On the first day of their visit we went swimming at the pool and enjoyed hanging out. On Saturday we dyed Easter eggs, went to Sterling's soccer game, watched Conference, and in the evening we had our traditional Easter dinner. Kristen also led everyone in Nerf gun wars. The kids loved it!
I really enjoyed cooking Easter dinner for everyone!
On Sunday we made beignets (Eve's choice), watched Conference, had our traditional egg hunt, and enjoyed a BBQ. We were sad to see the Owens go! Before they left we enjoyed an ice cream birthday cake for Eve.
A few days later we went to Cincinnati to meet up with the Sanchez family and Mike and Taralie's family. We went to the aquarium for the day. The kids had a great time! The picture with all the guys is them collectively achieving the weight of a great white shark.
Then on the following evening we were treated to have the Sanchez family come to stay with us for a few days.
On the first evening we had dinner and played games (Twister, Pit, etc.) The next day we went to have a tour at Anthony Chocolates factory. This was fun to see and we all got to enjoy a sample afterwards. Then in the afternoon we enjoyed playing games, Sheri played hair stylist with Parker, and some of the group went to see a movie. In the evening Kelly and I went to a Relief Society birthday dinner and then we celebrated Kelly's birthday (the following Saturday) with cake and ice cream.
Friday, April 10th Kelly and her family headed home, and I flew to Kansas City where I met up with my friends from Omaha. Keri Spangler, Cristina Dorius and her friend Leti were all able to drive down. This was a great meeting point where we could attend Time Out for Women together. The girls picked me up from the airport, we checked in to our hotel (thanks Matt for his flight miles and hotel points) and then got lunch. We did a little shopping at a nearby mall and then went to the evening session of TOFW. I enjoyed all of the presenters. The most noteable for me were Jenny Oaks Baker on her violin with her daughter on the piano, and Calee Reed, a singer. The other speakers reminded my of many things I know to be true; The gospel brings happiness, and we should treasure each other as well as all our opportunities. There were also lots of personal insights and motivational ideas.
On Saturday we had breakfast at the hotel and then spent the morning and afternoon at the conference. We went to Whole Foods cafe for lunch in between sessions. This was such a fun way to catch up with the girls. After TOFW was finished the girls took me to the airport and I flew home. It was a short trip, but so nice for a change of pace and so great to catch up with my friends!
The next Wednesday evening I flew to Colorado to be with my family. On Thursday we were able to attend my niece, Hannah's baby shower. She is such a sweet and beautiful person. I know she will make an awesome mom!
Sorry for the blurry pics!
I really enjoyed being with all my family! I enjoyed talking and playing the piano with my mother, attending Catherine's choir program, relaxing, and catching up with my sisters, nieces, nephew, dad, brother in laws etc. It is always great to get away. You miss home and they miss you, but it is great to get a different perspective and remind you of what is most important.
Back at home, we worked hard to get the garden ready.
As the month went on, spring time was . . ."springing", as they say in Frog and Toad.
We continue to enjoy our rabbits, and Matt got a new rabbit, a grey flemish giant. We named her Grace. She is just a few months old.
Finally, at the end of the month I was able to accompany Sheri on a school field trip to the zoo. We spent the day with her friend Elena. One of our favorite things was seeing the goslings that were yellow and fluffy.
We have had such a fun and beautiful month! Happy Spring everyone!
