A Wicked Birthday

Gerald got me the best birthday present ever this year!

He took me to see Wicked last weekend!

It was amazing, of course!

I loved every second of it.

Thanks, honey, for a great experience!  I love you!

Easter

Happy Easter, everyone!

We have had a fun few days celebrating this special day. It all started a few nights ago when we had some friends over to dye eggs! The kids were very creative and made some beautiful eggs!

Saturday morning, we held our 3rd annual Easter egg hunt! We had to move to a new location this year, but it turned out beautifully and we really liked the new park. We had 42 kids join the hunt, and we estimate that we put out 1018 eggs - FUN!

Blake all bundled up watching us hide the eggs. :)
Beautiful blue eyes!

Katelee scoping out the park; she was an exceptional egg-hider this year!

Some of the kids lining up before the event.

And they're off!

There's Katelee picking one up . . .

My friend, Michelle, was so sweet to hold Blake for me during the hunt!

My sweet nephew, Elijah, found an egg!

Cute Ashlyn!

After the hunt, we gathered at a pavilion next to the pond and enjoyed a potluck breakfast. Katelee LOVED the pond, and insisted on sitting right next to it the entire time.

We were so lucky that our dear, dear friends the Hansens happened to be in town this weekend and joined us for our hunt. Katelee and Gracie are BEST friends, and were so cute spending that time together.

The Easter bunny also found our house this year! The Easter bunny always hides the baskets, but being that it was Blake's very first Easter he went easy on him and left his near the front door.
I think he likes it!So sweet!

Katelee had to search harder for hers, but finally found it on top of the washing machine!

Today has been a lovely day, made especially sweet and full because of the focus on our Savior and His resurrection. Unfortunately, the kids and I all woke up sick this morning, and had to miss church as a result. :( However, we had we watched short videos about Easter, read the account from the scriptures, and shared our testimonies.

Gerald's testimony of Jesus Christ: Jesus, the Christ is my savior. He atoned for my sins and shortcomings. Because of his sacrifice, I can be forgiven and not have to be burdened with guilt in my life--and I can learn from His example to forgive others. I'm grateful for His life, His teachings, His example, and His love. I know that because he overcame death when he was resurrected, that everyone who has or will live on this earth will be resurrected. Because of His selfless and infinite sacrifice, families can be together forever. I'm grateful to remember with reverence His atoning sacrifice, His death, and His resurrection this Easter weekend.

Jennifer's testimony of Jesus Christ: I am so grateful for my Savior and for this Easter weekend we have to remember His life and resurrection. Because of Jesus Christ, I know that I can be with my family forever. As a result of his resurrection and sacrifice, I will see my dad (who passed away last year) again someday. Because of His atonement and example, I can be forgiven of my many mistakes and continue to improve and grow and become a better person. I have personally felt the Savior lift my burdens in times when the load seemed to heavy. I know He loves me, that He loves each one of us, and that he truly can bring peace and joy to our hearts, even in the midst of this troubled world. I am so grateful for His love and the way it blesses my life.

Thirty-Three

It's been several weeks now since Gerald celebrated his 33rd birthday! We took him to his favorite restaurant - Texas de Brazil - for a delicious dinner.

We had a really nice evening! We were so stuffed from dinner that we waited until the following night to serve dessert. Gerald chose raspberry cheesecake - his favorite.

Happy Birthday, darling! Here's wishing you many more wonderful birthdays! We love you!

when i got home...

I went out with a friend to celebrate her birthday this week. Both kids were all ready to be put into bed when I left, and I expected to come home to find them in bed and sleeping. They WERE sleeping, just not where I expected! I couldn't resist a picture when I saw how sweet this was.

Gerald rocked everyone to sleep - including himself!

Daddy Bonding Time

Blake and Gerald love to spend their bonding time napping together!

I have dozens of these pictures. These are some of my favorites.

Polar Express Party

Okay, I knew I was behind in blogging about the holidays, but I didn't know I was THIS behind! Just found these pictures from Katelee's last day of school before Christmas break. The kindergarten had a Polar Express Party, and Katelee had a wonderful time!

She got to wear her jammies, slippers, and bathrobe to school. Also, she got to invite a 'special guest' to attend the party with her - and she chose daddy!

At the party, they were given tickets for the Polar Express. They made a train to the library, where they got to hear the book read aloud. Afterwards, they had hot chocolate "as rich as melted chocolate bars," enjoyed cookies and snacks, made a Christmas craft, and snuggled together to read Christmas books. Katelee read "The Grinch" to Gerald.

Making her snowman ornament.

I am the room mom for Katelee's kindergarten class, so I get to help in planning these parties and I LOVE it! Because Blake was so newborn at the time of this party, I only attended the last 20 minutes or so, but it was super fun, and Katelee had a wonderful time.

My Two Boys

It's so fun to have another boy in the house!

They love each other!

President Barack Obama

Gerald was standing on a street corner today when the President of the United States drove by and waved. Seriously. A story to tell the kids someday. :)

Les Miserables

Yesterday, one of my dreams came true!

Since I first learned the story of Les Miserables about 15 years ago, it has been one of my life-long dreams to see the musical live. I own the London Cast "In Concert" VHS, which I used to watch all the time until I no longer owned a working VCR. :) I've read the book twice. I can sing every word with the CD's. I truly believe this is one of the most true pieces of fiction ever written.

So, when we heard Les Mis was coming to town, Gerald was quick to buy tickets. (Tons of good husband points for that one!)

The performance was wonderful. The man who played Valjean was fantastic. I cried my way through pretty much the whole thing. It was everything I had expected it to be. A perfect date!

Gerald and I both really love going to the theater. It can be expensive, but we've resolved to do it more often, as it's something we both truly enjoy doing. Guess what's playing on my next birthday?? Wicked. We can't wait!

I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home!

Father's Day was made extra special this year by the fact that Gerald was out of town for 2 weeks and made it home just in time for Father's Day! We missed him so much and are so glad to have him home with us again!

Katelee just adores her daddy.

He is pretty wonderful.

Gerald & Katelee, Father's Day 2011

Last night for Family Home Evening, we read from President Benson's classic talk: To the Fathers in Israel. Towards the end of the talk, President Benson gives a list to fathers of 10 ways to give spiritual leadership. We read through it as a family and I felt so blessed to realize that Gerald already does all of these things. He is such a great husband and father. He is a true family man, who always puts his family first and works hard to take care of us and help us be happy.

I took these pictures in March of Katelee walking in her daddy's shoes. She wants to be just like her daddy, and I would be proud to have her follow in his footsteps.

Happy Father's Day, honey! We love you!!