Payson Temple Open House

Me with two of my Billies--former roommates

On a very windy, chilly Saturday in May, my family, my mom, and two of my best friends (and family) all went to the Payson Utah Temple open house together.  I was glad that I had some extra tickets so we could all go together.  The temple was beautiful inside and Jared especially was excited to learn about the different rooms of the temple.  

Ann-Marie flew in from out of state, and Caroline and her family just got back from living out of the country for a couple of years

My family with my cute mommy

 Ann-Marie, Caroline, and I had a fun weekend together.  We hung out just the three of us Saturday afternoon and evening, and then Sunday evening all of our families got together at my house for a yummy dinner.  It was fun to catch up with my best buddies.  We missed you, Ashley and Kate!  Next Billy party, right????

Happy Birthday, Maggie!

It seemed like we were celebrating Maggie all month long!  Not only did she turn 5, but she graduated from preschool and also had her first ballet recital.

Maggie wanted pink cupcakes with pink frosting, and I really went all out by decorating with these princess figures.  Thanks to Aunt Alisa for two of the princesses, and thanks to Princess Candyland for the others.   I know, I'm soooo fancy.  Ha ha.

Maggie got another Elsa dress for her birthday.  The one I bought her at Christmas did not have long sleeves (it was actually a nightgown), so I finally relented to buy her one with long sleeves and a longer cape.

Maggie also wanted a mermaid tail.  I was happy to find this modest one on Amazon.  

Maggie and her loot--lots of new clothes

Happy birthday to my sweet girl.  She is excited to be five because that means she can go to Kindergarten and also swim in Grandma C.'s hot tub!

A few random pictures from May

I crocheted these dresses for the girls over a year ago and am pleased that they still fit.  Evy will soon outgrow hers.  I love that Maggie suggested that they match for church one day.

Wearing Mommy's shoes

Alan got this amazing robotic Lego set for his birthday.  You can build it in all sorts of configurations and then use programs to have it do certain things.  Jared and Alan spent many nights putting it together in this cobra configuration.  

Sleeping Beauty.  I love that she's cuddling her favorite blanket.

Jared's spring soccer

Oops, I think he missed.  Ha ha. 

Jared has had a very successful spring soccer season.  He has improved so much over the past year, despite being the very youngest on his team of 2nd and 3rd graders. He really likes playing defense, which works well since he's not really aggressive.  

 We had some very chilly games and even one in the rain (we have had an unusually rainy month of May this year.)

Jared's coach has been wonderful.  He has given each boy "recognition patches" to wear on his jersey and makes sure every one feels special.  Jared has enjoyed receiving the MVP patch a couple of times and having the coach call him a "solid rock wall."  Ha ha.  I'm so proud of Jared.

Other April pictures

Maggie had "picture envy" on Evelyn's birthday and wanted me to take a picture of her ring

Evelyn is wearing one of the vintage dresses that I wore (and Maggie wore) when I was little

 Grandma and Grandpa Stout bought our kids these darling shirts from their recent trip to Mexico.  The sea creatures' mouths flap open!!  Evy loves her shirt so much that she insisted on sleeping in it one night.

I took this one of Evy just today when she was drinking the smoothie ("movie") I made for lunch.  She loved it and kept asking for more!

This video is Jared showing off his hula that he is learning for his school dance festival at the end of May.  All of the 2nd graders will be dancing this together.  He loves practicing it at home once he found ot we could look up the music from Lilo and Stitch on YouTube.  I love how "graceful" Jared is.  :)  

Happy Birthday to Alan

We also celebrated Alan's birthday this month!  I don't have as many pictures of his birthday as Evelyn's, but we had a wonderful day.  Alan requested chicken enchilada soup for dinner and his favorite ice cream sandwich cake.  Alan and I also celebrated his birthday that week by eating out at Cafe Rio and at Los Hermanos.

new wallet and belt

Alan and his loot--some of his favorite treats and new jeans, among other things

I love you, sweetie!  Thank you for being mine!

Happy Birthday, Evelyn!

This month we celebrated Evelyn's birthday!  I can't believe she is two already!  Evelyn has the first birthday out of a big line of birthdays in our family, so she has quickly learned what birthdays (and presents!) are all about!

These are as fancy as my cakes get...

coloring books

My Little Ponies!

 Two-year-olds are easy to please, as far as presents go: new coloring books, My Little Ponies, books, and a hand-me-down Leap Frog shopping cart (thanks, Shell!) Oh, yeah, and a cute ladybug outfit!

Good job blowing it out!

We love our Evelyn!  She is so big!  She talks so much, knows all of her colors, and a few ABC's.   She loves to be doing whatever her big brother and sister are doing!  She is a joy to cuddle!