The Happiest Place on Earth

This year Spring Break was spent at Disneyland! We had 3 fabulous days at the Magical Kingdom with the whole family. The weather was perfect. It was a little crowded 2 of the days but we still had a great time. Maddie was so brave and went on every ride we did except for the roller coaster at California Adventure which she was 2 inches too short for. She loved them all.

Some of our favorite rides:

Maddie-Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, Tower Of Terror
Noah-Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear
Gage-Screamin', Splash Mountain
Kenzie-Space Mountain
Keaton-Splash Mountain, Screamin'
Mike-Soarin' Over California, Peter Pan
Kim-Space Mountain, Tower of Terror

Friends are the Best Possession

This is Maddie and her friend Trey. Trey was at Disneyland the same time we were and we were able to meet up with him and his family so the 2 friends could have some fun together. Maddie met Trey this year in school. They are in the same class. While they are the same age, developmentally and socially they are very different. Trey has autism. Maddie knows Trey is different and has a hard time with many things, but she loves him just the same. I am amazed at this little girl and her unconditional love for her friend. I think the world could learn a few good things from children.

Sleepover vs. Late Night?

Last week Maddie had her 7th birthday. She has always wanted to have a sleepover or slumber party. When our older kids were younger there were a lot of sleepovers, but through the years we've decided not to have them except on special occasions. Usually on the weekends one or more of the kids is having a "late night". Well, Noah had a sleepover when he was 7 so Maddie looked forward to be able to have one. She invited her friend Anna who is a year younger. They had a lot of fun painting fingernails and toenails, chasing down the ice cream truck for a treat, jumping on the trampoline, doing make-up, having a pillow fight, and sleeping in the tent that Gage put up for them in Maddie's room. She had a great time and while I had many sleepovers and don't remember them all, this one will stand out in Maddie's memory:)

Star Wars & the Roadrunner

This week for FHE we went to an event for the Dixie State College baseball team. They had music, a bounce house, free cupcakes, and free hot dogs. They also had the Jazz Bear there, but we arrived late and he had left by then. The kids were a little disappointed. There were also some Star Wars characters and the roadrunner mascot. Kenzie and Gage are too "mature" for getting pictures with mascots and characters, but Noah and Maddie still enjoy it:)

Border League Basketball

Saturday Kenzie and I took Gage to his first Border League basketball game in Cedar City. He had 2 games there and we had a great time watching him. They won both their games! There was a ton of snow there, about 3-5 inches, and it was freezing. Winter is not for me and I was glad I could be back home in 45 minutes where it was a bit warmer. Poor Kenzie hadn't planned for snow and had flip-flops on.

Family Room

Sooooo..........I put some pictures on of us painting the family room, but failed to take some pics of the finished product. Here it is. They don't really do it justice and I still have decorating to do, but we love it anyway. We have been "living" down there this past weekend. It is so nice to have it finished. It's almost like getting a new house.

Did you think to pray?

Last Sunday I knocked on Mikenzie's door to get something and she was praying. I went upstairs to get Maddie and also found her praying. Sometimes I wonder if my children listen and understand all the things they are taught. It's apparent that they learn more than I give them credit for. I am so amazed at the faith of children and thankful for all they teach me.

Thunder Basketball

A couple of weeks ago (I know I'm a slacker...or very busy) Mikenzie finished up her basketball season. She was on the JV/Varsity team. It was a great season for a new school. She had awesome coaches and learned a lot. The team practiced Monday through Friday after school until 6pm. Kenzie was the shortest on the team, but had the biggest heart and worked the hardest (this coming from her biased mom). We loved to watch her, although she banned us from coming sometimes. I guess we made her nervous. A few times we were able to sneak in and watch and near the end of the season we went whether she wanted us to or not. Great job Kenzie!

Home Improvement

The past 5 weeks we have spent coordinating and working on finishing our basement. We contracted everything out to people we know, except for the painting. Mike and I tackled that ourselves. Last Saturday we primed everything and then painted the ceiling, baseboards, and doors. Luckily we had a sprayer. Monday I rolled all the walls. When Mike and Kenzie came home from school and work they helped finished the project. Last night we were able to "move in". It is so nice to have it finished. Kenzie is already putting it to use and has about 10 friends down there now watching a movie. We have plenty of space for house guests, so come on over. We'd love to have some visitors.

Happy Birthday Madison

Happy Birthday Madison! Maddie turned 7 on March 5th. The day started out with a breakfast of oranges and apples, her choice. She got some new clothes to wear to school. Mom checked her out of school and took her to lunch at McDonald's for a happy meal of course. Then Mom highlighted Maddie in her class with a poster of pictures and some favorite memories. After school Dad took her and 2 friends out for pizza. Then it was home for strawberry shortcake and gifts with family and grandparents. Maddie's favorite gifts were her pink Nintendo DS and the games to go with it and a porcelain figurine from her grandma. We love you Madison and we're so happy to have you in our family!:)