"a favorite friend"

For the record. I think these friendships are complicated enough at three years old....

While Jared played with the boys, I indulged in another photo opp with Tessa. I think I can pass some blame to my dad for my picture taking tendencies. On family trips and holidays, he would often find a nice spot and put one of his daughters in it for a photographic record.

Easter Morning

Conference for us starts at noon. We took the boys outside before lunch to help wind down their energy.

This Easter the boys LOVED dying eggs, hiding eggs and eating eggs!
Jared is the creative one who gets in there and does the fancy stuff with the kids....


We met the Easter bunny (and his wife??) on our quick trip to the grocery store between Conference sessions! Sadly, Michael was not a fan- but here's Jordan and Tessa..

29 years- Surprise!

Here are a few photos of the surprise birthday celebration we had for Jared. It was really nice to have some of his associations there from school and Church. We have learned a lot from this group and when we don't have family nearby we can rely on them.

Little boy heaven

The boys went on the Father/Sons campout a few weeks ago. When they came in the door, I stripped off their clothes and immediately filled the bathtub. They were very happy and very dirty!


We also got to go to a cookout at Jared's Great Aunt's house a few weeks ago. The boys real love definitely involves building the fire and poking things in it....

Last week over Jared's Easter Break (actually on his birthday!) we took a quick overnight trip to a nearby state park. I got to enjoy the camping fun and dirt with them this time.

After we got set up and explored for a bit, Jared started the fire for dinner. Jordan was adding lots of exclamation marks to his sentences and using words like "fantastic!" We had some very happy boys!


Tessa enjoyed the fun too!


Early morning hot cocoa :) It was a cold night!



a tortoise in her nest

When Irishs Eyes Are Smiling

Susie and Teresa trained me to do photo shoots (all it takes is a holiday or a cute outfit, and of course an adorable girl...).
-Lots of fun!!!
Thank goodness the little ones usually cooperate!

For the holiday we enjoyed some corned beef, red potatoes and cabbage and a Saturday parade... Our city is pretty good at having parades for nearly every holiday. --The boys will be disappointed someday to learn that not all parades throw candy.