April

Annika and Benson and I went to Utah with Papi for the first half of spring break. I really wanted to see my roommates and meet baby Oliver. And David wanted to stay home and do yard work. And it sounded nice not to travel with an almost 2 year old Esther. We planned to spend the night near Boise on the way there. However, there were several big accidents and we ended up spending the night in La Grande. So we didn't get far the first night. I slept terribly in the hotel and we were all happy to arrive at Aunt Linda's house and be with family the next day. We had to stop many times for potty breaks. But the kids did great in the car.

We stopped at Temple Square on our way to Orem. It was very busy (Conference Weekend). I love going there and it was awesome to take the kids. Zack and Abby met us near Temple Square and brought us there. My dad had a date to go on. I spotted President and Sister Risenmay and it was fun to chat with them for a few minutes. He's the Temple Square mission president.

Temple Square babe

My dad and I took the kids to BYU campus and the bookstore. I love being on campus!

BYU dinosaur museum

Lavelle Edward's Stadium! One of the main gates was open so we went in and walked around. I've never been in there when it's empty. We were all impressed!

Benson took many naps in the car when we went places.

Papi took A and B to the Draper Aquarium while Abby, Debbie and I hung out. We went to Abby's apartment and then they took me to Stephen and Alainna's so I could see them and finally meet Oliver. The kids and I had colds. They are very cautious with Oliver, as they should be. So I went without the kids. Abby and Debbie stayed in the car to rest; they were getting the cold too. I was in Alainna's house for about an hour. I got a short tour and we caught up. It was both wonderful and heartbreaking to get a glimpse of Oliver's life and what it takes to care for him. Alainna and Stephen are amazing. I don't know how they do it.

Esther spent lots of quality time with Daddy while we were gone. They mowed the lawn together

Me with Clara and Alainna!

in Benson's snow boots. I just love this sweet girl!

Papi and Annika played her cupcake princess game. And then they gave her finger and toe rings! :)

We found Hannah and Esther playing in the dry bathtub together :) These two have a future of troublemaking together ahead of them!

Should I be concerned? She was trying to cook her baby in the pot. :)

helping dad with yard clean up. Benson LOVES to work outside. He's a good helper.

Papi came to watch one of Annika's soccer games. We went to Taqueria Guererro for dinner. It's been different this spring soccer season, with David coaching tennis. I've enjoyed not coaching though. I don't stress if we're a little late. And Annika is much more aggressive this time around. It's been so fun to watch her gain confidence and have fun on the field.

She's wearing Benson's ninja turtle costume. I love it when the kids play with dress up clothes and use their imaginations!

Benson and Michelle Nygard watching a show together :)

Glenn and Kathy came home from China for a week for Matt and Brianna's wedding. It was so good to see them. But I was quite relieved when the festivities were over and life got back to normal. G and K stayed us for a few nights and then went to stay at Heather and Nathan's, where Gma Kuttler was staying and to be closer to the wedding festivities. Joel and Anya stayed with us for a few days. We loved that. That didn't stress me out. It was so good to see all of David's siblings.

Esther and cousin Katya. Adorable girls!

Anya and I have a tradition of going to Walmart every time she comes to Othello :) I love spending time with her!

Brynlee, Beusie, Annika, Grandpa, Oliver

The men put Nathan's HUGE backboard and hoop up

Benson loves Uncle Joel!

On the morning Joel and Anya left for home, Benson got David's electric razor and decided to shave a little patch of his head... 

So we had to buzz his head down without a guard. Kinda cute, I guess? He is a handsome boy but I like a little hair on his head :)

Benson usually feels the need to contain Esther during pictures. I love my Easter babies!

David hates dying Easter eggs. But he still helps us every year :)

soccer girl!

Benson loves to build towers. Actually all of the kids do. Papi got us this block set when Annika was around 2. It's been a great toy!

This girl has big ideas! She wanted to have a Shopkins Dance party with her friends. I felt odd sending out invitations for this unique party. But, I want to do what I can to support her dreams :) We had the party at the church and invited a few friends. Brandy Stutz brought a few games. Her daughter Amber is really into Shopkins too. Annika practiced and choreographed a dance to "Tell Me What's Cookin'" (a Shopkins song). She taught the girls and they all danced through the song several times. Then we had shopkins cupcakes and other snacks. I do love Annika's creative mind and enthusiasm for planning parties.

Playing don't eat pete (Shopkins theme) at the party

Esther is getting more aggressive when she plays. It's funny to watch her tackle her siblings :)

Leah Jensen was on her team

I love it when Benson helps Esther. They usually get along pretty well.

Lincoln Park, Wenatchee

We went to visit Papi on a Saturday around his bday. I think David had tennis. We had lunch and played at the park.

The kids love this park and I have fond memories of playing there when I was a kid.

We brought Papi and a yummy chocolate cake!

Esther sees Benson peeing outside. So.... I have been called outside several times lately by Annika and Benson letting me know that she has unsnapped her onesie, pulled down her diaper and pants, and peeing in the flower beds. If I don't catch her in time, the pee gets all over her pants. Maybe she's ready for potty training? She's so young and small though.

Wearing Benson's boots again. She is such a doll!

The kids have a thing for taking beanie baby dogs outside to play. They call them pups and have had a blast with taking them down slides and on the trampoline. My favorite is when they put them in their shirt to go on a riding toy :) We've lost one to the lawn mower. So I'm not sure if we'll keep bringing the pups out.

Esther and her baby loving the roller coaster! 

Fire fighter!

About a week after Benson cut his hair, he took scissors to Esther's hair. I was so sad! But she needed a trim. I hadn't cut her hair before. I guess Benson beat me to it. 

After I trimmed it up. It's actually really cute. But, I'm glad Benson didn't cut it any shorter.

Go Chiefs! I found this size 9-12 month t shirt online for a few dollars. And it happens to fit Esther. Sweet petite thing :)

This is her favorite hiding place! Cute little stinker.

We like to go for walks around the farm or down to Janelle's house. Benson likes to pull Esther for the first part.

Anya bought this dress for Annika when she was 18 months old. So pretty!

I love my little princess!