April 2016

April means General Conference and Justin had a mission reunion this year so we headed down!

We were able to do a session in the new Provo City Center Temple. It was beautiful and special to be in a place that we had memories of Stake Conferences in a decade ago.

Addie and her cousin buddy Malia bowling.

I love my sisters.

While Justin and I went to his reunion the kids got to stay back and have an April Fools Dinner with cousins. Their Aunties are the best. They had them dress crazy and then tied their hands together and made them eat without hands!

Cute little cousins on a walk to the temple!

Crippen Cousins at the temple.

Justin at his mission reunion with President Overton.

We're so tough.

All the playas.

I LOVE playing volleyball with my siblings.

Couldn't resist a silly sister pose. Brings the high school memories right back.

Our gracious hosts, Karen and Alvin and soon to be baby Emmalyn (in 2 weeks!)

Bama loves Whitney to run up her sleeve. She is an animal whisperer.

Zach turned 9!

All the fam with Zachypoo. Ha ha Justin. ;)

He loves Lego Mixels!

My big baby.

Zach had a math themed birthday party complete with calculator games, speed flash cards, add tag, and "You're no dum dum" sucker party favors.

Such good group of boys.

The older 3 kids got new bikes so we took them around Henderson Lake in Lethbridge.

Fell in love with the swing at the park at Henderson! So fun to swing with your baby and watch their reactions.

Justin and I were asked to be Joseph and Emma for a youth camp this summer and we had our first re-enactment for the relief society celebration. Justin's hair is getting pretty legit!

Just cute.

The girls had to bring their girls on the walk around the temple. Ha Ha!!

They even participated in the corner exercise!

The girls are funny. Ha!

The girls and Blaire Bevans enjoying carrot chips Larae Mckinnon brought over.

THIS is the reason we got a lock on the pantry. Cute little trouble maker!

iPad just brings the kids together.

My cute little ballerina...ha ha! Girls love to dress him up.

My other beauties!

Uncle Dallin came home from BYU and was an instant hit with his SnapChat filters!

Papa and Mer Mer Visit!

We love it when Papa and Mer Mer visit! They are celebrities in this house. We had a great trip this time!

Everett helping Papa sort pictures. :)

Everett sharing his favorite past time with Mer Mer ... reading Chatbooks.

Mer Mer sharing HER favorite past time with Addie! Making Fudge Eggs! Her Aunt Sam made these every Easter so she is just carrying on tradition.

Aren't they beautiful! And delicious! Those sugar flowers on top are from my wedding cake!!

Passing on the tradition!

And mom helped me tackle a project that I've been wanting to do for a while now...

Took a while, but we DID it!!! Thanks for helping Mom! Anything is possible with Mer Mer around.

Flip flops, beach dress and a toque and snow! Makes sense, if you live in Southern Alberta!

This was the best day because Justin and I went on a date to Lethbridge while Mom and Dad dyed eggs with the kids! I didn't have to do it! ;) They did great.

Mer Mer made me this beautiful table runner and we picked a bouquet of tulips from the front yard.

To give them a taste of Southern Alberta life we brought them to the Duce's barn to see the baby lambs! It was so fun feeding them!

They started Everett early on the dirty work.

It took a little convincing, but he finally went for it! Ha ha! No, I didn't let him actually drink it.

Thoughtful girls left snacks and a little set up for the Easter Bunny.

And Kate made her own Easter bonnet.

To further their Southern Alberta experience we took them cross country skiing to Cameron Lake in Waterton!

Too cute.

Warming up and eating lunch when we reached the lake!

Love this picture! So beautiful.

A little bright?

Working on getting back. At least we remembered the poles this time!

Good job Papa!

And Mer Mer! Both said they'd probably never do it again but were happy to try it out!

Mer Mer did Kate's hair and her doll's hair to match. Beautiful Ballerinas.

Saturday night Justin and I went to dinner with Mom and Dad at the Cobblestone and then Mom and I went to Women's Conference together. It was fun to go with family as I usually go alone.

I love this picture for so many reasons. My mom holding Whitney the hamster (R.I.P.), the brown bunny cake which is my mom's favorite flavor and we always make it up here when she comes to visit (butter pecan with a caramel frosting), Addie's wink, Papa and Everett, and all the rest of the cute smiles. :) HOPPY EASTER!

My handsome Easter men.

Sunday games after church.

And Monday comes and it's time to say goodbye. YOU ARE SO LOVED!

And this is just a random picture to remember these girls and their creativity. They are always doing little projects or coloring. I love this about girls. These two are lucky to have a buddy so close in age.

That night we did a cool FHE based on a story in the Ensign. People were given LONG spoons to eat with and were starving because they couldn't reach their own mouths! It wasn't until they learned to feed each other across the table that they thrived again. Same with us! We need to look outward and serve to thrive.