Tiny Dancer February 2015

Evy loves to dance, so I bought a Groupon to let her get started. She's only 2, so listening and following directions doesn't happen too well. Thankfully, her teacher thinks she's adorable. The dance company's studio was lost and they're currently using a large warehouse-type space that's WAY too distracting for Evy. So, they've agreed to honor the Groupon later int eh summer when they have a studio space.

She has gotten so wiggly that we don't even bring her to sacrament meeting anymore. We alternate weeks attending with the boys.

Day of Love! February 2015

We love Valentine's Day in our home. It's a great way to really remember how much we love each other and do kind things for each other. This year we bought mailboxes with everyone's names on them, and the boys loved leaving treats and small notes for each other. 

Evelyn enjoyed checking for treats...several times a day.

I volunteered during Alec's class party, which carried a tea party theme. Boys in second grade are still so great about trying everything out. There was no fussing over a 'tea party' being too girly. Possibly because of the copious amount of treats available as well.

I really enjoyed the heart theme this year. Evy's hair,

and even breakfast!

We had our traditional Chinese take-out for dinner, along with treats, cards they made each other and cherry 7-Up with licorice. 

I talked Paul into attending the adult dance at the Stake Center that night. It was SO fun!!!

Marlaina was there to keep the party moving! I don't she ever sat down.

The Kings' can ballroom dance. Super fun to watch!

Red Rock, some more! February 2015

We did another group hike up at red Rock. This time the Manwaring and Harris families joined us!

Evy doesn't believe you should stop eating for a photo

I loved this shot of Channing 'helping' his mom climb up over a rock.

Evy and Channing just hanging out.

This looks maybe a bug was discovered?

Marlaina and her boys!

Preslyn, Crissy, Alex and Alec ventured up a bit higher than the rest of us.

Our attempt at a group shot of the kids. Broyden, Demarie, Preslyn, Alec, Alex, James and Evy up front.

We ended up down near a stream because Alec and Alex had taken the lead and we followed them down the wrong path! It meant a VERY steep climb up a hillside to get back to where we should be. It reminded me of the way Satan can trick us astray. All we have to do is become relaxed in following the promptings of the Spirit and focus on someone else. Once we let our personal relationship with the Savior slip and trust in mankind's knowledge, we will wander far from the path. Getting back is ALWAYS possible, but not easy. Like our mistake, it can be a steep and difficult climb back to a relationship where we listen to the Holy Ghost and not popular trends.

More Snow! January 2015

The boys and I were itching to go sledding again, so we invited the Lorenzens and the Kings with us up to Lee Meadow again!

Evy started out happy (as usual) and seemed pretty excited to be making snow angels with Adrienne.

Matt was in a very silly mood. You can see I got balaclavas for the kids to help keep warm and proper snow boots for all of them. 

But, eventually some snow must have touched Evy's skin.

The bunny ears were popular today! Here's Adrienne getting Alec before they both went down with James.

Josh, Grant and Jacquie

Alec and I did another 'selfie' 

Our kids decided to build a snow toilet. I didn't want to ask why. They all thought it was hilarious and took turns sitting on it.

Aubrey ran out of steam, but Matt was still chipper.

Melissa with her girls. 

Of course, by the end, no one wants to walk back to the car if they can help it!

Hike! At Red Rock January 2015

We love hiking in our family. In the summer we head up to the cool pine forest at Mt. Charleston, but in the wintertime, we go to Red Rock Canyon! The red rocks get their color from the oxidation of iron minerals in the sediment. There's also a lot of sandstone in the area. A lot of small areas that are perfect for the kids to climb independently.

We even talked the Kings into joining us the second time we went. Our children are close to the same ages (though opposite sex), so they all have buddies.

Adrienne and Alec are the eldest, so they always had to climb the highest and lead us.

James and Maggie sharing a sweet moment.

Alec, Adrienne, Jacquie and James doing their version of 'the wave' for us.

Melissa and Grant following 'the big kids' up some rocks.

They found this cool mini-cave that they could climb in and were thoroughly entertained climbing in and out of it for as long as we could stand.

Evy's forced smile is great! She and Grant were so good about keeping up!

Cousin Playdates

Since we decided not to do preschool this year, James doesn't get to regularly see his cousin and best friend in the world, Kayden, regularly. To try and make up for it, we've begun regular Monday playdates with my mom (who watches my nieces and nephew all day). Occasionally James stays the rest of the day and I'll grab him after Alec's out of school.

James is so shy and uncomfortable around other people, having these playdates is very calming for him.

Sweet and shy, Kaelyn

Silly and happy Kayden

Independent Evy

I refer to these two as the 'little 'Lyns'

I was blessed to grow up with a lot of cousins, until I was 12 and we moved to Colorado. The relationships didn't end though and I still consider them some of my closest friends. I'm so grateful my children feel that way about their cousins also.