Slumber Party?

So Mr. Wonderful went on a ahem, "business trip" in Pheonix this week. While he was out enjoying 85 degree weather at some ritzy resort, we were here in Wisconsin where winter never ends- cooped up inside.  We decided to have a little fun of our own while he was gone- so we had a slumber party on St. Patty's Day! And I let them ALL sleep in my bed.

At the time... it seemed like a good idea. After I woke up this morning with a monsterous headache... um, not so much. But truthfully, it wasn't just about making special memories for the kids.  I just don't like sleeping without my hubby. Every little mysterious noise freaks me out and I can't sleep. So yes, I admit, my motive was a little bit selfish. But we had fun nonetheless!

So here's a video of them during our movie night. We watched "Tom and Jerry" and "Pollyanna". Yep, I'm an old-fashioned girl at heart, and I go for the classics. Plus, it wouldn't hurt if that whole "glad game" idea rubbed off on my kids a little.

This video makes me so happy. They've been bickering quite a bit lately and it drives me absolutely. crazy. If I only knew what fighting kids did to a mother, I would have been a much better child!!! Anyway, so I was pleased to see them getting along so well last night. Seriously- the sound of their laughter is truly music to my ears- and harmonized laughter... even better.



And I even let them eat popcorn in my bed. (A decision I would later regret.)

Little Jarom had fun too. I think all the laughter was contagious!

 Definitely takes after his daddy-

Here he is thoroughly enjoying himself. He has so much personality already, it's just ridiculous! He is one jolly kid.

So it was a fun slumber party (although there was not much slumbering going on). But we were up way later than their bedtime, and they got to school late. I guess they're young enough now it doesn't matter too much... it's not like it will affect their SAT scores or anything!

I should have gotten a picture of us when we first woke up. Surely- it would not have been pretty! Everybody sprawled out, popcorn kernels in my hair, serious bags under my eyes from lack of sleep, and somebody's foot in my face. But I think it was still worth it. So maybe I'll allow a slumber party once or twice a year when Daddy goes on business trips... but probably not on a school night next time.

Oh yeah- and no popcorn in bed again. Ever.

Fe Fi Fo Fum!

We had such a nice weekend here, so we went outdoors, and spent the afternoon at the park. Here are a few pictures of our day outdoors...

Daddy and the kids played "Hide and Seek" and had a blast!

However, this was not a normal game of Hide and Seek. Daddy and the kids like to play this game with a twist... Daddy growls, "FE FI FO FUM... I smell the diaper of a stinky bum!!!"

He finally found them... and they're off!

They got away!

Round 2... and Jakey joins in this time!


Here we go again! "FE FI FO FUM! I smell the diaper of a stinky bum!"


(Pretending not to see them)

Then we played on the toys for a while...

And went on a family hike...

Each of the kids found their perfect walking stick and then after the hike we hid them in the park for the next time.

Such a happy day!!

Days like today make the not so good days worth it.

Easter Festivities

It's been such a wonderful weekend! We had nothing going on this weekend except an Easter celebration, and General Conference. It was really nice to enjoy some unstructured time together without any major plans. I'm pretty exhausted right now (as usual these days), so I won't write much, but I'll let the pictures do the talking. Here's what we've been up to over the last few days...

Hope you had a wonderful Easter too!!

Bucks Game

Last night, we had the missionaries from our church over for dinner and family home evening. Then we took them out for a special event... the Bucks game! Their mission president has been encouraging them to go to events like this to get out in the community, so we were happy to have them join us!

The missionaries really got into the game...

And they weren't the only ones! Haha!!!

This was the first major sporting event we have gone to with all the kids, so it was really exciting for them. And it was an AMAZING game... super intense! We were losing throughout the game, once down by 12 points, and then we came back to win. So fun!

If the Bucks score 100 points in a game, every person in the stadium wins something free from McDonalds. So we were just a couple points shy of each winning a free mocha frappe (of all things, haha!)

Final Score: 98-95 baby!

Woohoo!! GO BUCKS!!!

Irreverent FHE

Our family home evening started out spiritual and reverent... (well, as reverent as it can be with 4 young kids.) But then naturally, someone had to get out the hillbilly teeth... and it went downhill from there. First Jakey had them...

And somehow Daddy got a hold of them.

And that's when reverence totally went out the window!

(It always amazes me how someone so handsome can look so hideous! Haha!!!)

Wow.

Oh well. :) Sometimes, I think it's ok to mix it up a little bit. We'll resume memorizing the articles of faith next week... but for tonight... we sure had fun together!

February Package

The kids have received a special package from their Nana and Papa every month since October. It's so sweet of them!! And the kids sure look forward to it! Today the February packages came, and before the kids opened them, Celeste paused, and said thoughtfully, "Nana and Papa really love us, huh?" I think the kids understand that Nana and Papa put so much thought and effort (and expense) into these packages as an expression of love for them. Since they can't be close to us, they want to be as involved in their lives as possible. I know this will be a special memory for the kids, and I hope Nana and Papa know how much we appreciate their thoughtfulness.

Each package has included some funny pictures of Nana and Papa... the kids (and Jon and I) sure get a kick out of it!

The kids each got an enormous super-soft stuffed doggy! They absolutely LOVE them!

And yummy Valentine treats too!

Here's Jakey with his stuffed doggy. It's bigger than he is!!

They played with their new stuffed animals all day long.

And they also became their new favorite pillows.

Thanks again Nana and Papa! Happy Valentine's Day!!
We love you!!!