Jared's Shenanegens

Jared went to Naples Florida for a business trip in February.  He happened to be there the weekend his law school hosted Mitt Romney for a lecture and breakfast.  So he visited with some old friends and fit in some fun at his old stomping grounds.  

The kids built a train and said they were going to go on a trip to Florida as well.  

The boys attended a seminar with Jared at the Capitol building a few weeks before the legislative session began.  

Then Jared took them back one afternoon with Tessa to see the events on the floor.

Jared and the boys completed a leadership course through a group promoting political activism.  After the first class they brought home a copy of "The Law" by Bastiat to read for homework.  They learned a lot and really enjoyed it.  

Here's Jared with the Webelos scouts (and our kids) on their 3 mile hike along the Jordan River Trail. 

Girls

We have been trying out some new systems for incentives and rewards with the kids.  Tessa responds the best, based on her age and disposition.  Hopefully we make progress toward more helpfulness and order with all the kids around the home.   

Grandma Keller shared her collection of porcelain dolls with each of the Great-Grand daughters.  The girls love them!  They are such a special gift.    

And Grandma Clark shared some of her china including a tea set, so now we have regular tea parties with sisters, friends, and dolls.

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was some tickets to watch the BYU Young Ambassaders perform at Winterfest on Temple Square.  We had to wait till February for the show but it was worth it!  Tessa loved the singing and dancing and wants to be on stage soon.

Leisel cracks me up almost every day.  She is so fun.  She is so often the little sister in the shadow of the big kids that I love to see her with her friends.  She is growing into a very smart and talented little lady.  

Tessa brought home a boot from the Dr. office for her broken toe that is taking forever to heal.  And Leisel picked a silly mustache prize with her token from the receptionist.   

The girls were excited to try Grandma's Mexican guava fruit from our bountiful basket. 

More of Leisel's style

One of those sweet (and somewhat rare) moments where the girls played together peacefully in the morning before school. 

Umbrellas are a hit this spring...fun toy and handy on a rainy day.

February Cabin Getaway

The kids had a day off of school and we jumped at the chance to spend some time at the cabin.  

Fisher came to play for the afternoon and Jordan and he compared survival kits.  Talk about prepared.  Jordan gets to learn from the best.      

Then the boys spent hours outside trying out the cross-country skis and the old wooden snowshoes.

Cousin's Baptisms and Visits with Family

Sunshiny day for Beckah's baptism :) 

We got to see Jared's cousin Zack play lacrosse at the equestrian center.
It was a treat to see Wade and Debbie too!

Leisel is such a big girl with so much fun personality.
She carries her own chair and often brings along her backpack, hat and sunglasses.
Somehow she has her own cute natural style that I didn't teach her.

And Jonathan loves anything that has to do with a ball!

Jordan has been practicing using the flint and steel grandpa brought and they got a fire started at the dinner table. :)

Pocatello cousins came to town because they are going to be our new neighbors soon!
House hunting on their spring break was a success!

They hosted us at their hotel pool too.

Ella had a special baptism day!
She flew in her Aunt Ranell to be her hairdresser from Minnesota.
And Tessa got in on the fun too.

Growing Boy

This photo is probably from way back in the Fall.
When Jonathan woke up from naps he would dig into the toys stashed next to his crib.  We love our busy big boy.    

He claimed Lucy as his friend pretty quickly when she stayed at our house during a temple date.

Jonathan LOVES the piano and all music.

Jonathan sweeps my floor nearly every day without fail.

He came fairly late to eating solids, but could plow through a green smoothy faster than the big kids.  

Jonathan wore these jammies one night and I had to snap the photo quick.
Child #5 wearing the Russian baby outfit from Ira Visitiv

following in the steps of big brother

morning loves :)

story time with Jonathan may attract many listeners -- his fan club

Sideways videos are my speciality. ;)

This boy has been practicing his walking skills for months and was fairly balanced and independent by his 1st birthday.  He never wanted to learn just to walk.  Jonathan would have to pick up something bulky to carry along with him as a challenge.  And then he practiced squatting down to pick things up at intervals along the way.  His favorite game has been to throw a toy or object, often a ball, and walk to it and pick it up and then throw it again.  Over and over again.  All around the house.  Jonathan learned to go up and down the stairs very early and hasn't had any major mishaps, so we never worried about installing any baby gates.  I wish I could post a video of him doing his pivot dance.  He has got some cute moves and ideas about what is fun.

If I have to think of a general word to describe Jonathan, it would probably be good-natured.  He is a very sweet boy who loves to join in on the fun going on around.  He has been very attached to his mom, but sometimes let's me know he has had enough kisses.  Thankfully his stage of "detattachment from mom = trauma" is nearly over.  I love that Jonathan hardly ever catches sick bugs and only has been injured a couple times (with fingers smashed in doors).  He is a fairly good eater and sleeper.  Leisel often tells me to be careful with him because, "He's cute."  It has been a wonderful year full of growing and smiles.  This boy brings so much joy and fun.  We are so grateful to look forward to another year with him.   

1 Year Old Birthday Boy

This boy's birthday snuck up on me!  We had fun celebrating with him in February, but I did feel a bit sad and sentimental afterward that our baby is growing up.  

I'll post some of his recent pictures with some thoughts about his first year in the next post.  

Jonathan had lots of help blowing out candles and opening presents.

Grandpa and Grandma came down and brought treats and gifts!

Grandma found this perfect cute gift, a little musical boombox.  

Jonathan loves carrying it around by the handle on top.

And we love the studly pajamas too!

THE Valentine sugar cookie!

School Superstars

Jordan with the Reading University Award Winners

Michael is right-ish middle at the fall choir concert 

Leisel LOVES puzzles this year!

Superstar helper!

Tessa told me she really really wanted to earn one of the monthly awards in her class this year.  Her teacher secretly let me know she had been chosen and I went to their little class assembly.  Before Tessa was called up to be recognized, another girl received the class "Builder" award and Tessa smiled right away and clapped for her classmate.  I was proud of her that she never got too caught up in having her turn in the spotlight.     

Michael as a School Spelling bee finalist!!

I am so grateful that my kids work hard and enjoy learning!