Summary of the Week

After a rainy spring break, we were happy to see some spring-like weather this week. This is our flowering cherry tree that we planted last spring. Someday we hope it will grow up to provide us some needed shade in our backyard. But for now, we are enjoying the blossoms it is producing despite it's little size.

The kids got back to school and they seem to be happy about it. Well, most of them are.

Lauren decided this week that she no longer wants to be a veternarian, but has switched her life focus to being a "book maker". Specifically, "coloring the pictures" and "writing the words". She was seen practicing her illustrating skills this week. And wrote many, many, many notes to various members of the family.

Bennett got his birthday book, Dinosailors, in the mail this week. His favorite part was when all the dinosailors start throwing up because they are so sick. It seemed like a fitting book to buy him since this was the winter of throwing up. But, in truth, it's a fun read with great illustrations.

The highlight of our week was Mike (Greg's brother) and Sherrilyn's sealing in the Portland Oregon Temple.

We felt very blessed to have our good friend, Codilynn, with us to be our traveling babysitter and, as it turned out, photographer for the day. She took the above photo for our family. Thanks Codi. We love you!

She also took this picture of our little family. It is the first picture of all of us at the temple where Greg and I were married so it is very special to us.

...and this one of me and Greg. If you look closely, you can see a small child running in the distance. Sort of ironic that it's Bennett.
It was really nice to visit with Greg's sisters, Melanie and Karen. I haven't seen Mel in three and a half years. So, it was especially nice to see her.

I had to reminisce about the last time we brought our all our troops to the temple which was for Karen's wedding. Lauren was 13 months and had the cutest, little piggy tails.

She has grown so much since then...

Greg rescued Bennett from falling in the reflection pool. Phew. Glad his reflexes are as good as ever.Parker and Lowden really enjoyed being there too!

They've come a long way at their good photo-making skills since Karen's wedding...Don't you think? They've got a little ways to go still. Most of these pictures had closed eyes, Bennett blurry from moving, and bunny ears. But, we are making progress.Getting a picture of Bennett and his cousin, Christian, was a fun challenge. They were cracking us up with their antics. I also just noticed they almost match which makes this picture extra cute.Afterwards, we went to Izzy's for a late lunch with the Hansen and Edgar families. Mike and I had to laugh when we saw this sign at Izzy's that says "Sugar Free Sugar Cookie". I mean, really, what exactly is in a sugar cookie that is sugar free?

We visited some more with family on Saturday and have been enjoying listening to General Conference this weekend.