When He's Helping He's Happy

Here's our cute boy helping clean up after church. I can't really explain the pantsless state, except to say it happens rather often around here. And it's cute.

Pictures taken 05/13/2012

A Nickname for Isaac

So, I've been thinking that Isaac really needs a nickname. Isey-Pisey-Pumpkin-Piesy is cute and all, but it doesn't actually meet the description of a nickname (For those who are wondering "ick" is a Middle English word for "short". It used to be an ickname, but that has changed over the years to become a nickname. Your random trivia lesson is now complete.)

After looking at these pictures, I'm thinking Taz might be a good one--as in the Tazmanian Devil. As in, this kid is WILD.

Flipping over Daddy's legs.

Running around the ottoman to do it again.

And again.

Oooh, Mommy's legs work too.

"Backward, backwards." One of Isaac's most cherished phrases.

 

Crunch. I think this was when we put the camera away to comfort him after one too many bonks to the head.

Note to self: These pictures were taken 4/19/2012

Cousins!!

Back in the beginning of May we had a visit from my brother and his family. How I love those guys. We, sadly, didn't get to spend much time with my sister-in-law Jennifer (they were here so she could attend a professional conference held at the Provo Marriott), but we got to soak up a lot of quality kid time. Isaac adored having Beck, Ainsley, Eli, and Brynn come over every day to play. These kids are some of the funniest people ever, and so sweet to each other and to my two kids.

They all really enjoyed taking turns holding Violet.

Isaac and Eli are finally at an age where they can play together and enjoy it (they have a bit of a rocky past).

Beck is an awesome big brother, and takes care of everyone and made sure everyone was having a good time.

He loved Violet.

And Violet loved him back.

 

In fact she loved all her cousins.

And she got some love from Brother as well.

Those little red spots around his mouth? Leftovers from our experience with hand-foot-and-mouth the week before. That was fun.

While the kids were here, we mostly played around the house and in the backyard, but we also made a trip to the park (which ended almost as soon as it started when there was an unexpected potty accident), and a trip up to temple square in Salt Lake. We didn't get many pictures of the square or the exhibits. But here are some of the kids goofing off.

The last night they were here, we all went to one of our favorite restaurants in Provo - Terra Mia. Seriously, if you love Italian pizza, you have to try it. It was great fun and delicious, and it really made me with my brother and his family lived closer.

Thanks for visiting us, you guys! We sure love you!

Baby Smiles

Violet gives the sweetest smiles.

Exhibit A.

Exhibit B

Exhibit C

Spring Break with the West Family

This year for spring break, we were oh-so-kindly invited to spend the week with the Martha, Kathryn, and Charles West families up at a condo in Wolf Creek. It was a BLAST! We spent all day playing outside, sharing delicious food, watching fun movies, and just in general having fun. For the first couple of days, it was just Isaac and Violet and me, then James joined us for the last day and a half.

A few highlights: Isaac LOVED riding his trike up and down the hills. He's a bit of a crazy daredevil though, and he had a couple wipeouts going down hills. But my little boy is so brave, and no matter how scraped up he got, he couldn't wait to hop back on his trike and do it again.

James played racket ball with Charles and his boys Franklin and Linford. The two kids were somewhat in awe of James and his athletic ability. When they came back they just went on and on about how awesome he was. What do you know? He's still got it! :)

I read "In Defense of Food" while up there. It was really good, and has maybe changed the way I look at eating. Maybe. :P

We didn't get a lot of pictures (bummer), but we did get a few.

Isaac reading books with Charles and Eloise.

Isaac fell asleep watching Cars with Linford.

Linford, Franklin, and Caroline were such good friends to Isaac during the trip. They're great kids.

Martha Frances with Violet Frances :)

Easter 2012

Easter for us was pretty low key this year. We haven't really bothered to teach Isaac about the Easter bunny, or well, I'll be honest -- the Resurrection either. So, we basically just did a little Easter basket for him, cuz what kid doesn't enjoy a basket full of treats? 

Isaac really enjoyed his bunny.

Violet enjoyed being adorable.

 

Isaac looked handsome in a suit.

Violet looked sweet in her dress. But we didn't really get a good picture. Boo. :( But here's the dress she wore anyway.

 

 And we all enjoyed having Auntie AJ with us. :)