Dallas Temple

And speaking of going to the temple...the last time we went a couple weeks ago, we brought all of the kids so they could walk around the temple grounds.  It was such a beautiful day and the flowers were all so pretty...especially the tulips!  The kids liked to go around and smell each color.  The temple is such a beautiful place!

Dallas Texas Temple

Kids in Front of Temple

Pretty Flowers

Claire Smelling the Tulips

Beckham Hanging Out

Beautiful Pink Tulip

Sniffing Flowers

Texas Bluebonnets

One of the best things about Texas in the Spring is the Bluebonnets that pop up everywhere.  They have been extra beautiful this year.  On our way to the temple a couple weeks ago we noticed that the ditches were lined with bluebonnets the entire way.  We thought we'd better get out and get some pictures because it was supposed to get really rainy for a week plus Tory was leaving.  We only had one day that we could squeeze it in before he left.  Unfortunately by the time we got to our favorite spot it was getting really late and the sun was going down sooo quickly!  Not the best lighting but at least we got some pictures.  We haven't been out on the road again since Tory's been home.  Hopefully there are still some flowers and we can try again!  

Here's what we have so far:

The Family Shot

The Cute Kids Shot

Individual Kids

It was practically dark by the time it was Beckham's turn and Claire was NOT a happy camper.  No one was going to make her smile that's for sure!  Ahhhh...pictures with kids.  At least we have a picture right?

Space Satellite

For Earth Day, April 22, Dallin had to bring a special project to school.  It was supposed to be something found in space and it had to be made from recycled objects.  He decided to make a satellite.  He made it out of a shampoo bottle, a jell-o box, a paper towel tube, cardboard from cereal boxes, cardboard from a cool whip lid, and foil.  Pretty neat Dallin!

It's a Celebration!

It's Friday!  And I survived an entire week with just me and the 5 kiddos!  Tory's been out of town since last Saturday morning.  We left the house at 4:30 am that morning to take him to the airport.  Wow!  That was REALLY early and such a CRIME to wake 5 kids up that early.  But they did really well and all 5 of them took nice naps that afternoon.  What was supposed to be just 4 days turned into 4 MORE days.  We've done just fine though.  We made it and I've even managed to stay caught up on everything.  Beckham's even been doing his part and sleeping better and better each night.  Last night he went down at 9:00 pm (I usually try to keep him going until 10:00 but last night he was sooo tired) and woke up at 7:00 am!  He did wake up at about 4:00 but I think it's because he got unwrapped.  I tried feeding him but he wasn't really interested and after about 5 minutes we were both falling asleep.  Ha.  Back to bed we went. 

So in celebration of our successful week and nice warm weather and the beginning of the weekend and in anticipation of Dada's return...we broke out the slip 'n' slide.  OK.  That's not really the reason but we might as well celebrate something right?  I thought it would be too chilly but the boys REALLY wanted to get it out.  I told them they had to let me spray them with the hose first before we got it all set up to see if they could handle it.  It's only 83 degrees.  It was perfect though.  Trust me.  I know.  I might not have been slippin' and slidin' but I was DRENCHED!  And the true test...Claire stayed in the water the entire time.  I do love a Texas Spring!  Now we just need the grass to green up a bit more and get a little thicker because...whoa!...can we say MUD PUDDLE?!

 

Austin

Dallin

Coen

Claire gets help from her big brothers.  It was way too slippery for her so she had to hold hands with someone else.

Waiting for her turn.

This is going to be a good one!

Group shot!

Beckham hanging out in the swing.  I love this little hat.  All four of my baby boys have worn it now.

**If you don't have a slip 'n slide yet...get one!  It's the best entertainment and gets your lawn watered at the same time!  While I didn't see a deal THIS good, I did see them at Wal-Mart today for $9.  Those are the ones with the inflatable boogie board.  I know they went quickly last year so hurry and grab one!

More Fun Outside

Can you guess what these four little peole are looking at?

I'll give you a hint:  It's something that can jump!  The boys came running into the house with this container saying I HAD to check out what they found!  I peeked in and...

...Mr. Toad jumped all the way up to the top of the container...inches from my face.  Of course I squealed, because that's what I always do when the boys bring me surprises like this, and the boys died laughing, because that's what they always do when I squeal.

Every time the toad would jump, Claire would jump and squeal, too, but she had a much bigger smile on her face than I did!

They found a "lid" to put over the container so that it wouldn't jump out and so they could check him out better.  After a few minutes they started feeling bad for Mr. Toad and let him go in the front yard.  That's when they noticed a firetruck and ambulance at our neighbor's house right across the street from us.  But that's another adventure...and another story.

After-School Snack

The boys don't usually get something sugary for their after-school snack but today we made it a special occasion...just for fun.  Coen and Claire helped me make some 123 Jell-O for them.  Coen picked blue Jell-O.  It was pretty good!  Click HERE for the recipe if you'd like to make it.

123 in BLUE today!

Gather round for the good stuff!

Claire was lovin' it!

