Colorado/Easter

The kids and I made a quick trip to Colorado for Mila's baptism. I'm grateful that it's a simple straight drive from here to Alex's house. I love driving through Kansas and reflecting on my childhood. I know that Mila and Austin have a special bond and I wanted to be there for her baptism. Angela's kids had spring break so they were able to drive to Colorado too. It was a great couple of days together. 

Austin was a witness for the first time and he took his assignment very seriously. I teared up watching him focus so intently on making sure Mila was fully submerged and then giving a head node when she came out of the water. What a memorable few weeks we've had together with so many family as these two were baptized! 

Alex planned an Easter Egg Hunt before we jumped in the car and drove home. The kids did great on the drive and we pushed hard to make it home so we could enjoy Easter as a family. 

Aaron and I sang with the choir and the children set nicely. I think they sit better when we're not sitting with them. :) I'm grateful for the opportunity we had to share our testimony with music. 

Some friends hid Easter Eggs on our porch and it was such a nice surprise! The kids loved collecting the eggs after church. Quick story - I bought this blue dress for Eleanor when she was Adelaide's age. I found the same dress in Eleanor's size at a thrift store and it still had the tags on it. The girls had matching dresses for a few dollars. It made my twin heart so happy!

Thankfully our friends invited us over for Easter dinner because it wasn't on my radar after getting back from Colorado. It was a lovely afternoon with friends. 

We loved Easter Sunday and the hope we feel knowing that because Jesus Christ was resurrected, we will all be resurrected too, and see our loved ones again someday. 

General Conference

My thoughtful friend Debbie asked if she could come over to drop off an Easter surprise. My kids were thrilled with these bunny blankets she made for each of them! 

Eleanor had a little play date and I always laugh seeing how little girls and little boys dress up differently from each other. 

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend of General Conference. I realize that I want to do a better job of making sure our conference weekend isn't too packed. We did see all the sessions of conference, but we were extremely busy in-between each session with a friend brunch, then neighborhood Easter egg hunt I planned, then a birthday party. Sunday we had a choir brunch and then practiced our Easter songs before the first session and then had dinner with friends after the last session. Next time I definitely want to make sure we're not running around so much between all the sessions so we're not exhausted when it comes time to listen to the speakers. 

I planned the neighborhood Easter Egg hunt last year and it is simple and quick. It's nice because I was able to schedule it at the park between sessions so families in our ward that live in the neighborhood were able to participate as well. 

Adelaide loves being in the top bunk with Austin while I read to the boys before bed. 

It was a special treat when Debbie asked if I'd like to attend the temple with her for the first time. Our temple is closing at the end of this week so it's been packed and you have to have reservations. I wasn't sure I'd make it to her session, but it all worked out just fine and it was great being able to be with her as she entered the temple for the first time. Last year I was able to got with her when she did family baptisms for the first time. 

Austin's Baptism/Spring Break

It's always a treat when we get to stay in ballet and watch Eleanor dance. 

Sheila, our friend from the ward, became a US Citizen and we were able to watch her take the oath to become a citizen. We waited a long time, but it was worth it. I haven't seen anyone take the oath before and I got teary eyed as the judge reminded the new citizens what a great blessing it is to be in America. 

These two have the best time playing together all day. I love their friendship and it breaks my heart a little inside knowing that Eleanor will be heading to school in the fall. 

Aaron traveled for a work training for a week and it was nice that my parents came a few days before Austin's baptism so we could spend time together.

Austin was baptized on Saturday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m. Aaron flew in at 10:30 a.m. and thankfully, his flight wasn't delayed or anything. I was praying it would work out so I was extra grateful that prayer was answered. Austin was excited/nervous for his baptism day. He has a testimony of Jesus Christ and takes time to ask questions and share his faith with those around him. 

It worked out that Alex and her kids were on Spring Break as well as Steele and Jenny's family. My cousins from Omaha joined in as well. We were sad to miss Angela and the Volk cousins. A winter storm hit North Dakota so we cried when Spencer and Mary Beth had to cancel their trip last minute.

We loved spending Spring Break with our family in KC. First stop: Liberty Jail. 

Joe's BBQ. 

Free ice cream cones at Dairy Queen. 

We visited with World War I museum. 

We also got a last minute reservation to the Hallmark kaleidoscope art center. 

Our Colorado family left on Wednesday and then Jake, Ashley and Owen arrived. We spent several days exploring with Ashley and Owen and the fun continued. 

A sweet lady in our ward had a birthday and the primary children gathered to sing to her. She has ALS so she can no longer speak. She smiled so big as the children sang to her. We all had tears in our eyes as she made a heart with hands and held it up to her heart.