Organized

Oakley and Morgan found a way to keep track of their pencil lids while coloring.
I thought it was a perfect place.

Good TV

My kids watch a lot of TV. Call me a bad mom, but I don't really care. It saves us from certain institutionalization (is that a word?). My favorite is PBS kids. I love the shows they have. They are entertaining AND educational. I am always disappointed in Disney and Nickelodeon. I mean what do the kids learn from Sponge Bob?

Anyways, my absolute favorite show is The Electric Company. If you haven't seen it you should. Its full of fun music, word plays, cartoons, and a main problem they have to work out. I would maybe even watch this if I didn't have kids. Its that good.

Here is my favorite song from one of the episodes. I have this going through my head at least every other day.

Slide and Drop:

Oakley 4.0

Oakley turned 4 on Sunday. 4! I just can't believe it. Especially since she is still the size of a 2 year old.

A couple months ago I asked her what kind of party she wanted. She replied with, "A Temple Party." For the next few weeks following her request I tried to get her to change it to something more 'birthday partyish,' but that girl wouldn't change her mind. So, here are some pics from her Fabulous Temple Party.

First up: Pin Angel Moroni on the Temple.
Oakley was the first and she actually was only a tiny bit off. And Sarah thought Moroni belonged on James' head. The kids thought that was the funniest thing ever.

Next Up: Treasure Hunt

As soon as I saw this picture I laughed right out loud. I love that the youngest, Oliver, is leading the way screaming, while the rest of the kids push each other out of the way to get out the door. Awesome.

Everyone raced around the yard finding candy, CTR rings, pass along cards of the Temple, toys, and other things kids love.

Then: Present Time

Oakley was most excited for this part. She had been counting down the days, hours, and minutes until her birthday. Once again she was spoiled by those who came (and from cards in the mail!). Thanks everyone for the gifts!

Last: The Temple Cake

This cake was a disaster. First, my cakes wouldn't come out of the pans for some reason, so the bottom layer is about 7 pieces of a cake pushed back together. And because of the crumbles the frosting was all bumpy. Not my best creation, but I guess it doesn't really matter to a 4 year old does it?

Happy Birthday Oakley!

Kindergarten Shots

The boys are going to Kindergarten next year. Can you believe it? I think I am much more excited for this than the boys.

Unfortunately for them we had to get their shots today.
And unfortunately for me I promised them we could go buy a treat afterward.

I liked going to the store with 6 little kids about as much as they liked getting their 6 (combined) shots.

(And is it kindergarTen or kindergarDen?)

Outside

Heidi, Josh, Jackson, and Grandma Teri came to play yesterday. We always have a good time with this crew.

We had a bouncing contest,
where Oakley thought it safer to sit out,

and the girls just wanted to play in the dirt,

We finished up the fun with a picnic outside.

Thanks for a great day you guys! Still loving the warm, sunny weather!

Easter Outfits

Here is a quick peek at my cute kids. I love new Easter outfits.

Finally

These past couple days have been Heavenly. Filled with exploring, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, trampoline jumping, running, swinging, sandbox playing, and sunshine! We have loved every minute of it!

Yesterday while we were exploring we took pictures of all the signs of Spring. These pictures just make me happy. I hope my Winter Blues are gone for a long time. A very long time.

I {LOVE} Potty Training

Need I say more?

Clash of the Titans

While growing up in the Veigel household there were many movies that were watched over and over and, therefore, were turned into 'family classics.' The list includes Tremors, Never Ending Story, A Christmas Story, Lonesome Dove, and, of course, Clash of the Titans. We all decided to enjoy the new release as a family (minus the New Yorkers :(). Friday night we hit up Rumbi and California Pizza Kitchen for Trent.
It was some good food, but next time everyone wants to eat where Trent did. I guess you just can't make everyone happy...

Self portraits. These make me laugh. You can tell who takes a lot of self portraits and who doesn't. My parents are the funniest.

The reviews for this movie were really bad, so we went in expected a horrible show. We were all pleasantly surprised. I loved it. Besides, who couldn't love a movie with Sam Worthington in it?

Yes, We Are Nerds...

....but we have fun.

We had a little New Moon party this week. I am not as big a fan as this party makes me seem, but I do like to watch the movies and I loved reading the books.
I wanted a fancy dinner, complete with candle light. And I know the too short table cloth is tacky, but what can you do?

We had a good turn out and a delicious meal which consisted of, bruscetta with tomatoes and goat cheese, bread and oil/vinegar (which we happened to have the BEST balsamic vinegar ever made), stuffed mushrooms, asparagus, delicious green salad, manicotti, sparkling cider, garlic bread, and, to top it off, lemon gelato. It was all sooo good, I could have eaten nonstop for a few hours.

Alyssa and I were the only ones that 'dressed up' for the occasion. And to answer the question on my shirt, I have totally switched teams since the movies came out. Jacob Black all the way!!!

Movie time. It is so much funner watching this movie without guys and their commenting. I like the woo woos from the girls better. Gotta love watching a little Jacob.

It was a great night and we had so much fun! Can't wait for the next party in JUNE!

And the picture are courtesy of Kristen, who is not in ANY of them since she was the picture taker. I am sorry Kris! I should have gotten one with you in it!

Easter in SG

We went down South to some warmer weather for Easter. It was perfect. I almost went into a severe depression when I came back to a huge snow storm on Monday. I am still cursing the snow.

Anyways, on to the fun times in good old St. George. Of course the favorite activity is swimming:
And my kids LOVE their cousins (and aunts)!

Heidi and I had planned an Easter Egg Hunt for Saturday night while the boys were at Priesthood. It was a killer hunt. Lucky kids.

These are pics of the kids waiting to go. Morgan was being so reverent while standing in line with the bucket on her head.

And off they went. Its always fun to watch kids hunting for eggs and such.

Checking out the loot. With two moms buying treats and cheap toys, the kids had a lot to check out.

On Easter morning the Easter Bunny did find my kids at Grandma Holly's. We were a little worried he wouldn't know where we were. ;)

Other highlights of the trip:

• Shopping, which is always a great activity down there. And I actually did pretty good on not buying things...
• Eating. I hit my favorite places. In & Out (x 2), Don Pedros (I LOVE their churros), Cafe Rio (I am not addicted to their shrimp tacos on Saturdays!). We also had 2 huge meals on Easter. Breakfast with the Jensens and Lunch with Grandma Veigel. As always, I think I gained 10 pounds.
• Running. Although I was pretty frustrated after my Friday run. My knee acted up again and hasn't felt good since. Dang IT band.
• Family time. Always good to be with the family and my kids can't get enough of their cousins.

Thanks to all for a great warm weekend in St George

Too Cool For...

....Breakfast.

Morgan (and others) love their new shades they got with our R.E.I. dividend. Love the shopping spree we have every March.

The Light in the Darkness

Like I said, Preschool saved the day yesterday. Have I mentioned that their teacher is awesome. Just look at the boys' Easter Baskets. Real dyed eggs and REAL grass grown right in the basket. She amazes me.
Apparently, Aiden was having a bad day or something. He didn't want his face painted or eggs. What a weirdo.

Oakley got the fake grass, but she still loved it.

Since they dyed eggs in Preschool I am thinking I am off the hook for having to dye eggs at my house. That simplifies my life immensely. Thank you Preschool. Thank You.