Summer....Finally!

Fortunately, the third snowiest winter on record in Minnesota is now a distant memory.

But, we had to post these pictures so when our kids tell their children about this winter, they have proof of their stories.

This is a place where people love to talk weather and share the worst weather stories ever, and for the first time, everyone this year said they never remembered a winter quite like this one. It was intense!

Here's the proof that winter really doesn't last forever, and summer here is truly heavenly.

A li'l dunkaholic

One of Kyler's first phrases was, "dunk it!" And Daddy couldn't be prouder! Enjoy Kyler's first highlight reel.

Easter Fun

After many attempts, this is the best photo we could get of four wiggly kids after church in their Easter Sunday best.

We were grateful for sunshine and no snow this Easter. That doesn't usually happen here in MN.

What a treat to have Lauren with us to dye Easter Eggs!

The kids were successful in the hunt.

Kyler liked his creamed eggs!

I'm so grateful to our Savior Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us, so that we may be a family forever!

Pure Joy....and fear

One of our favorite moments from our trip to Disney World...

Ellie turns 6!

Ellie decided she didn't want a traditional birthday party this year. Instead, she wanted to take one friend to Build-A-Bear! We eagerly agreed to her request and had a wonderful evening at the mall.

Anxiously waiting to stuff.

Falling in love with a new soft friend.

Kate and Ellie of course chose matching bears and matching outfits!

I realize this isn't a post about Teyah, but you can't help but notice Teyah and her "style." She would never choose the same bear as someone else!

A happy Ellie! It was a success!

She also wanted to celebrate with dinner at the American Girl Doll store.

I love seeing a happy Ellie. We haven't seen much of that smile this past year (more on that later).

Ellie has always been one of our more facially expressive kids, and this is a classic 'Ellie is happy but embarrassed look!' The waitresses sang to her, but since Kate is just three days older, they also sang to her too!

American Girl Doll Bistro has been one of our favorite parts of Mall of America.

Secrets? Something is obviously pretty silly.

This year Ellie...

*started kindergarten and successfully transitioned to all day kindergarten mid-year

*learned how to read and advanced quickly through many reading levels at school

*was pricked, poked, and x-rayed more than you can imagine and was amazingly brave

*saw a pediatrician, allergist, opthamologist, ENT, infectious disease doctor, two gastroenterologists, rheumatologist, immunologist, neurologist, and two geneticists

*Planned out which house she's going to buy when she is 'big' (the only one she knew for sale close to mom).

*Cried over the thought of delivering a baby because she doesn't want it to hurt (this kid is 6 going on 20)

We continue to search and wonder how to make Ellie feel better. I'm determined to find the answer. She has horrible mouth sores, lots of pain, vomiting episodes, and a handful of other really miserable symptoms that are so persistent. She's been doing a bit better as of late, but please keep her in your prayers.

Spelling

I'm pondering the fact that one of my second grader's spelling words this week is "fertility."

Hmmm....

Where dreams are made...

From pirates...

to princesses...

we had a magical week at Disney World in February:

Pictures, hugs, autographs...

beauty shop, giggles...

kisses and rides!

Grammy, Papa and Lauren added to the joy (and adult child ratio!). Thanks guys for everything!

Sunglasses, short sleeves...

flowers and gorgeous weather...

Proper poses, dresses,

and no crowds!

All this came together for a week-long delight.


Other than a touch of tummy flu, the week was perfect and much needed.

Aubrie was the true adventurer. She went on EVERY ride and especially the crazy, wild, dark, upside down, tall, fast, roller coasters that even make her mom green.

Teyah, the kisser, loved meeting each and every character so she could love on them. If nothing else, the money was worth the trip for Teyah. She hasn't stopped talking about Disney World to anyone and everyone who will listen, for three months straight! (I'm so late on posting).

I was obviously most worried about how Kyler would do with a disrupted schedule. He was a champ. He fell asleep in his stroller and on every ride would point and say: "Look!" or "Cool!"

I wish I weren't so focused on the things in life that don't matter like what to cook for dinner and what appointment we have next and the busyness of life. It is unfortunately too easy to forget to stop and look at these quickly growing children and enjoy them completely right now. Disneyworld does that for me. It makes me realize that in just a matter of months, these little girls won't be missing their teeth anymore. Princesses will be lame. Dressing up and kissing characters at Disneyworld won't have the same magic. Thank you Walt Disney, for helping me be a better mother!

Kiss me!

In February, Teyah took the (Disney) World by storm with all her lil' kisses given to anyone and everyone who would receive them. Enjoy a little bit of Teyah's Disney lovin'...

Aubrie's baptism

Once upon a time, on one of the coldest, most wintery days of the year, Aubrie Ayana wore white.

Not because she was a snow princess, but because she was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

My most memorable part of the day, was when I spoke, I gazed into her bright blue, innocent eyes, and it hit me how pretty, pure, perfect, precious and naive she is. Oh, how I want her to be that way forever!

We tried to convince all our extended family to come to the frozen tundra for the event, but only Grandma and Lauren were crazy enough to experience real winter.

Daddy baptized and confirmed her. Grandma spoke about baptism and Mommy spoke about the gift of the Holy Ghost. What a special, memorable day!

Kyler was done by the end of it!