I'm walking on sunshine...

Spring Break was kicked off this afternoon. The weather was in complete cooperation. WOO! HOO!

Chloe finds Chase's stunts quite hair raising. Carter shoots hoops under a beautiful blue sky.

Caleb has been aching to get this Christmas present outside on a more consistent basis.

Today was perfect for a bike ride.

No more boredom sitting inside--just boardin' out in the sunshine.

My visiting teacher stopped by with this pot of beautiful primrose. I sat in my patio chair on the back lawn, watched my kids joyfully play and read my new magazines that arrived today. They were full of spring fashions, Easter craft projects, and planting guides. I savored every second outside and feel invigorated and inspired.

Are those popcorn kernels popping out on the trees? Popcorn will be popping soon.

Chloe threw off her cardigan and basked in the sun showing off her pretty spring dress.

...and don't it FEEL GOOD?!!

The saxophone player

This is Carter playing his alto sax in his band concert Monday night. His 8th grad band is really good. It was fun to hear them. Today he came home with this. It is a Bari sax. So I tease him that he is now Bari Saxy.

It makes a lot deeper noise than his previous sax.

It is about the same size as Caleb.

This is Chloe's reaction when he starts to play.

She is standing at the base of my legs and is very concerned.

Penalty!

Three different boys. Three different teams. Three different games. Three different fields.

All on the same day. All at the same time.

Flag football is here. Practices are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Corbin's starts at 5 at one park. Chase and Caleb go at 5:30 and are both at different parks than Corbin and each other. Pick up for both Caleb and Corbin is at 6:30 and then Chase is at 7:00. I sure am glad gas prices went down. On game day, Larry and I took turns at each field running back and forth to catch a little of each game. Luckily Corbin's and Chase's fields were back to back. I stood in the space between them so I could easily look one way and the other to see their games. The head of the football program came and asked me to move out of that area because it wasn't designated for spectators. Really?
It's a good thing its flag football because I was ready to tackle him.

Flag Football

Wii are Family

Hopefully the saying, "The family that plays together, stays together" applies to families that play wii together.
While video games have proven to be a negative force in our home in the past, I gave in to letting the Wii in because of the Wii Fit and my need for it. Of course, I haven't actually used it yet, although it has been put to good use by everyone else.

Larry and Chloe try out the Wii Fit Step aerobics. Larry did several of the activities and reported being sore the next day. It must really work. Since he is already fit, we may need to monitor its results on me. I guess I will actually need to use it.

Carter gets in a little hunting on the Cabela's Hunting game before going to bed. It's nice because you can hunt for big game from the comfort of your couch, and then go climb into a warm bed--no camo nor tent needed. The plus side for me is no carcass hanging in the garage and no deer meat to cook.

Chase is the King of hula hooping.

Look at that kid go.

Sugar and Spice

Little girls are just too funny, feisty, sweet, cute and special. Bagels, brushes, glasses and dancing on the coffee table. What could be more fun?

Maybe trying on hats.

Navigating stepping stones for the first time.

Trying on high heels.

Contemplating stepping into the surf.

Sipping fruit punch through a straw.

Life is good being a girl.

Another Year Older...

If you have to get older, then I highly recommend doing it in Maui. Chloe and I tagged along with my parents and little sister on their trip. It was very gracious of them to let us come along and they showed us a fabulous time. We are extremely grateful for their hospitality.

Chloe was so thrilled to see her daddy and brothers after our week away. Larry helps her try on her new hula outfit.

The highlight of the trip was getting to hang out with my little sister Haley. She was born after I was married so I didn't get the privilege of living with her. She is awesome and I had so much fun hanging out with her. If other teenagers are even a fraction as amazing as her, our future is bright. She is sweet, genuine, caring and has a hilarious sense of humor. Haley, you are my new favorite thing.

Haley, Chloe and I hung out at the pool absorbed some rays, and got a little reading time in.

Our last day in Hawaii we took a nice walk along the beach and enjoyed watching for whales to surface. It was amazing.

I love this picture I snapped of my Mom and Dad before they headed out to dinner. My dad received his 17th Master's Circle award. An honor bestowed on few for their success throughout the year. He has received the most of anyone in his company-- ever. Way to go, Dad. You always tell me that you are a legend, but after interacting with some of your colleagues, I realized that you really are! ;)

Thanks to Dad, Mom and Haley for showing us a great time.

Chloe and I in front of our home away from home for the week. Now we have to go back to making our own beds. It was nice while it lasted.

Larry baked and decorated a beautiful birthday cake and he and the boys videotaped themselves singing to me and eating cake. Thanks for holding down the fort so I could go on the trip, Larry. I can't wait to someday go with our whole family. I'm even willing to get older if it means going back.