Gotcha!

Lucy, being mysteriously quiet was found in her playhouse eating an entire box of chocolates by herself. I was tempted to climb in and help her. Alas I knew Louis would find the evidence and catch us both!

The Yates came!

We were so excited to have our friends the Yates come for a visit. Lucy said "so Brayden is coming back to our church now". Dylan has grown so much, it was so fun to have a good visit. This picture was taken right before they left we will miss them!!

Greta's Birthday

Here she is with her new trike and tutu.

We really worked with her to hold up 2 fingers. She's almost go it.

This cake was a masterpiece. I worked too hard and it really didn't turn out like the picture. Oh well, she loved it!!

Lucy's family Birthday party

Lucy's Birthday was on Sunday March 29th. 3 Years Old!! It's amazing to see how the time flies. We made a carrot cake Yum Yum! Lucy's favorite gift was of course from me. HAHA. I am kidding I would like to think it's her favorite, but she's had some pretty fun things given to her.

She loves Kanga and Roo from Winnie the Pooh. She pretends that each family member is one of the Characters. She is of course Kanga, Greta is Roo, Mom is Rabbit, and Dad is either Gopher or more recently Tigger. When we visit Grandma and Grandpa she named them as well. Grandpa is Pooh and Grandma is Piglet. She is very strict about everyone going by their appointed character.

Dad gave her a soccer ball for future fun this summer.


I used some scrap fabric and copied Kelsey Yates cape. She convinced me it would be really easy to make. She was right of course. Isn't it great!

I also made her this fleece blanket. It's turned out to be a favorite. It's snuggly and warm.


Here she is. Overcome with the excitement. Surrounded with presents.

Lucy's 3rd Birthday!

Lucy had her first birthday party with her friends. She invited many of her friends from Nursery. She was so excited sending out her invitations.

Blow out the candles, make a Wish!

Time to open presents. We tried to pile all the kids onto the couch for a picture. It was a little tricky.

Becca Robison, one of my very first friends when we moved here last year, helped me decorate the cake. she loaned me her pan and equipment too. I was delighted with how well in turned out. Lucy LOVED it!

Relief Society Commemoration

We visited Grandma in the Sarah Granger Home.

Mom said this was the best spot for a family picture. Its just outside the Sarah Granger Home and you can see the temple in the distance.

It was Grandmas Birthday while we were there and Lucy was coming right up. We had a small party. Hopefully Lucy will always remember her birthday with Grandma when they were serving their mission just 2 short hours from us.


II decided to come spend the week because I wanted to come to the Relief Society Commemoration. It was on March 17th--The day the RS was organized. It was wonderful. I felt so blessed to be there. Mom had quite a part to memorize. It was done in readers theatre. They had a small choir and a beautiful solo performance as well. Wonderful stories were told of the women of RS and their sacrifices. In closing we sang "As Sisters in Zion". It was one of the most touching spiritual experiences I have had. I felt so grateful for this inspired organization for women.

Sad but I didn't take any pictures of the other reason I went for the week. Mom and I spent all our time together sewing diapers. We made 29 cloth diapers! We stayed up late and got up early. Mom would leave for the sites giving me my assignments while she was gone and I worked tirelessly to accomplish them. We set goals each day to see how far we could get. It was a bigger project than I thought. We finally finished all but the velcro tabs and that was more than we could have hoped for. She was so kind to help me do it. I wouldn't have attempted such a task if she weren't here. It is so wonderful to have my mother here to teach me so much.

Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Greta loves the Animal Train!!

Grandma and Grandpa Hill gave the girls a kitchen. WOW! They were so excited!

We've been so excited thinking and planning our first Christmas home. I've had to keep reminding myself that there's always next year. We don't have to do everything this year. We can start new traditions every year and we will.

Christmas Eve we had our candle light dinner with Sparkling grape juice - a woodhouse tradition. We read the account of the Savior's birth. We let the girls open thier new pajamas and put them on. When they were safely tucked in bed, Santa's workshop was in full swing. Louis put the kitchen together and Ginger wrapped presents and put them under the tree. We wearily went to bed. Greta was up bright and early as normal and Lucy slept on until 7:30. Grandma and Grandpa arrived from Nauvoo to watch the excitement blast! Ginger intentionally primed Lucy for a doll she saw at the store. We conveniently walked by often enough for Lucy to really want that particular doll. Lucy decided that if she ever owned that doll her name would be Jenny. Louis and I were so excited to watch the excitement on her face. It was great! We had a nice breakfast and ate leftovers and watched the kids play with thier new toys. We learned an important lesson for next year. Santa should have purchased 2 of the Jenny doll. We underestimate Greta and her wants which is always whatever Lucy has. Greta got the animal train that sings and moves with the animals. She was excited. Her biggest and best gift was an upright carseat. She wasn't quite as excited as we were, but she likes it.

Sharing is still a new idea at our house. Suprisingly Greta can hold her own. She has a solid grip and is quick on the move keeping Lucy on her toes. It's so fun to watch them learn and grow.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!