7 Generations

7 Generations of Strong Beautiful Women! Hurrah for Israel.
Magaret, Maggie, Margaret, Bessie, Marcia, Rishi, Goldie
Happy Mothers day!

Wicked!

One of Goldie's presents was to go and see Wicked! We drove to Richmond, VA. I went with her. We took the binoculars that the Allen's had years ago. They were made in occupied Japan and were very heavy. But I'm glad because Goldie used them almost the entire time.

We got there just in time and had to ask for directions once we parked. The theatre was beautiful. I sat on the edge of my seat and loved every minute. I want to go and see it again. I kept telling people I didn't know who was more excited, Goldie or I but I can see the excitement in her eyes in this picture. It was a great experience for the two of us.

One thing I loved about the production was the steam punk feel they gave to it. It was well staged, a great experience.

Goldie is 9!

Goldie has turned 9! She wanted a new cape, and I went all out. She got two. One short, one long, in her new favorite color.

My beautiful girl has been exploring musicals lately and together we watched the 25th anniversary of the Phantom of the Opera.

And so a Phantom cake was on the menu. I declined making a rose. I've never done that and it seems a whole new learning curve.

We decided on a real one and when she heard about these rainbow roses we agreed to get her one. It was spectacularly colorful.

A week before the date we used Ammon's Captain America mask as a base and made a Phantom mask out of fondant. I probably did it too thick because it never did dry out enough. I didn't know what to do and Mike came to my rescue with marshmallows! They are there, you just can't see them. Also, my black fondant was off so he also came up with the broken glass look. I like it.

It was beautiful and delicious on both the inside and the outside.

But it wasn't just about the cake. That is just one of the birthday's adventures. I got to eat lunch with this beautiful young woman. I got to spend time with her and she is a cherished part of our family. Her smile, her love of her brothers, her joy in discovering life is all a part of who she is, who she is becoming. We love you Goldie. We are blessed by you. We are glad we got to spend time with you on your special day.

Easter 2014

Waiting to start the Easter Egg hunt, I think this might become an annual tradition.

Especially when you see all the loot they have from finding eggs.

This is another tradition that Mike had when he was a child. We haven't done it for a couple of years, but opted for it this year because Ammon had no memory of Easter bunny cake.

Hope your Easter was a good one!

My 5 March Beauties

Dressing up!

The day we froze at the park

I love taking the kids to the park.

I get exercise, the kids play, we have a good time. We went to this park on January 16th. We spent hours there. I practiced flat footing. It was a gorgeous day and we didn't need a jacket. The next day it stormed. This park is barred to cars about three months out of the year. In March it opens back up and cars always have to be careful so they don't run over the pedestrians they share the road with. To help remind the drivers there used to be speed bumps on the road until the snow plows plowed them down.

The kids had fun playing with and on the broken pieces of speed bump.

When we planned to go on this day, we had read that the weather was warm. I'd been outside for few minutes and I'd even checked the temperature. But when we got there the snow was thicker than we'd hoped for and we had to dig the extra jackets out the of car in order to keep some of the kids warm.

Bridger stayed nice and cozy in his stroller the entire time.

And of course everyone else was attracted to the ice. Soaking wet, cold feet had to be warmed up after this "not so warm" visit to the city park.

This and That

We've discovered that Ammon has curls! I love to get them all stuck up in the air first thing in the morning. Then he says, "Put my curls down mom, put them down." I usually comply, but sometimes I have to let his Wolverine out or just let some hang out in the back of his head where he can't see them.

Goldie was recently invited to Young Women's to decorate cake. This is her creation.

Of course Bridger got his hands a bit of cake too!

Swimming

Its been months since we've been swimming. Santa Clause brought swimming gear and a pass for Christmas. And we are ready to go!

Doing it All!

Sandwiched in between my birthday part on the evening of the 11th and Josiah's birthday party on the evening of the 12th, was a day on the mountain with Amber. We were so glad for her visiting us and partying with us. She is the best!

After reaching the top we slid down icy hills, found turkey tracks and enjoyed the icy weather.

Visiting a frosty lake brought back memories of Ammon's birth.

And sunlight makes Goldie even more beautiful. I love being outside with my family. Thanks Amber!

Goldie's 3rd Grade Ecosystem

Goldie got an assignment at school. She had to make an ecosystem in a shoebox using things you already have at home.

She chose the Yellowstone ecosystem. You can see Old Faithful showcased right in the center as well as many of the animals, types of land, water, plants, etc that are in that Ecosystem. We looked up old pictures of our family reunion there and printed some out for her to take. She had to give a speech about her project.

The school allowed the teacher to choose two students who would display their ecosystems in the city library. Goldie was one of the two chosen from her class. Way to go Goldie! A+

All about Goldie

It may be hard to tell, but see how long my hair is?
I got it cut in this picture.
No more long stringies on top or on the bottom. Isn't it lovely?
My favorite drees, my favorite shoes, and my favorite coat.

Do you like them?