Pilot for a Birthday

Brian and I have discarded the tradition of giving each other gifts for birthdays, Anniversaries and what not.  We've instead begun to give each other memories, in a sense. 

For Brian's birthday this year he wanted to go pilot a plane for an hour.  He found a wonderful coupon he could use and asked if that could be his gift.  So on April 18th, he took his best friend Dane, and our son, Ian, with him to fly a plane. 

From the laughter and stories, I believe they had a very good time! 

Baptism

On April 8th, 2015 - Ian turned 8 years old.  I still am mystified by how fast the time has gone and the fact that he is indeed 8 years old.  

With this shift in age came an opportunity for Ian to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ as be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 

On April 11th, 2015 - he enthusiastically and willingly made the covenants with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as he entered the waters of baptism.  

This is not the first time I have been proud of my son, nor will it be the last.  He has brought me such joy and happiness in my life, and taught me so many things.  I can't even begin to thank my Father in Heaven for my son's presence in my everyday life. 

 Ian and his father, my wonderful Husband.

 Ian with his two grandfathers.  They stood as witness to his baptism.

All those who came to support Ian and our family.  I feel truly blessed by all the love of family and friends. 

 The men who helped confirm Ian. 

 Mekayla's side of the family. 

 Brian's parents and our family.  What amazing people they are. 

Brian's mother made Ian a quilt with his name, baptism date, and below it reads 

"Beloved Son of God."

What a beautiful reminder of the love our Father has for us.

Kids and Their Conversations

Kids are so funny!  They make life like living a comedy at times.  I can't imagine my life any different, it just wouldn't be a good life without my goofy kiddos.  

Since I got a kick out of my kids conversations, I figured I'd share.  

Let me preface this first conversation.  My dad was in town during Spring Break for Ian's baptism.  He stayed at our house one night and while I was getting him set up in the spare room the kids were playing in the loft not more than 20 feet away from us.  Dad and I sat down on the bed and were chatting about life and what each missed in each others lives (seeing as how we live so far apart these days).  As we are talking and I'm relishing the joy of having my daddy within arms reach, Trey comes waltzing into the bedroom.  He looks at us, turns around and shakes his little tushy as he walks out.  At the same time as he's walking out he hollers out "Who let the dogs out!!"  My dad and I bust up laughing, unable to even catch our breath because we were so taken by surprise by my little 3 year old and his song outburst.  My dad sputtered at me asking where Trey had heard that song.  The kids elementary school has occasional pep rallies and they play that part of that song.  So I'm assuming that Trey heard it from the other two kids, who heard it from school.  

Silly kid. 

A few days later while I was changing Trey's diaper he hollers out, "Who let the bums out!! Who? Who? Who?"  I couldn't help but giggle since I was right in the middle of cleaning his naked little bum. 

A few days later, as our family is leaving an event in the evening the kids had another goofy conversation.  It was about 8 pm and the sun was in the middle of setting.  I was letting the kids know that once we got home it was promptly time for bed. After that, this was how their conversation went. 

Kenya - "But it's suppose to be dark at night."

Brian - "It will be, when you go to your room and turn off the lights."

Trey - "Your just teasing, Dad!"

Apparently Trey didn't believe that it would be dark in his room with the lights off.  :)  Brian and I both looked at each other and smiled.  Smiles turned to giggles, and next we knew all five of us were laughing.  

I need to remember to write down all the silly things my kids say more often. 

Out Camping

Spring break -  our time to go camping. I actually wasn't really looking forward to camping again, but I know the kids enjoy it so I conceded.   I'm glad I didn't push to stay home.  We had a blast!  

We drove down to Green River and stayed in the state park there.  The older the kids get the more fun we seem to have.  

When it got dark I gave each kid a glow stick necklace so they could run around and play night games and I could still see them.  Their make believe games and chasing each other always crack me up!  

 I have this fascination with fire.  The way it moves, how if burns ... it's quite mesmerizing!

 Trey wouldn't wear a coat in the morning.  He said he was a "big boy" and didn't need a coat. :)  Silly goose. 

The next morning we went to Goblin Valley for our annual trip.  I forgot to take the camera, but we played hide-n-seek, climbed all over the place, and enjoyed the time as a family!  I love family trips! 

Easter & Conference Weekend

We had ourselves a very busy weekend.  My birthday happened to fall on General Conference Saturday this year, so Brian took Friday off to spend the day with me.  We had a blast together and I almost felt like we were back to the first few years of our marriage with the goofiness and being together without the kiddos.  This was totally made possible by my wonderful friends and sister who took my kids for the day.  Thanks all! 

Brian started out playing a few rounds of Racquetball and then took a swim and dip in the hot tub.  Boy!  I do love hot water! :)  Then we had lunch and saw a movie together.  It really was great to spend the whole day with the love of my life! Thanks Brian for making it so awesome! 

Saturday came with General Conference and we really enjoyed the talks from our Prophet, Apostles, and General Authorities.  For lunch we headed to Brian's parents for their annual Easter egg hunt and lunch.  It's always so fun to be around family and spend time together.  

My mother-in-law is always so amazing when it comes to holidays!  She had 8 hidden eggs specific for each grandchild and we had lunch and goodies and then she shared a wonderful message and reminder of the importance of Easter.  Each child was given a white plastic egg and asked to open it at the same time.  All 15 kids opened their eggs to find nothing in them.  My mother-in-law then asked them a few questions.  What does this empty egg remind you of?  How can we remember our Savior on Easter?  My mother-in-law bore her testimony to the children that Christ died for us and was Resurrected on the third day.  I hope that my children will look back and remember their grandmother's powerful testimony.