Happy Graduation Justin

The last but not least in a string of parties!  Justin graduated from BYU last weekend.  I know it was not an easy road, but we are so proud of him for sticking with it.  He is a great brother, and we were happy to host a little graduation party for him on Thursday night after commencement. The reese's hats turned out well.  The banana cream cupcakes were a nice idea, but I need to use a different recipe next time. The highlights were the Brick Oven Pizza and the costco cheese cake and strawberries.  I love Wendy and Justin's picture post convocation.  You can hardly tell Wendy is going to have a baby any day now.   Thanks Justin for chosing Joe Banditos for Friday's dinner.  Thanks Jake for securing us a lovely table.  The weather was beautiful and so was the company.  It was fun to have Marmee and Papa here a little longer and we wish the could have stayed even longer!  On Saturday they headed back to Ohio to pack for their move to DC.

Say What?

I sadly missed the actual occurance, but it was too good to not write down.  On Easter we went went to church in Pocatello ID on our way back from Jessica's wedding.  Justin, Wendy, James, Allison and my little family were leaving the building to get back on the road when Sam had to go to the bathroom so I went back inside.  While I was away, poor Isaac got stumped.  James knows that Isaac doesn't retain information very well and wanted to make sure that he was remembering who he was before he left town again.  He says, "What's my name, Isaac?"  Isaac says, "Justin."  Then James points to my brother Justin and says, "What's his name?"  Isaac says, "Justin."  Then Isaac realizes that they both can't be named Justin so he looks at Wendy and whispers, "Help me...."  Poor Isaac!

Spring Break- the rest of it

On Thursday we drove down to St George for the rest of Spring Break.   It was a lovely trip although the weather did not cooperate with us.  Thursday afternoon we drove straight to the state park where we rode Jared and Trisa's RZRs and the kids played in the sand.  Friday we went down to the Clark County Fair.  We were with Great Grandma, who knows many of the people.  Isaac asked her if she was the mayor.  The fair was fun, but also difficult with Isaac wandering off, and Grace wanting to buy things.  Jared lead us to some delicous homemade ice cream.  We saw the animals, the dog show, the pig races, mutton busting,rode the little train, and Isaac even danced on stage.  Let's just say we left tuckered out.  We had wanted to stay for the Rodeo, but Great Grandma was the only one with enough energy to last that long.  Friday night, although it was very windy and cold, Jake and the kids swam and Trisa and snuck away to Brick oven.  Jake put the kids to bed and I snuck away again with Heather for some tasty frozen yogurt and a trip to the grocery store.  Saturday morning we went swimming at Great Grandma's and the went to Costco to meet her friends from the center.  Jake had some tasty homemade sourkraut on his polish dog.  I think he might head back next Saturday for alittle more.  After that Trisa, Heather and I did alittle shopping and then we all met back up for some more swimming.  It was alittle rainy but the pool was heated.  Grace stayed in until dinner time.  Dinner was at the Mongolian BBQ which has become a tradition.  Not only is it super tasty, but the people who work there are so kind and are always super nice to the kids.  We drove back home Saturday night in a snow storm and I read Harry Potter aloud the whole way home.  I think our spring break was a great one, but not the end of the April partying.... 

Spring Break- Tuesday

Tuesday of spring break was just going to be a day I cleaned, and hung out.  At 8:30 Jesse called and said Kelby's contractions were about 5 minutes apart.  This wouldn't have changed my day if they hadn't asked me to be at the birth in a sort of doula role.  Their first birth didn't go so well so they were willing to try anything...  I LOVE anything pregnancy related.  I think it is all so beautiful. So while I was nervous I was honored to be a part of this special day.  I research the doula role a little and prayed I would say or do anything that would bring a little comfort.  In the end my most valuable contributions were the hair thing, the sports bra, the ipod home station for music, and my camera.  Things went well and little Aidan was born at 12:30 pm.  She labor a third as long as she did the first time. Kelby was super strong and brave.  Jesse and Kelby and super parents and little Aidan is lucky to be a part of this wonderful family. 
Will I pursue being a doula?  Maybe...  

