Family pictures

when she was in town for memorial day my sweet sister offered to take some family pictures for us, she knew that I loved pictures and she said she could use the practice so i didn't feel guilty at all for saying YES1
We took them in the evening . It was actually a really fun time. The park was crowded and my boys a bit tired so it was challenging but she got great shoots!
our little baby Lawrence was just 2 and 1/2 weeks old in these pictures. He looks so tiny but so grown up.

Baby Sprinkle

Last weekend my sweet sweet sisters, threw me a beautiful baby "Sprinkle" It was so fun and so beautiful! I loved it! Thank you so much Rebecca and Jessica!
I was overwhelmed and surprised by how many wonderful people came to the shower, and brought gifts also, it was so so kind and our family feels very blessed and grateful. Thank you !

Isn't this the CUTEST!? My sister designed it!

Easter weekend

On Saturday we had a West Family Easter Egg hunt. The kids had so much fun, us moms mostly stood back and photographed!
Kids love the hunt, searching for eggs, the excitement is palpable. I LOVE that excitement, it probably is part of why I love holidays the way I do.

Sunday we all went to church and had a yummy meal. Easter yummy. With jello eggs (a tradition), ham and mashed potatoes, ceaser salad, rolls, fruit salad and yummy juice!

The Easter bunny brought our family a letter including the story of Jesus that we all read in the morning, the toys had to wait until evening.
I am SO grateful for my Savior and for the many blessings that we have been given as a family.

-Nice Easter photos  by Rebecca Barthlome

Snow shoeing

Pine top gave me the opportunity to go snowshoeing for the first time! This has been on my bucket list since my first year of college!
Mitch didn't feel well- he had hurt his back a little going down a very steep icy slope on a sled, so Rebecca and I set out together for some sister time- kid free.

It was so breathtakingly beautiful and silent and wonderful. Unfortunately Rebecca was in the bad pair of snowshoes because she didn't want her pregnant sister to get hurt, so she did not have as much fun because, her ankle got twisted a few times and she fell twice- that got our heart rates up, it was scary!
In the end we took a trail my dad had made earlier (so several miles more then we had already gone).
I will say that I personally LOVED it. I want to buy some snowshoes and go all the time!  I think my dad enjoyed it too, he said he though he had found a new sport/ hobby for himself! :) It was so still and beautiful, the world and trees covered in white and the untouched snow..... *sigh*
Thank you Uncle Darryl for sharing so generously with all of us!

When cousins Come to visit- Part 2

Friday, My sister and I hung around the house for most of the day, My amazing aunt came to visit. We took The kids to the park and Library during the visit as well. We had a long day on Friday - it was awesome.
The kids played went on walks ate homemade pizza watched a new release movie and got snow cones. Then they all had a bath at grandma's house and watched HOME while My sweet sister did hair.
I love the cousins all playing together. Fills my heart with joy!