**As a funny side note...Remember the post from earlier today when they were swinging?  You see how Coen was all dressed for the day?  If you notice in these pictures he's wearing his pj shirt.  Yep.  He changes into pj's because he loves them sooo much.  If I want him to wear real clothes I have to hide all pj's.  At least he put his jeans back on.  He had changed into his pj pants, too.  Funny boy.  Claire's wearing a different outfit, too, but that's because she got all muddy plus it got too warm for a sweatshirt.**

Enjoying the Morning

This morning we finally had some sunshine.  It's been rainy and cloudy for several days now.  After the boys went to school the little kids and I decided to go out and enjoy the morning.

First we did some swinging.  Everybody got their own swing and never had to share.

Coen cracks me up.  He was swinging really high and shouted out, "Mama!  Look at me!  I'm flying high like an orange June Bug!"  Forget birds...it's the orange June Bugs that fly high around these parts!  Funny boy!  But I guess he does have a good reason for thinking of June Bugs.  June Bug is one of his many nicknames since he was born in June.  (Often shortened down to June-y, June-y "B", and just plane June.)  Plus he says his hair is orange...and that IS the color of a June Bug right?  :)

I even had my own swing.  See it over there?  My porch swing that Tory made for me for my birthday way back in 2008 and then finished in time for Mother's Day 2008.  Ahhh...I love that swing.  I got some good reading in while the kids played today.

Beckham was lovin' his swing.  He took a nice long nap out there for almost two hours!

Peek-a-boo!  Coen and Claire moved on to play in the fort.

Claire was very busy making all kinds of yummy food in the kitchen.

Pretty girl!

Coen was busy playing dinosaurs.

Love that little face!

And I was busy taking pictures of some of the pretty flowers in our yard.

It was a fun and relaxing morning.

Uh-Oh!

While Tory and I were putting the boys to bed, Claire snuck out of their room and was very busy putting some accessories on a couple of her "babies".

She put one of my hair elastics on this one.  It made a perfect headband!  Clever little girl!

And this "baby" got one of her own bows.  I had to quickly snap a picture before Dada came out to see!

Beckham you look cute but I don't think pink is your color.

Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

Tory's parents came for a visit for a week around Easter weekend.  We had lots of fun with them.  Since Tory had to work and Austin and Dallin had school, we had to pack a lot in on the evenings and the one weekend they were here.  Along with Easter, General Conference, and Beckham's blessing, there was also a lot of Wii playing, bike riding (they always bring their bikes along when they come), bike crashes, chiropractic adjustments (in home and at the office), dishwashing helpers, and plenty of cooking and baking together.  For some reason I never take enough pictures!  Here are a few though.

We went and played some Disc Golf at the park.

I think the boys wore out the Grandpa horse with all of the rides they got.

He's a wild horse!  Hold on boys!

Thanks for the fun visit!  Come again soon!

Beckham's Baby Blessing

Easter Sunday was a special day for our family for another reason.  We had Beckham's baby blessing that day before the morning session of General Conference started.  The Bishop and his two counselors came over to our house to help.  Tory's Dad was also able to be there.  It was a beautiful blessing and we are so thankful for this special little son of ours and his sweet, calm spirit in our home.  There's something wonderful about a brand new baby isn't there?  So fresh from heaven.

Mama and Dada with our sweet Beckham Lane

Grandma and Grandpa and Beckham...and Corky, who decided to jump in the picture at the last second.

Our cute little Beckham.

He started smiling a few days before this and he's been giving us more and more smiles.  I caught a bit of a "half" smile on this one.

LOVE IT!

Tory's mom crocheted this blanket for Beckham.  So pretty.  We were so happy that Tory's parents were able to come and be with us.  Tory's Dad has been able to help bless all five of our babies.  We didn't think they'd be able to come this time since they were just here in February for Austin's baptism.  But a few weeks ago they made us an offer.  If they came down for Easter and General Conference and brought a turkey for dinner...would we consider blessing the baby at home that weekend?  Sounded like a good deal to us!

Easter Morning

Easter morning the boys got up very, VERY early.  Poor Grandma and Grandpa got a very early wakeup call since they were sleeping in our family room.  The boys came to our room to tell us that they didn't peak at their baskets but felt them in the dark and they were pretty sure there were snakes in them.  We had them hang out in our bathroom for a bit while everyone got up and ready to go.

Sure enough!  Baskets full of goodies for five little people.

Snakes and summer shoes for the boys and a baby and princess ball for Claire.

The boys check out their candy.

Claire helps herself to a peep.  Forget jelly beans.  She LOVED the peeps!

Beckham poses by his basket for his first Easter at one month old.

Time for the egg hunt in the backyard!  The Easter Bunny hid the eggs all over the place!  If it looks dark outside...it's because it is.  Early.  Very, VERY early.

Claire was more interested in pushing her new baby around in her stroller.

Looks like the Bunny left a game in the rose bush!  Ouch!

Austin gets a high one!

Easter dinner!  Grandma and Grandpa brought a 20 lb. turkey with them from Colorado Springs.  We had homemade stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, rolls, and Creamy Strawberry-Lemon Squares for dessert.  Delicious!