Mother's Day Redone

Today is Mother's Day! Thus the mass posting and Darin's afternoon nap. Mass posting because I've got time. The nap for Darin because let's face it, my job is exhausting:)
The kids tried telling me Happy Mother's Day on the way home from our trip to St. George,but I wouldn't have any of it. You absolutely can't be on the road for mother's day. You have have have to be at home to soak up every second of it. We had to postpone a couple of weeks and it has been worth every second of it. Here's the day so far....

Breakfast in bed. Oatmeal Brulee with fruit, yogurt and orange juice. I didn't really eat in bed because they decorated a chair for me in the kitchen. Mother's Day to me is really a celebration of my kids. I adore the human beings they are becoming. They make a better breakfast than I do. I gotta step it up....

We went to church and had lunch outside on the balcony. Have I mentioned I fall in love with Colorado every spring and summer. Truly there is no place in the world I would rather be. I would however like to transplant my entire family in my neighborhood. Ohhhh I would really love that....

Caprese Salad...

Freshly made lemonade. I love Mother's Day!

We couldn't order better Grandparents!

Grandpa spent hours setting up the zip line then hours hoisting kids up to ride it...

We are so happy to have Darin's parents home from their mission in the Dominican Republic. It is such a gift for us and the kids to live so close. They are so excited to take the kids for us. Darin and I have taken a couple short trips since they have been home. I love that I know my kids are with people who adore them almost as much as we do. Their house is also a slice of heaven for the kids. They make forts, zip line, swing and make up games. It's a kid's true paradise!

Celebrating 16 Years

We went to the Broadmoor for one night. This hotel is absolutely incredible. I love it here. It's definitely one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

I am trying to find a picture of the necklace Darin had made for me. I picked it out of a magazine and had it saved in a drawer. He surprised me and had it made by a good friend and talented jeweler. It is incredible and such a sweet surprise. He has come a long way on his gift giving skills. The man is a pro!

We played tennis twice and ate like pigs...They have beautiful courts.

Since the second day was the sabbath. We didn't get to fully enjoy the amazing pool, but we layed in the sun and enjoyed the incredible scenery. I can't wait to go back. I can't wait to be married for one more year!!!

The Birthday Party

Here are the invites for Madeline's Party. I wish I took a picture of the finished product. We cut these in half and made a tri fold card.

Face Painting

Paris and her sweet friend Sierra served the girls Strawberry Crepes and Cake

All the friends who came to the party

Our master cake maker, he is amazing. His cakes taste every bit as good as they look...

The name plates before they blew off the table...

True Friend Debbie and her beautiful daughter Grace. She came the night before the party and helped me set up and make the party favors. Sooo fun and definitely one of her fortes...

Hair clips as party favors...

See the cute little Madeline cookies on the stand. Who knew 6 year olds would actually like them??? They ate em up!

The Greatest Gift

The greatest gift all wrapped up in Christmas Wrapping paper. I'm assuming he picked it because it was sooo colorful and since I don't micro manage. I let it be:)

Easton gave Madeline her present one day earlier. He just couldn't wait one more second. He would have given it to her a week earlier if I would have let him. The Book of Mormon with her name engraved on it, along with a picture of the temple. Solely his idea. Isn't that sooo sweet?

Madeline's Birthday

We took cupcakes to her class. Courtesy of Paris....

Darin took the day off and we took Madeline to lunch.

The big surprise! We let Madeline get her ears pierced. She was sooo excited. The salon was designed just for kids. It was adorable and she soaked it all up...

She was sooo brave. This picture shot the instant pain inflicked. No pain no glory, right! Sometimes beauty is pain...

Cupcakes

My mom's Birthday cake. These are the best cupcakes I have ever had. The frosting takes like a frosting version of gelato if that makes any sense.
Happy Birthday Mom!

More of Mom's 60th

Jimmy arrived late and stole the show.... If you wonder what it's like to be the only boy in our family. This picture is it!! Too bad the picture doesn't show the other angle where the whole family is gathered around. He gave my mom 10 questions honestly answered. I believe she is still holding on to her last one.

The birthday girl and my Dad. I love how they love each other!

We surprised my mom in her own backyard. We stayed at a historical home in downtown St. George (thank you Jake). It was sooo perfect. I wish I had pictures. It was perfectly lovely.
I loved this night. I loved spending celebrating my mom with all my own family and every one of my siblings. They are truly my favorite people!

We couldn't get together

Without taking advantage of the photo op. More to come....

My Mom turned 60

Yes she did. How much do I love that woman. The older I get the more I appreciate what an amazing person and mother she is. I am still awaiting pictures (that's you Jake). Here goes what I have so far.

Please let me look like this when I am 60!

We went to "the lake" in St. George. It's not quite Lake Powell, but we got Wet and Dirty and loved every minute of it. Garin and Lisa brought their quads. I guess I was having too much fun and didn't get a single picture of it. Did it really happen?

Could they be any sweeter. They absolutely adore each other. The are only 7 weeks apart and haven't fought at all like typical 2 year olds. Let's cross our fingers and hope it lasts.

One of my Antecedents (yep that's a word I just learned) built this house that is now a garage. It's just outside of St. George. My mom loves it here.

This is the Toquerville Cemetery. Apparently you have a connection with Toquerville in order to have the honor of being buried here. It is beautiful. Sorry, no picture of the view. I was otherwise engaged...

My mom is so "giddy" about this place. She almost can't wait to be buried here. I am confident with her "essential oils" and other such things she will be with us a long time. Not a moment to long, mom!

Sister Jarica, always sooo cute!

I survived

Yep, I did survive. You never know what can happen. Actually Darin does and last time (a few weeks ago) when he had his surgery, he couldn't sleep the night before. That's what knowing what can happen to you will do. A small case of dry sockets, tons of artwork from the kids. A husband who rocks the house (literally). I was off and running the next day... Thank goodness because seriously who has time???

What are we doing tomorrow?

This I have to say is Not me, Im sure he's handsome and all....

Savvy: Mom, what are we doing tomorrow (she says this as if it's the first time)
Me: Remember, I am having surgery, getting my wisdom teeth out!
Paris: Mom, you are kind of making a big deal of this surgery thing, don't you think?
Me: flabbergasted! Nope, I just want to remember that I might not a little extra sleep tomorrow!
The kids are off track. Seriously lovin' it and seriously buzzzzy!

Yep, tomorrow I'm getting my wisdom teeth out. Enough wisdom get those sucker out!!!
I'm staying up late eating Strawberry Shortcake, cleaning, organizing, just in case I need some sleep tomorrow!

Spring Blizzards

One thing about Colorado I love is the weather! It can be spring, summer and winter all in a couple day period. Here is a sneak peek outside my window yesterday. Today it's 55 degrees, the kids are outside playing in the melting snow with no coats on!