18 months and 3 1/2 years old pictures

While my family was here I (and my mom) thought that it would be a good idea to get the kids' pictures taken. I scheduled the appointment for April 15th.
I was quite pleased with how well Hyrum did. He actually smiled. We haven't a had a smile from him during professional photo shoot for a year (besides Willow; what can I say, she does magic). With a little bribing with marshmallows he did great. Also, who can not resist sitting on an airplane.
The babies on the other hand had some issues. Probably because they were still a little sore from the shot they received at the doctors office the day before.

Emmy fell in love with the pink little chair they let her sit in for pictures. She loves finding a little spot to sit in.
Ben really liked the blocks. He wasn't to fond of getting his picture taken, at least by a weird lady and nothing that looks like the camera at home. For the most part he wanted me or his Papa to hold him.Although we had not so hot pictures taken at the studio, I got the cutest little snapshot of Emmy once we came home.

Go Shockers!

Hyrum had his first soccer game on April 12th. He was so excited to have grandma, papa and Sean there for his first big game. He was also thrilled to be able to wear his new soccer jersey with the number 13; in honor of his aunt Camille. Hyrum loves playing soccer. Also, don't forget his cool blue soccer shoes. He is pretty pumped to wear his blue shoes.

stretching before the big game

He loves running and kicking the ball. He also really enjoys playing with his friends. It was so cute, during the game he would come off the field to get a high-five from everyone and then he would go out and play again. Two minutes later, he would be back for his high-five. You could tell he was so pleased to be on the field playing with all the kids.It was so cold during the game. Most of the kids on Hyrum's team decided that they would rather huddle in their blankets then play. Hyrum decided that he would rather play the game, so he got to play almost the whole game. He was in heaven! Hyrum ended up wearing his jacket during the game due to the cold.
On the down side, we have only had a couple games and practices so far due to all the rain. Hyrum has been very disappointed that he hasn't been able to play soccer with his team.
We also brought our video camera to the game, but we were almost out of tape. Don't worry, we will be sure to post some video clips of him playing soccer.

Excitment for Everyone!-At least for Hyrum

Before everyone came to visit, Hyrum and I talked about all the many things he wanted to with them.

One of the things he mentioned was riding on the carousel with everyone. I think in the week and half that everyone was here we went three times. Hyrum loved it! His favorite animal to ride on the carousel is the dragon.
Ben and Emmy have been terrified of the carousel. They act as if they want to ride the horses and other animals, but as soon as the carousel starts, they freak out. The last time we rode the carousel we decided to put Emmy and Ben on an animals that didn't go up and down. They loved it! Emmy would wave and blow kisses at every one as she rode her carousel. So cute!
Before we left the carousel, Hyrum had to stop every time at the arcade to pretend he was driving a very fast race car!Another activity on Hyrum's list to do was he wanted to play his games with everyone. This included; Hi, Ho, Cherrio, his Lighting McQueen matching game and his Go Fish game. Everyone got a kick out of Hyrum's very talented matching skills. Also, everyone loved how Hyrum told them were to find the matches. He is very good at matching games.

Hyrum also had going to the park, having chicken nuggets and pizza on his list. Also, don't forget watching Cars and eating popcorn...He had a very long list.
One of the activities that he wanted to do with everyone was go to the zoo. He told me today at dinner that taking everyone to the zoo was his favorite(out of the blue, during dinner. I was surprised he brought it up) and his favorite animal is a hippo. Hyrum loved showing Papa and Grandma all the many animals.
Emmy went nuts with the animals and just jiber jabbered about everything she saw. She loved Papa carrying her almost everywhere in the zoo.
Ben loved walking around by himself and looking at everything. He was fascinated by the cow that was really close to the fence in the farm area of the zoo.We had many fun activities that we did with our guest. We'll have to think of some other activities to do the next time they visit.

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Visitors!

We were so lucky to have visitors come to our house. Hyrum was in heaven when four of his favorite people came. My brother, Sean, came first on Monday and stayed for a week. Grandma and Papa Van came on Thursday and stayed for a week. Also, we can't forget our final visitor Millie came on Sunday night and stayed until Thursday. At one point, Hyrum had so many people who he loves (and they love him) in the house. It was a perfect time for them to come visit. Brandon and I both celebrated our birthdays while they were here. Not to mention a couple of "firsts" for the kids.

The next few posts will be about our many adventures with our very special visitors.

Say Cheese!

Every time the babies see me with the camera they say cheese and smile. It is so cute. They love getting their picture taken. Also, since they are trying their best to smile, they squint their eyes so it looks like their eyes are closed in most of the pictures. It makes me laugh. They are at such a fun age right now.

Excitement in the grass

One of my favorite things about the place where we live is having a backyard. Granted, the yard isn't the best, but still it is a fenced yard for my kids to play in. I love being able to send them outside and watch them out the window while I clean-up and make dinner. Don't worry, I am very careful and make sure I can see them. Plus I have the door and windows open so I can hear them.

Yesterday, I sent the kids out to play so I can clean-up the house a little bit and make dinner without anyone trying to "help." The kids did not put up a fuss at all. They love being outside; especially with each other. After the kids were outside for a little bit, I heard tons of giggling. I went outside to see what was happening and found out that they were having a grass fight. Of course, Hyrum was doing most of the throwing, but they were all just giggling and giggling. The babies are so enchanted by Hyrum and love watching him do things. Ben and Emily think that Hyrum hung the moon. They were so cute together, I couldn't help but take pictures. Once again, sorry for the blurry pictures. It seems that I can't get very good pictures of them lately, they all end up blurry.

Emily staying in charge of the car

More Easter!

For as long as I can remember, every Easter growing up, my family and I would go to my aunt and uncle's house for an Easter party. We would have a wonderful lunch and then the adults would hide some Easter eggs for the kids.
I was feeling a little homesick, so I decided that I would have a get together of my own the Saturday before Easter. We invited a few families from the ward that we were friends with and had a great BBQ. Afterwards, some of the adults hid a few eggs for an Easter egg hunt. The kids were in heaven. We let the little kids(1 and under) go first and get their one egg and then let the other kids have at it.Notice Emmy's ponytail? It was her first one!

I think she looks adorable!

After the wild BBQ and Egg hunt, the adults sat around and played a fun game while the kids played upstairs. Little did we know, they were eating all of their candy.

Overall, we had a great time and hope to have another night like that too.

Below are the kids in their Easter outfits. I tried my best to get some good pictures, but they were either blurry or the not good pictures. Oh well, at least I tried right?