Happy Birthday McCall!

Remember the anticipation and excitement of your own birthday when you were a kid? For some reason this seems to lessen with each passing year when you're an adult! It was fun to see McCall so excited for her birthday and remember what that feels like. (Since it was, as McCall would say "so, so, so, so, so, so,so, so, so, long ago!") We went out to dinner as a family and took her shopping for a new bike so she could pick it out herself... she thought it was great getting to make the choice all on her own without any persuasion from Mom or Dad! On Saturday she had a "Candyland party" with her friends. We made a cake that looked like Candyland, and all the girls made their own board game to take home... it was lot's of fun! We can't believe this is already her 2nd birthday here in Wisconsin - time fly's!

We have guests!

McCall came running in the house the other day saying "Mom, there's a birds nest in the playhouse!" Of course I thought she didn't know what she was talking about and proceeded to tell her it was windy the night before and had probably blown a whole bunch of sticks in a pile. After lots of pleading she finaly got me to go outside and take a look. Somehow I've got to realize that I can't be right ALL of the time (only MOST of the time). It was so amazing! The kids are excited because this is the closest thing they will ever get to a pet!

Waiting for global warming to kick in!

We had a couple of really nice spring days last week... what happened! It's dang cold the last few days. It's so sad to watch the kids with their noses pressed up against the glass staring out at the play set wishing they could go out and play!

So, American Idol last night. Besides some good performances, and some pretty funny coments from Jimmy Kimmel, it was great to be reminded of how blessed we are. I couldn't help but think of all those little children in Africa when I climbed into my nice warm bed. It is unbelievable to me that it's for real... I just can't imagine the struggles! I told Ryan I just wanted to scoop up all those kids and bring them home and take care of them. What a wonderful life we have and so many things to be grateful for!

It is weird to think that there is only 8 weeks of school left. It seems like McCall just barely started 1st grade. Although she fools me with that teenage additude of her's sometimes, I can't believe she will be 7 this month! As soon as school's out, we'll be on our way to Utah for a couple of weeks. We can't wait!

Happy Easter & Happy Birthday!

Ryan's birthday happened to fall on Easter this year, thus our ham was replaced with a buffalo chicken pizza and a pazookie (per the birthday boy's request). The kids had an exciting morning after being visited by the Easter Bunny. Boston thought he was in heaven eating reeces peanut butter cups for breakfast while the girls were a little confused at why the Easter Bunny would leave them underwear in their baskets. (Yes, they got candy too, he's not that lame!)

We enjoyed church and it was nice to focus on the Savior and the real meaning of Easter. Olivia had so much to tell us about all she learned in primary today. She told us about the nails in Jesus' hands and feet and then said "now he lives in heaven with another guy who has his same hair." She cracks us up!

Although it has warmed up considerably and alot of the snow has melted, it is STILL winter! We are beginning to wonder if spring will ever come. Maybe by June we can put away our moon boots and pull out the flip flops.... who knows?

King for a... minute

Today in primary we talked about King Benjamin from the Book of Mormon. Cally got to stand on top of the "tower" and cry repentance unto all the children! She felt so special and it just so happened that Mom had her camera for this kodak moment. What a cute girl! I'm sure Olivia was listening intently even though the bottom of her dress was up over her head exposing more of herself than I'm sure anyone would care to see. (Mom opted NOT to take a picture!)

We did it!

We have been wanting to start our own blog for a while now, and um, well I guess we just haven't gotten around to it. Ryan is keeping busy doing his normal thing... taking naps, watching sports center and playing golf. Ok, just kidding... I guess -45 is a little cold to be playing golf. He loves his job, and his other job (church), and his other job (Us). Let's put it this way, we really value our time with him! I am enjoying being in the Primary Presidency and love being a Mom (most days). I don't even mind living in a home where unidentified flying objects are common - thanks Boston for keeping us on our toes! The girls are enjoying school and like all of us, are getting excited for spring. McCall is reading so well and reads the Book of Mormon to us every night, while Livvy composes her own hymns (very entertaining!).

One of our favorite things to do as a family is watch "Americas Funniest Videos", which Boston lovingly calls "Fritos". We had 5 bags of Fritos in our cupboard before we realized he wasn't asking for chips!

There are so many great things about living here in Wisconsin, but we really miss all of our family and friends back in Utah. We hope this will help us stay a little bit more connected.

Until next time.....