Bronco and Baseball

Bronco has been asking to take lessons ever since we signed Hadlie up for dance lessons. So, when I saw a sign-up for spring baseball, I decided to give it a try. I really didn't know what to expect because he is only three and the youngest one on the team. However, he loves it and constantly wants to practice batting and catching. Even though it can be frustrating watching these little kids play, they are very cute and funny. The first game he stopped before he got to first base because he said another little boy was standing on the base and so he couldn't go there. His favorite part is what he calls the baseball running game (running the bases). Even though he mostly plays with the dirt when he isn't at bat, he seems to be having a great time. He had his second game last week and he was able to hit both times at bat without using the tee. He was so proud of himself. We are just keeping our fingers crossed that the weather will only warm up so we don't have to wear coats and scarves to the games.

Easter

Even though Easter was almost two weeks ago, we had a great day. Easter morning actually lasted a full thirteen minutes at our house (as Judd noted by the coverage on the video camera). I don't know if the kids loved finding their eggs or if they were a little annoyed, but they were good sports. We colored eggs for the first time on Saturday and the kids and Judd thought it was great. On Sunday, we went to church with my parents because we had Stake Conference. Since Judd considers Stake Conference a day off, I figured we had better go to church being it was Easter Sunday. We ended the day with another delicious dinner at my parents with all of my siblings. While trying to find Easter outfits for the kids, Bronco felt a little left out because Hadlie had to get a sweater and matching shoes. So, while we were shopping for him a new shirt/sweater he found some matching socks. He was thrilled to say the least. When we sat down for Sacrament, his socks were the first things he wanted everyone to see. Barely awake and coherent
Hadlie and Belle
Our little family
Bronco's absolute favorite - sandbox at Grandma's
Uncle Jake is always so good to play with the kids.

"Princesses on Ice"

I took the kids to see Disney on Ice the other night. The kids loved every minute of the show. I was a little hesitant to take Bronco because it was "Princesses on Ice" but there were plenty of manly characters. We had great seats which made it even better. I don't think the kids mouths really closed all night. Every new character that came out was so exciting to them. When I asked what their favorite parts were Hadlie immediately responded when Eric kissed Ariel because it was a really long kiss. (I think we could be in trouble.) Bronco loved the pirates, Prince Eric, the dwarfs, and especially the evil dragon from Sleeping Beauty.

Happy Valentine's Day

Making Rice Krispy Treats
We had a fun Valentine's Day this year. We starting celebrating by making sugar cookies on Wednesday to deliver to neighbors and the kid's friends. It was a good plan until the storm blew in Wednesday afternoon. We still delivered about a dozen plates of cookies in the blizzard and the kids were great sports. We made Rice Krispy treats on Valentine's day and delivered them to cousins and grandparents. Judd and I were able to enjoy a nice dinner at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building on Friday with great friends.

Hadlie's Birthday

Hadlie is trying to "pin the candy on the sugar cookie."
"Birthday Girl"
Frosting Sugar Cookies

We celebrated Hadlie's birthday a couple of weeks ago with all her cousins and grandmas and grandpas. Hadlie really wanted a Halloween party with skeletons, ghosts, and bats but we were able to talk her into a Valentine's party. We played a few games, decorated sugar cookies, had cake and ice cream and she opened a ton of presents. She was very spoiled by everyone. She is excited to be four and she has even given two talks in primary since she started Sunbeams. She is such a smart and beautiful little girl and we feel very blessed she is a part of our family. As Hadlie's birthday rolls around each year, Judd and I are always reminded of this day four years ago when we received the call from LDS Family Services informing us that a baby girl had been born and her mother would like us to be her parents. It was a whirlwind of a couple of days and then we were able to bring Hadlie home. We will never forget the wonderful, spiritual, and unique experience we had when Hadlie was placed in our arms. We are so thankful to Angela and the many blessings she has brought into our lives.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We spent New Year's with Jeff and Paige and the Hawkins family. The kids had a blast swimming. The food and company were both awesome.

Hadlie is very daring and therefore loves the diving board.

Bronco is a little more cautious but Jeff and Judd finally convinced him to balance on the noodle.

Paige and Megan

We had a wonderful Christmas. December was full of family, friend, and kid parties. We had the "Gordon Hanks" Christmas party at Fat Cats. This was the first time Hadlie and Bronco have ever bowled and they loved it.

Bronco & Ellie (cute cousins)

One of our Christmas parties was at Noah's in Lindon. The kids had a great time playing in the racquetball court and breaking the pinata. The adults also enjoyed a fun game of Volleyball.

Dinner with a few of my high school friends

The kids are starting to really understand Christmas better which makes the season even more magical. On our way home Christmas Eve, any light the kids saw in the sky was Rudolph's nose or Santa's sleigh. Hadlie said she got everything she wished for which was great considering we really cut back on toys and tried to teach them more about the true meaning of Christmas. Unfortunately, we didn't take very many pictures on Christmas because we mostly used the video camera.

Christmas morning

Our Christmas tree. I think this might be the last year we get a real tree. I love having a real tree so my house will smell good but it seemed like the smell only lasted two or three days.

Winter Wonderland