Easter

For Easter this year, we had a fun weekend at home. It seems that every other year we're usually some place else for Easter (last year we were in Moab) so it was nice to spend the holiday at home. We did most of our Easter festivities on Saturday so that Sunday we could truly reflect on why it is we celebrate this holiday. I was a little worried when I woke up to the ground covered in snow, but fortunately it melted by the afternoon. We actually spent the morning tearing out the flooring downstairs. We've been working on new flooring this year. It has been nice to see the transformation in the home. It wasn't easy to move into a home that Jeff bought with his ex-wife, but I can truly say, with everything we've done over the past 3 years, the home is mine.

After we finished working (and the snow melted), the kids wanted to take the machines out for a ride on West Mountain. Thankfully, I was in the side-by-side with Jonas! The trails were SUPER muddy and all the kids (Jeff included) were caked in mud by the end of the ride. Still, they seemed to enjoy being outside and starting some of our favorite Spring/Summer activities.

Jonas slept through his first trail ride.

I think we brought home half of West Mountain on ourselves and the machines! 

Amber and Jacob

Finally, Jeff's parents joined us for our annual egg decorating and hiding. This was Jonas's first Easter. Jeff helped him color an egg, but Jonas was more interested in how that egg tasted after it was colored rather than the color itself. Silly boy! After we colored eggs, each of the kids hid each other's eggs. This provided for some rather inventive hiding places. There were decoy eggs, eggs up ladders, eggs hidden in plain sight, and so much more. Let's just say they didn't go easy on each other. It was fun to watch them scramble to hide the eggs then search forever to find them. I'm not sure they would have continued to search if the eggs didn't contain Easter candy! It was really an enjoyable evening with family. We enjoyed a nice dinner together before ending the festivities. 

Dallin's friend, Tanner, brought over a couple bunnies to enjoy for the afternoon.

A happy boy for his first happy Easter!

The next morning, the Easter bunny visited the kids and dropped off their Easter baskets. 

Once the kids (minus Jonas) were sufficiently in a sugar coma, we got dressed and decided to focus on the real meaning for the holiday - our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for my Savior. I am grateful for the knowledge that because He lives, I can live again. I am grateful that He not only conquered physical death, but also spiritual death. I know that I will live again...and I know that, if I can follow Him and repent of my mistakes, I can live with Him and my Father in Heaven again. I am so grateful for His love. I am grateful that, in spite of all my imperfections, He has never once given up on me...even when I have given up on myself. Through His atonement, I can have the strength to do good, to be a little kinder, to forgive, and to love. I am grateful for His life, His death, and His resurrection. I am grateful for this Easter season.

A weekend getaway!

Today Jeff and I went to Salt Lake City for a little overnight getaway! This is the first night we have been alone since Jonas was born...and it was a much needed getaway. Back in October, I purchased tickets for us to see the comedian, Brian Regan, at the Utah Jazz's arena for Jeff's birthday. So, for my birthday, Jeff made us reservations to stay at the Grand America hotel in Salt Lake City the evening Brian Regan performed. I actually teared up when Jeff told me about my birthday present. As much as I love being a mom, sometimes I just miss being a wife and best friend...not a co-parent or business partner. Grandma Penny was gracious enough to keep the boys for the night. (Thank you sooooo much!!) Jeff and I left for Salt Lake City about midday. We went straight to the temple for a peaceful session before checking into our hotel. I think I needed the peace of the temple as much as I needed a weekend away. It is always nice to have a place to go where I can shut out the world and just focus on what matters most. After getting dinner and checking into the hotel, Jeff and I made our way to Vivint Smart Arena (where the Jazz play) for the comedy show. I think what we like most about Brian Regan is that he is a clean comedian. He doesn't get into the crude or demeaning jokes. It was so fun to laugh with Jeff! I need to laugh a little more often and stress a little less often (like I'm sure many women need to do). It was the perfect evening! The next morning, Jeff and I slept in (that hasn't happened in ages!!) before getting in a quick workout then enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet at the hotel. Once we were through, we headed back to Payson to resume our roles as parents, business partners, etc. I am so grateful for a husband who cares enough to put me first. I am so thankful that he enjoys spending time alone with me as much as I do. He is truly my best friend. As the weekend progressed, I couldn't help but falling more in love with him. I never imagined on our wedding day that I could love him any more...but I do. The best part is that we still have an eternity ahead of us to continue that love.

Grand America

Our suite

Our yummy breakfast

The Garden Cafe where we had breakfast

Houston: Day 6 St. Patrick's Day

Today was our last day in Houston. In fact, we flew out that afternoon. It has been a really fun week with my sisters and parents. I have loved seeing Houston. I can see why Krystle enjoys living here. Sometimes I miss all the conveniences, diversity, and luxuries a big city affords. I still have a list of things I still want to do so we'll definitely be back! In any case, today was just spent at the house. I still needed to get myself reorganized and packed before our flight that afternoon and, by this time, everyone was feeling a little lazy (except Nichole who never feels lazy on vacation!). It was still a fun morning though because Lucky the Leprechaun came to visit the kiddos. Yup...Lucky found Jonas even in Houston. Once Kate and Nolan woke up, we discovered a clue for a treasure hunt that Lucky left for us. We followed the clues and found a stash of green goodies Lucky left for the kids. They enjoyed their goodies and toys. Plus they each had a little green outfit to wear to ward off anyone who wanted to pinch them.

Cutest little leprechaun ever!

Nichole got us these shirts. Three states + one bond = Sisters!

After our treasure hunt, Kate and Nolan got to do several little St. Patrick's Day crafts while the rest of us relaxed...and napped. Like I said, it was a lazy day. It has been a fun, family filled week. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. I will miss my family, but I was excited to go home to Jeff and the boys. Until next time!

Jonas and Camden