made it through. I was surprised and a little astonished at how fearless they all seemed. 

  

Spring Break Vacation

Spring Break finally came!

We decided to head down to the Hammonds for Spring Break. Matt ha do work and then had an antler hunting hiking trip planned, so the kids and I headed down early without him. 

One of the first things on my agenda was to take the kids to see the new Cinderella movie. It was great. I loved the message of the movie which was to have forage and be kind. 

When I announced to the kids what we were doing, Jemma and Bennett were pretty excited. Jacksen had to pretend that he didn't want to go to a girl movie, but he secretly liked it. 

Another item on my kids agenda was to spend as much time as possible with cousins. Jemma and Ella stole my phone to take a selfie. And Robert fired up the hot tub for the kids to play in. 

Spring Break continued...

Time Out For Women

In March we were lucky enough to get tickets to Time Out For Women. I left my kids at home in Lander with Matt and traveled over to Idaho to meet up with: Mom, Michelle, Heather, Aunt Cecelia, Dianna, and AnnMarie. It just so happened that Krysti was flying in from Philedalphia that weekend, so we got to hang out with her also!

It was a great event. We got to hear some great speakers like John Bytheway and Mary Ellen Edmunds. We also got to hear the vocal group Mercy River. 

I was grateful to get the opportunity to hang out with all the girls I love so much! I can wait for the next girls weekend. 

Also, Krysti made the trip to Idaho and on the one year anniversary, March 23rd, of Uncle Bill's passing, she had a memorial at the nursing home for Grandma Betty. 

It was great spending time with family. I don't think there is anything I love more. 

Parent Teacher Conference

We went to Subway for dinner after the parent teacher conferences were don't. It was to celebrate these three kids doing so well in school. 

Not only do I have smart kiddos, I have kids who are responsible and respectful and kind to their teachers and to other staff and students and the follow the school rules. 

I don't think I could ask for anything more from them in their academic careers. 

Jemma

Jemma has had a very good week. The week before Spring Break she made it into the penmanship club. She is the first official member and is  waiting for some of the other kids in her class to join her. 

It is also her Kindergarten Music Concert. Jemma had a special speaking part, "How far twinkled the star."  She said it with confidence and did a very good job. It was fun to see her up on stage with all her friends. 

Piano Recital

The boys played in their first piano recital with their new teacher, Kris Sandall. Bennett played his favorite piece called Swans on the Lake. Jacksen played a duet with his teacher called We Three Kings. They both worked hard and did a very good job. 

Jacksen's Baptism Day!

Jacksen was a little worried that since he was being baptized on "the day of love" he would be smothered by kisses!  He was baptized February 14, 2015. And he was smothered with kisses by his Mama!  Grandpa Tom Washburn spoke on baptism and the Holy Ghost. We then listened to Jacksen play I Am A Child of God on the piano. Matt baptized and confirmed Jacksen a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The closing song was Gethsemane. We learned that song in primary and it has quickly become a favorite of most the children. After the baptism we invited all family and friends to join us for  lunch. It was great to have all our family there to support Jacksen on this very special day. 

Jacksen's Baptism Pictures

Heather took baptism pictures of Jacksen in October. He was so excited to have his very own photo shoot!

We decided on having the pictures on the Idaho Falls Temple grounds. 

It was freezing!  But Jacks managed to smile through his chattering teeth. 

Thanks Heather!

Jacksen's 8th Birthday

Jacksen feels it is Great to be 8! He invited his friend Porter to come play after school. They raced around and played until they couldn't stand the suspense any longer of not knowing what was in the present bags. He opened his presents and then we ate dinner. Dinner was a sweet event! Jacks requested crepes. So we placed a candle and sang happy birthday to Jacksen!