Easter Time

Kinlee was assigned to bring snacks to preschool just before Easter. I had seen these cute "bacon and egg" snacks so thought we'd try them. They ended up so cute.


The Easter Bunny was at a fashion show that my nieces were in, so we snuggled up to him for a quick picture.  Mackley had to keep touching him...so soft.  Keiser was trying to peek inside his "funny" eyes.  He thought something was fishy.

 

We started out Easter on Saturday with a BBQ, a fun egg hunt in the basement, then Easter goodies from Grandma and Grandpa. Then on Easter morning...6:49am in fact...we celebrated this blessed holiday at Gregg and Randee's. They do a sunrise service each year. It was moving and special, as always. They do such a good job of helping us remember what Easter is really about. After a quick nap we were off to Brad and Erica's to celebrate some more. There was a  fabulous Easter Egg Hunt for the kids and some really good food.

Keiser and his cousin Owen were checking out the chickens. Keiser just kept "quacking" at them.

If there is a ball around...it will be thrown!

Kinlee, Kambell & Gracie.

Elton John

Kasey is a big Elton John fan. Being the thoughtful man that he is :o) he decided to buy himself and his sister, Angie, a ticket to see him in concert. The days got closer to the concert and Angie had a few things come up so she wasn't able to come. Kasey asked his Mom and she decided against going.  So by process of elimination he asked me...his wife! Honestly I haven't been a big fan, so I encouraged him to ask his sister and mom first. But after seeing Elton John live, I'm a believer. He put on a fantastic show. Each song was just en-capturing. He put on a heck of a show.

Spring Break Wasn't So Springy!

There was suppose to be one nice weather day during Spring Break, so we made plans for the ZOO!  We got to Boise and it was freezing, so there was a change of plans.

We thought we'd try the Discovery Center instead. I wasn't sure it was age appropriate for all 3 of the kids, but they each enjoyed the hands on experiments.

They needed to run off a little steam so we headed over the bridge to the park. Once they had enough of the slides we went downtown to stroll the streets and visit some quaint little shops.

We pulled in to the parking garage and Kambell requested that we park at the VERY TOP. So round and round we went to the 8th floor. That's something I've never done. Looking down from way up there was kind of spooky. Kasey reminded the girls of all the "Law & Order" episodes where a dead person was inside the elevator as the doors opened up.  Hence Kinlee's nervous face. I shouldn't admit this, but that is Kambell's favorite show. I know...bad parent. 

Once inside the elevator they giggled and tee-heed with all the motion and movement. 

Who would've thought that was the biggest kick they'd get during our little outing?

We rounded out the week at the YMCA with cousins. Keiser was lugged around by Kasey, Grandma and Carli because his old mom is too scared to get in the water. But it gave me ample opportunities to get some pictures. This one would have been really cute if he hadn't waved at me right when I clicked the camera. 

Back to school they go!  May I say "YIPPEE"

A Quick Trip to Buhl

Kasey had a meeting in Burley, so we jumped in and visited his sister's family in Buhl.  

All 8 cousins played and played and played! It was fun. 

Keiser enjoyed making some music at the piano...he looks like he knows what he's doing.

This was our first time playing a Wii. Kasey did Just Dance from the couch. He didn't win.

6 Going on 13

Kambell was counting down the days until her 6th birthday. She ended up having 4 birthday parties to celebrate. Her first party was at Bruneau. We celebrated while we were there helping my sister Kelli and Brody move into their new home!  Her 2nd party was at school.  Mrs. Maybon gives "spankings" and a pinch to grow an inch. Remember that? Kambell assured me they are just pretend spankings. 

 

 I'm pretty sure Keiser enjoyed the treats more than anyone.

The 2nd birthday was a family party; where Kambell received some very special gifts...a new bike from Grandma and Grandpa. Her and Kinlee also LOVE the make-up from Aunt Nicole and Uncle Corby.

The 4th party was with a few of her friends from school. An all girl guest list was expected, so Kasey and Keiser high-tailed it out for the afternoon.   

 

Kambell decided a ladybug party would be fun. When I came across a ladybug cake pan I had to get it. I had no idea how to decorate a cake, but it ended up being kind of fun. 

The girls were all so cute. They loved being together outside of school, playing, eating sweets and running 

around. 

It's been nearly a month since her birthday and now she's asking how long until she turns 7!

Just Because He's So Darn Cute

I can't count the number of times either Kasey or I have turned to the other and asked if it's just us or does everyone think he's really this cute.  You know how parents always think their kids are the cutest?

Valentine's Day

Our day was a little hectic. We loaded up in the Tahoe to go to school (Kambell, Kinlee, Keiser, along with our 2 neighbor girls) Then the garage door wouldn't open. I was a little stunned and unsure of what to do. So we frantically ran to the Kraupp's house and loaded in their Suburban. We even made it to school on time.  Whew! Keiser and I came home, grabbed some treats and craft projects and I headed back into town for Kambell's Valentine's Party at school. Then we were off to Kinlee's party at her school. In the meantime Kasey's dad & brother got the Tahoe out of the garage so I at least had a vehicle.

Then Kambell was off to a doctor appointment. She had a fever that was coming and going and was just not feeling well. Strep throat was slowing her down. During all of the chaos Kasey was trying to get to California for work. He had delayed flights and layovers, so his day didn't really flow smoothly either. We ended our day with a heart shaped pizza (delivered by Jamie Kraupp- THANKS). 

Between pizza, bags of Valentine's candy and help from our family and friends it ended up a pretty good day,

Though we missed Kasey a lot!

Willy

A new family member has arrived. Meet Willy.

Willy came from Bruneau Cattle Company...my family's ranch. He is a calm and even tempered horse that we hope will become Kambell, Kinlee & Keiser's best bud. When we brought him home the girls kept asking if he would be Willy Garrett. So Kasey decided we should give him a last name...Buck. So Willy Buck it is. We are so excited for the weather to warm up a bit so we can spend some time with him. 

When we are down with the horses, they girls always disappear to the s**t pile, as we so politely refer to it.

A Very Exciting Day

Kambell has a very sweet little friend named Maci. This year for her 6th birthday she invited Kambell and another friend Kinsey to Monkey Dooz. From the moment she was invited, Kambell would go to bed counting down the days. The pictures don't even begin to show the joy experienced on that day.

Kambell, Maci, Kinsey

After Monkey Dooz they hit McDonald's, then they were off to the cupcake shop where they munched on terrific little bites of Heaven. When they arrived at our house to drop Kambell off, she couldn't even tell me about the events of the day...she was exhausted. Thank you Jenny, Grandma Sheryl & Maci for the fantastic day! 

Some More Firsts

We stopped by the park in Homedale not long ago. This was Keiser's first time there. He enjoys the swing at our house, but I think it's safe to say that he was unsure of the swing at the park. Kasey pushed him and Keiser held his breath. It took several pushes before he finally breathed and smiled.  :o)

Soon after Keiser turned one, he started waking up several times a night. So we thought we'd try the toddler bed.  That was it! The crib that held our babies for almost 6 years has been dismantled and tucked away til...grandkids?  :o(

There was one day not long ago that the sun actually was out and kind of warm. So the kids and I were outside. Kinlee started out by driving Keiser around in the Barbie car, but he kept taking the wheel. So Kinlee scooted over so Keiser could take charge. She ran the gas pedal which she thought was just so funny.