BMX racing

We took L to watch his good friend do some BMX racing on a pretty intense looking track. (I can't even imagine how intimidating it would look to a five year old.) We brought his bike and told him he could try it if he wanted to. After watching the kids for awhile we asked him if he wanted to try. He shook his head like, "no way you have got to be kidding me." Then when we were saying we should go he started breathing hard and said I want to try it! So Kurt walked him and his 12" wheel bike up to the gate. He did it! The third really steep hill he pumped his legs like crazy but couldn't make it to the top. Everyone was cheering for him because he had the tiniest bike out there. He cried when he didn't make it to the top but he finished. Kurt thought he would want to be done but he just pointed to the track and said again! He borrowed his friend's bike (16" wheels)and made it around without any help. He went over and over and we stayed until it was about to close. Natalie has always been envious of Lincoln's bike skills and I've had to remind her many times to be happy for him instead of pouting about not being able to keep up. She was just as excited for him as I was. She watched from the fence and cheered so hard. It was a sweet moment. I spend so much time trying to teach them. I am constantly correcting, instructing, reminding, time-outing. It was like manna to watch N cheer for him and get to see L do something I knew he wanted to try even though he was scared. He was so happy with himself afterward.

sweet and sassy

Maya is starting into a new phase. She is trying to see how much she can get away with. I've had to put her in time out a few times already this week. She's also so much fun right now. She's up for anything she sees her big brother and sister do. She's pretty coordinated at running and jumping but she doesn't see why she always has to be holding my hand. I took these pics right before we left for the YMCA the other morning. One thing you can count on with Maya is she is always up for an outing.

book club pregos

It was quite a shock to learn that my two good friends from bookclub were due the same day as me. It's been fun to see each other once a month and compare bellies and share progress. They were good sports last wed and let me take a picture of all three of us. So here is my latest prego picutre. I put it up on the side but it's a little small so I thought I'd post it officially. 8 weeks to go!

sunshine in may!

It was hot enough to bust out the pool! It's been a gorgeous may and
the kids have enjoyed the sun almost as much as I have.

we drove to the temple last Sunday and enjoyed the gorgeous flowers there.
If you didn't know that is Wisteria above us in this picture--it smells amazing.

Kurt and I went sea kayaking yesterday for our weekend away trip. It was a little foggy just where we were kayaking. We're right by deception pass next to Anacortes (just past Whidby Island.)

Here is one of the views from the top of Mount Eerie. We had a picnic lunch up here.

Kurt and I got to spend a day in Leavenworth then a day exploring Anacortes, Mount Eerie area. I loved the houses around Anacortes. We swapped with some friends (thanks again hunts!) so we could have a mini vacation just the two of us. The kayaking was my favorite. No we didn't spot any whales. The guide said he gets to see them often but we weren't really near where they are right now.

Happy Mothers Day!!!

visiting with family

The pictures below are in exact opposite order of events. I was trying for the other way around but it really doesn't matter. The end of March we went to Cali to visit Kurt's parents and sister Carol. We managed to get there in time to see Adele and Josh too. We were helping K parents get packed and ready for their mission to Brazil and also visiting them one more time before they left. It was fun to see so much family (K's other two sisters, Michele and Tamara live there by his parents so we saw them too.) We got home and a week later my parents and brother Aaron came up to Washington to spend Conference and Easter. It was my kids spring break and my dad's spring break. The weather cooperated pretty well considering the time of year. We ended up going on a ferry over to the Olympic Nat'l Forrest and hiking a gorgeous hike to a sort of pitiful waterfall. Since we were so close we decided--and i'm using the term "we" loosely--to go visit Forks. I was less inclined to spend any time sight seeing there but I was glad we went. La Push beach was so pretty! It was fun to create more memories with family the last two months.

At the Locks.

This is Lake Union. This is where sleepless in Seattle had Tom Hank's houseboat.
Doesn't Aaron looked thrilled about it?

This is called gas works park. It used to be a gas plant. Why is Kurt scaling it in his nice clothes? Well there were these other guys and they were doing it to impress their girlfriends. Only one could make it to the top. When they left I told him I wished he would show off to impress me like the old days. So he did. And I really was actually. It was pretty far up. Awww!

This is La Push beach. If you watch the movie--like we did when we got home that night--you can see this in the background. Please laugh at us because it is pretty funny! There was a Twilight Tour bus parked there when we pulled up. I couldn't make fun.

These kids were awesome on our hikes that week. I was especially impressed with Maya. She is tiny but she enjoys it so much she doesn't whine or have me carry her hardly at all.

Mom's watching conference. I think my kids like grandma.

This is right before we piled in to head home. We have already skyped them in Brazil. Maya kept saying she wanted to go to Grandma's house while we were talking with you over skype.

Carol and us on the hike. I couldn't believe how high we were and how much we could see. Thanks for having us Carol! I love hanging out with you and your family!

This face is just too cute! We miss you baby Beckett (maya says baby bucket but we all know she adores him so we let her.)

Taking Josh and Adele to the airport. I didn't realize how tight a fit it was for Josh until he kind-of fell out when we opened the door. Next time you can have the front seat Josh.

happy birthday Lincoln

Lincoln got spoiled for his 5th birthday. He not only got a lot of fun gifts from friends and family he also got to have a friend party and then a family party. The great thing was that we were in Madera for the family party so he got to have grandma and grandpa Leavitt, Nelsons, and Lafferes. Thank you all for making it so much fun for him and us!

Sonic the hedgehog game from Uncle Aaron Tiek.







He loves green so I guess that's how I ended up with green frosting, green hat and a green frog painted on his face.

i LOVE this picture of L and grandma Leavitt. What a precious picture!