Mother's Day

For Mother's Day this year for my mom we got all of the grandkids together for some pictures.  Two Color Photography is who captured the moment for us.  We went to the tiny beach at Mantua reservoir & it was FREEZING COLD!!!  We had all of the kids dressed so cute & springy - cute coordinating colors - and they couldn't even smile they were so freaking cold.  Dang it!!

 

My cuties on the beach.

Caleb adores Griffen & Blake - and this pictures captures it perfectly!!

I think that this picture is my favorite of the whole group.

We even snuck in a picture with the kids & their mama's.  We do great work!

Me & my crew on Mother's day.

For my gift this year I asked Casey to finish the front yard.  HE DID IT!  It looks so much better!  He built the cute fence & smoothed everything out, put down weed paper and some wood chips.  I got some whisky barrels and planted some color and I love my front yard so much more! 

Next year we are hoping to have the funds to do something with the concrete at the bottom of the house. 

A close up of my flowers.  They are doing great!

Hogle Zoo

Seriously - I can't stay away from the zoo.  It sure has changed since I was little kid!  They have made so many improvements!  That is probably why it costs a fortune to go!  I was fortunate though - I had 3 coupons...one for each of the kids to get in for F R E E.  I love free.

 

 The kids were in heaven.  No one ever wanted to ride in the wagon - but I am glad that we had it so that we could carry our lunch & drinks & bags!!  My favorite was the otters & the seals. 

I love that my girls BOTH wanted Zebras!!  Caleb was stoked that no one got to the snow leopard before he did.  Simple pleasures are the finest.

 This cute grizzly bear and the polar bear were showing off in the water.  The lion was just chilling - but it is a beautiful creature so I snapped a picture.  What would be more terrifying - A bear chasing you down or a gorilla?

Taylor & Rylee loved everything.  They got startled by a gorilla, loved watching some monkeys play, were thoroughly entertained by the seals, and couldn't wait to go see the next thing!  In fact - just today Rylee asked me if we could go to the zoo.  How cute.

Casey hates sloths.  They use to have it behind glass - but now it's out in the open.  They are pretty hideous creatures.  What is totally disturbing is that Casey's impression of the guy is pretty spot on.

 My mom & Casey's mom joined us for the day.  I think that they both had a good time.  My kids are so lucky that they get to live so close & be loved by their grandparents. 

 Caleb was our master map man.  I didn't even think to hand him the map until halfway through the day he asked what other people were carrying around & when I handed him his very own map - he was officially in charge.  He would tell us where we were going next & where to turn.  He was adorable.

Talor & Rylee are strange.  They are fascinated with nipples.  When they walked up to the gorilla statue I said to Casey, "Five bucks that they touch his nipples."  Casey said, "Okay.  I bet they don't."  He totally owes me still.  Funny little nipple touchers.

 Caleb & his rock & roll hands crack me up.

 It was a perfect day!  Great weather and great company.

 Ashley & Eva are the best.  The watched Luke & Alexa for us.  Ashley said that they took a 2 and a half hour nap AT THE SAME TIME.  I think that has probably happened to me twice in the last 8 months.  I am glad that they were good for her!

Temple Square Picture Day!!

Remember December, 2013.  When I had my gall bladder out & left Casey in charge of the 3 olders??  Remember when Casey thought he was channeling a hair dresser and did this to my baby girl's hair?  It had 4 months to grow and...

before picture day could happen, I had to do this.  I had Rylee's hair cut like Taylor's.  My identical girlies had to look identical again, right??  They look pretty dang adorable.

Oh. My. Goodness.  What a day!!  Car #1 = Kim, Brittni, Taylor, Rylee, Luke and Alexa.  Car #2 = Angela, Ashley, Grandma Babe and Eva.  Car #3 - Sandra & Amber.  Just for the record - Car #1 was the first one on the scene.  Just sayin people.  Rylee went into complete panic mode as we pulled into the parking garage.  She thought we were in a car wash.  I wonder if she will end up being claustrophobic?

 

Temple square in the springtime is breathtaking!!!  I can't recall going any other time than winter to see the Christmas lights.  I recommend spring.  My cousin yet again captured some adorable pictures of my littles.  Luke & Alexa's pictures were for their 6 month milestone & Taylor & Rylee's were for their 3 year mark!

 

This little girl has my heart.  She is so delicate & so feisty at the same time.  If you try to make her smile & she doesn't want to - she flat out won't.  It's almost like she knew she was coming into a crazy family & wasn't about to take crap from anyone.  She also loves to suck her thumb!!!!  She prefers to eat her veggie baby food over the fruits.  So far at 6 months - she is tooth free and loves to sleep on her belly.  She still wakes up 2-3 times each night.  I am ready for that routine to cease.

Seriously - can you see what a stud this little chunk is going to be?!?!  He has the sweetest smile and adorable laugh.  He his cutting his first two teeth on the bottom & neither he nor I are enjoying it much.  He is a much better sleeper than his sister.  Usually he will sleep all night long or just get up once.  He loves to eat!!  Baby food or bottle - he will have it!

Luke

Weight - 15.11 lbs - 17 percentile

Height - 26 1/8" - 38 percentile

Head Circ. - 44.6 - 69 percentile

 

Alexa

Weight - 13.4 lbs - 5th percentile

Height - 26 1/8" - 56 percentile

Head Circ. - 42 - 34 percentile

 These girls....I don't even know what to say.  They are a complete joy.  They have such different personalities.  I love watching them grow into little ladies.

I don't think that my Grandma knew what she was getting into.  I think that if she could go back in time - she would have NEVER gotten into Ashley's car.  It was a day filled with a whole bunch of crazy & cuteness.  She bought all of the little kids a water bottle at the Disney store.  I love that my Grandma is still up for these types of adventures.

 Eva is hilarious.  When she sees that the whole group is getting together she literally squeals with excitement.  She freaking loves each and every one of us!!  She had fun picking the flowers and drenching herself in every drop of water that she could possibly find.  I don't know how her mom keeps up!!

 

After a tasty lunch at the Blue Lemon (BEST sugar cookies ever) we did a little bit of shopping and then headed home.  By the end of the day this is how we rolled.  Needless to say - I got a few looks.