Happy Mother's Day...finally

We didn't celebrate Mother's Day late - I'm just late in blogging about it. While I was in Utah, Aaron and the kids bought this swing for me for Mother's Day. I've been wanting a nice wood one that I can relax in and watch the kids play. It's right by our fire pit so it will be perfect when we have bonfires. I realize this isn't the best picture of the swing, but they are what make Mother's Day special for me!

Our little pre-school graduate

Bruce's pre-school graduation was last Friday night. He's been so excited to finish and get started with kindergarten. Too bad he has to wait all summer before he can start! He sang his heart out and was so pleased with himself and this accomplishment. The little blonde girl behind him with her eyes closed is the love of his life. They play together occasionally and he always talks about how he's going to marry Anna when he gets big.

Bruce the graduate

Confused

Our family room has these squares painted all over it and I have yet to find the perfect color. I want something with gold in it, but not too yellow. I don't want too much brown in it. Will asked me a few days ago if I was going to paint the whole room with different colored squares. Right now it looks like that just might happen. I'm so frustrated - it shouldn't be this hard, right? Anyone have any suggestions for colors they have liked? The room is a little dark so that makes it a little tricky - nothing too dark.

Catch up

I feel so spoiled to have gone on not one, but two mini-vacations in April. The first one Aaron planned on his own for me. His parents watched the kids and we went to Frankenmuth, Michigan for a couple of days. We shopped so much and Aaron was so patient with me. He just sat while I tried things on and worked using his Blackberry. I'm always busy buying things for everyone else so Aaron made me buy things for myself this time. There were so many outlets. After two days of shopping, we still hadn't even gotten to all of them, but I think we were shopped out by then so we were ready to leave!

Frankenmuth is a cute little German town with a huge Christmas store that is open year round. We had their world famous chicken dinner, and of course, had to buy fudge. It was a perfect getaway.

The end of April, Naomi and I headed out to Utah for a couple of days with the girls. My mom, sisters, a sister-in-law, and Grandma all met in Salt Lake City for a couple of days. Naomi was showered with attention being the only baby. We all stayed at my sister Beth's apartment. It was so fun to all be together with (almost) no kids, husbands, etc. Lots of good food, girl talk, and shopping. While I was there, I was also able to visit with a few friends I hadn't seen for awhile. It was truly a relaxing few days and Aaron did great with the kids while I was gone.

Just as a side note, the little picture of Naomi with her bottle and purse was taken of her in the Chicago airport. She looked so adorable walking around with just the essentials. She did so well on the airplane. It was so fun to have this time to spend one on one with her.

Crashed

Have you ever been so tired that you sleep through a church talent show after playing all afternoon at a friend's house and spending the previous night at a father/son campout? Bruce has.

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth!

Elizabeth waiting to open her presents

What do you get the girl who loves American Girl dolls? More American Girl dolls. Kit is probably her favorite doll and she talks about her all the time. It was really fun because I don't think she expected she would get another doll. She would tell me all the time that she thinks when Madelyn is big enough for a doll we should get her Kit.

Reeses Peanut Butter Ice Cream cake...mmmmmm!

Here's a picture of Elizabeth at about 3 months. Love that round head and big eyes!

Elizabeth celebrating her 5th birthday

We feel so blessed to have Elizabeth in our family. Recently, Aaron and I went away for a couple of days and I don't know how many times I said "Elizabeth would love this" while we were shopping. She loves going shopping with me - even if it's only to the grocery store. She is so helpful with her little sisters. She adores them and they love her. She is our little crafty girl. She's always the first to make a card for someone who is celebrating a birthday or isn't feeling well. Happy Birthday to our sweet Elizabeth!

It's snowing!

Elizabeth came in our room a couple of nights ago and excitedly announced "it's snowing outside!" Never mind it was about 60 degrees. We have three trees that are losing all of the blossoms so the ground is covered in white. Thankfully, no, Elizabeth, it is not snowing. Silly girl!