Lynsey and Joseph

When I came home from Minnesota Lynsey and Joseph (my sister-in-law and nephew) came home with me!  We had a long day of traveling (three separate flights) and we didn't get home till about 11pm, but it sure was nice to have someone to travel with.  Joseph was such a good traveler!  And it was really nice to be able to spend so much time chatting with Lynsey. 

Lynsey and Joseph were able to stay at our house for almost two weeks!  It was so fun to have them!  We don't get to see them nearly often enough, so a nice long visit like that was wonderful!!!  We did lots of fun things together. 

Ben was even able to join us for a few days!

We went to the Palouse Discovery Science Center and worked our brain muscles.

We went to see the Giant Cedar.  It was really rainy that day, but we did have a break in the rain right when we needed.  We got a little sprinkled on while we were walking around, then about 30 seconds after we got back in the van it started pouring again.

We also went to the WSU creamery to watch how they make cheese, and to eat some really yummy ice cream!

Lynsey took most of these pictures...Thanks, Lyns! 

Minnesota!

In May I was able to go (all by myself) to Minnesota for my brother Sam's wedding.  It was wonderful!   

Sam and Natalie

Ben, Me, Dixie, Heidi, Sam, and Bradley

Me and my sisters.  I cannot even begin to describe how much fun I had with my sisters.  Painting our toes, brushing our teeth, walking, talking, and laughing...so fun!  I love my sisters!!!

Man and Wife!

I was able to have a very handsome escort for the wedding.  My very cute nephew, Joseph. 

I had such a good time visiting with my family and meeting Natalie's family.  I also got to chat with Tawnya (Bockman) Russell and her new husband Spencer.  It was so nice!  And I am very, very grateful I was able to be at Sam and Natalie's wedding.  I am so excited for them and their family!

Anne Turns 8!

Anne turned 8 on May 18th of 2010!  She was very excited to turn 8 and had been looking forward to it for a very long time.  We had a nice family celebration the night of her birthday.  She asked for a doll cake and I tried my best.  Anne helped me decorate it and was very happy with the way it turned out. 

Since Annie turned 8 this year she got to have a birthday party with friends as well.  (Sadly, I didn't take any pictures...but I can tell you all about it.)  She had her party on Saturday the 22nd of May.  James took Stephen, Naomi, and Noah up to Moscow Mountain for the day.  Including Annie and Ellen there were 11 girls at the party.  It was quite exciting!  First the girls played a few games.  Then each painted their own flower pot, filled it with dirt and planted some Thumbelina Zinnia seeds.  After the pots were all finished and sitting out on the deck, the girls enjoyed a light lunch.  Next, Annie opened her gifts then everyone came back to the table for some ice cream cake.  And then everyone went home.  Anne was very happy to have finally had a "real" birthday party and had a very good time.

12 things we love about Annie at age 8:

1.  Anne loves playing the piano and does not complain when asked to practice.  Actually she complains that she doesn't get enough time to practice!

2.  Her hair is getting quite long and she prefers to wear it in two braids or two pigtails.

3.  She would rather read than watch a movie.

4.  Annie LOVES to go down the really BIG slides at the aquatic center.

5.  Anne has learned how to use my sewing machine and really likes to sew.

6.  She sings to Ellen and Naomi at night when they have a hard time going to sleep.

7.  She really enjoys riding her bike and is also good at jumping on her pogo stick.

8.  Anne would rather take a spider (or any other kind of bug found in the house) outside than kill it.

9.  She loves to walk through the woods with her Dad.  Especially when they go off the path to explore or look for antlers.

10.  She faithfully reads the Book of Mormon every night.

11.  She is not a fan of automobiles.  She would rather we used horses to get around.

12.  Anne loves old fashioned styles of clothing and often wishes she could dress like the pioneers did.

A Happy Morning

As you know, our spring was quite rainy.  But, the morning of May 14 happened to be sunny!  It had a strange effect on all of us.  We were all up earlier than usual and in happy and even helpful moods.  The kids ended up with a little bit of free time before school and all found things to do.  Since this type of thing hardly ever happens, I had to take pictures!

Stephen got in a little extra practice time.  (It was not all spent lying across the recliner, I just really like this picture!) 

Naomi got out the tracing paper and traced a picture from her book.

Ellen had time to make matching crowns for herself and her baby doll.

And Noah had lots of fun having horsie rides with Annie.