Spring Break- Monday

I have been dying to take the kiddos on a day trip to SLC.  Since Marm was in town and Wendy was also on spring break, I thought it was the perfect time to make this happen.  The weather was fabulous and we had a great time.  We drove to Sandy to the Trax station and rode that up to City Creek.  We walked through City Creek admiring the trout and found the splash park.  I wasn't quite prepared for that but I couldn't say no.  I did have to run and buy Sam a swimming suit since he had jeans on.  Then we walked up to Harmon's for some gelato like stuff.  After that we walked through temple square.  Isaac was so funny because the second we were close to the temple, he dropped on his knees and said a prayer.  It was so sweet.  (Sam always makes sure we say we are thankful for the temple in every prayer.)  We walked through temple square on our way to the Church History Musuem.  They have a lovely children's area. (Have someone show you where it is.)  Marm, Grace and I even learned a little South American dancing.  We rode Trax back and were very happy with our day in the big city.

Every Bunny Loves Easter

The Easter Bunny found Grace, Isaac, and Sam in an Idaho hotel room post Jessica's wedding.  The kids took their Easter bunnys, that were curiously left in Marm's room for them, down to breakfast.  We ate delicous Fairfield Inn waffles and then pack to go home.  We were sad to say goodbye to Papa and Grandpa King.  We stopped in Pocatello for the sacrament and then headed home.  I slept the ENTIRE way.  I never do that.  When we got home, Jake took a nap and I headed down to Grandma's house.  She had a lovely dinner waiting and an easter egg hunt with plenty of eggs and candy.  It was a lovely day and a beautiful time to remember all that our Savior has done for us.

JeKa is married.

Jessica got married in Rexburg the weekend before Easter.   I was able to go up on Thursday with my Dad and Grandpa.   just in time to clean Jessica's bathroom...  Friday night she went to the temple for the first time.  It was the first time all of the kids have been to the temple together.  After that, we all went to Neilson's for custard.  We tried to get Jess's nails done on Friday, but due to some scheduling conflicts, we changed salons and thought we had an early Saturday morning appointment.  Saturday morning came and the salon was not open!  Wendy frantically checked every salon for opening times.  We were in luck!  The beauty school opened at 8.  We were suppose to meet Matt's family for breakfast at 9 so we knew we needed this to happen fast.  The school was kind enough to help.  Jessica had two girls working- one on each hand.  Since we were waiting, Allison, Marm, Wendy and I decided to get a little manicure too.  We were a little late for breakfast, but Jess had her nails.  After that, Jess, Marm and Allison went to get Jessica hair done.  James, Justin, Wendy and I headed to the mall for some pants.  Jake arrived with the kids and we all headed to the temple. The kids sat in the car with the IPAD and Jessica's friend Maren sat with them.  Thank You!  The weather on Friday had been snow and rain, but heaven's rays smiled down on Saturday.  Perfect for a wedding!  My Grandfather who is a sealer presided and Jessica had many family friends who came to support her.  Being in the military there isn't a ton of people that you stay in contact with through the years.  The ones you do have are really good though.  My parents had friends from DC, Vegas, and Western Idaho there to support Jessica.  It doesn't seem a stretch at times like these to see us all as one big family. 
Jessica's colors were yellow and brown after a sunflower, Jessica's favorite flower.  I made bowties for the boys and Ruth helped me with a dress for Grace.  Jessica found some bella bird dresses for the big girls to wear and we were all set.   I thought we all looked smashing. 
Jessica's reception was at an old church renovated to a reception center.  It was really nice and since they did all the decorations it was also really easy.  She had a candy bar, which the kids loved.  I also did a little easter egg hunt outside for the kiddos.  There are never quite enough eggs...  Jake took the kids back to the hotel early to go swimming.  I stayed and just sat and enjoyed the atmosphere.  Around 8 I found Matt and Jessica hiding in the bride's room looking completely exhausted.  Between finals, moving, and the wedding, they were tired.  They ran through the line of cheering friends off to their cabin honeymoon and we picked up trash and then headed back to the hotel... just in time to prepare for Easter.