Soccer Picture Overload

 The kids played soccer again this spring with the same league they played with last fall.  They had fun, even though a couple of the weeks were pretty bitterly cold.  Jaron only got to come to one game and I had him snap some pictures of the kids when he did since it's tough to take pictures while constantly struggling to keep a wiggly toddler from chasing the game ball.

 That dribble down the field actually ended up in Alden's first goal.  We missed capturing the moment on camera because we were living it but his reaction was pretty fun:

\

 Eli's not too shabby at the sport.  He probably seems to enjoy it the most of all the kids.

Jaron thought this picture was cool since neither of Eli's feet are on the ground:

 I thought this picture was pretty funny:

 Gracen was eager to sign up for soccer, but not so eager to play, even from week one.  They finish every game with a snack, though, so that was motivation enough for her to at least attempt playing each game.  

I feel like this picture pretty much sums up 3-4 year old soccer (Gracen is #32 in the middle).  For the most part, everyone does their own thing, with short spurts of everyone following the ball. Haha.

 And this little guy is everyone's biggest fan.  He loves to collect all the balls he can find and load them into our stroller, clapping for himself after each one.  Love him!

Reed's Walkin!

Reed took his first steps when he was ten months old and really started walking up a storm over the next few weeks.  I remember Gracen being so hesitant and careful when she started walking.  Not Reed, he LOVED it!

I thought these little wet toddle footprints were cute enough to merit a picture.

 Happy, happy little guy.

 Oh how this boy loves cars.  Big ones and little ones. :)

 He also loves his momma.  And his momma loves him.

Alden's Baptism

In our church we believe that children become ready to choose right from wrong at the age of eight.  At this age, they are given the choice to be baptized.  We believe that children who are under the age of eight are innocent and automatically covered by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Alden was SO excited about his baptism in the weeks coming up to it.  We had several family home evenings over the course of the previous year where we talked about baptism and what it means.  We believe that baptism is the first covenant we make with God on this earth and that he in turn makes with us.  We promise God that we will take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, that we will try to keep the commandments, that we will repent when we make mistakes, and that we will serve others.  In return, God gives us membership in his church, gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, and gives us the opportunity to return to live with Him after we die.  

 I don't know if I've ever been more proud as a mom.  It was so fun to see Alden baptized and to talk to him about his thoughts and feelings about it. Jaron's family came to support us and I can't believe we didn't get any pictures with them!!

Jaron's dad did snap a few of us, though, which is the FIRST family photo of any kind that we've had since Gracen was a baby!!  Shameful, I KNOW!!

P.S.  Do I REALLY have this many kids?!

Spring Dance Recital

There is definitely a spectrum of dance classes to put kids in.  At one end, I'd say there's the dance class that my sister's kids are in (for lack of variety - they live in Saskatchewan!).  Their dance class makes them sign a legal contract saying they won't miss many classes.  Then they have to pay for class uniform, recital fees, and pretty high class fees.

On the other end of the spectrum is Gracen's dance.  She goes to a neighbor's house in our church's ward boundaries.  We pay $20 a month for weekly classes and the recital fee ranges from $5-$10.  It's great for us and Gracen loves it!  She misses it SO much now that it's ended.

The spring recital's theme was Despicable Me and the girls dressed up as minions.  We were pretty much on our own as far as costume with the guidelines of a yellow shirt and denim shorts or overalls.  I rigged up this little minion eyeball headband at the last minute.

 The day had run away with me and I jumped out of the shower RIGHT before we left for the recital. I asked Jaron if it was ok to wear my bangs (that I'm growing out) side-swept.  He said yes but...when I got home I realized they were quite on the side of 70sish, haha.  

 Cute little Gracen, waving her hips around.  Love this girl!

 Gracen and her teacher, Miss Becky.

Spring

Spring sprung in our neighborhood seemingly overnight.  There were soooo many trees in our neighborhood that were flowering.  I really wished that I had taken the time to snap pictures of them but I only took pictures of the two trees in our yard. I also really wish that I had gotten these pretty pink little buds when they were fully blossomed - beautiful!

 As soon as Grace found out it was spring, she got her swimsuit on.  Of course. :)

Happy Birthday, Alden!

In April, Alden turned eight.  We decided to have a Nerf gun party.

The cake was supposed to be a bullseye but I ran out of blue frosting. :)

 We put some stuff up around the house that the party guests could shoot at.

 We ate take 'n bake pizza from Costco.

 And opened presents.

 Then we sang happy birthday and had cake and ice cream cones.

 Then we moved around the furniture and had a big, huge nerf gun war.

 Gracen ran through the mayhem, gunless, screaming and absolutely loving it.

 A fierce looking group, eh?  Parties are so much work.  But so fun!