Month of June

We have had quite a busy month. First, Hadlie had her end of the year dance recital. She was darling even though dad didn't think she moved very much. She was more excited about the flowers we gave her than anything else. Bronco finally finished up baseball. Yeah! Uncle John came home from his mission in England. Judd spent five days in Lake Powell with his family while the kids and I stayed home (8 1/2 months pregnant and 107 degrees at LP don't mix well). I have been very busy 'nesting' and the house is clean and ready for the baby to arrive. We will wrap up the month by celebrating Bronco's birthday this weekend. We are all anxious and ready to find out what we are having. The doctor said on Monday that the baby's heartbeat sounds like a boy. So, Judd and Bronco are thrilled. Hadlie is still hoping for a little sister. Only time will tell.

Bronco & Guys

From the time Bronco was about 18 months old, he has loved playing with little animals and guys. He will line them up in an organized fashion over and over again. He used to line up the animals in the window sill all facing outside. If Hadlie moved a single animal to face the other direction, he would get so frustrated. Judd thinks we should be worried by this ocd behavior but unfortunately I think it is in his genes. He found the change jar a couple of weeks ago so I let the kids each pick out a toy and pay with the change. He chose the construction guys and for $2.99 he has been thoroughly entertained for hours.

Lining up the animals when he was only 1
New construction guys
Hadlie chose pretend make-up for her toy.

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.