The Hunt.

Brunch and an Easter egg hunt with Great Grandma Jo today!  The girls, along with their cousin Guinevere, found tons of eggs filled with little toys and chocolate at the nursing home.  Afterward we had brunch with the whole family (minus Chris who was at UCLA for a volleyball match).



The eggs weren't really "hidden".  Easy to find!

All the loot!

Freezing sisters--eventually it warmed up to be a beautiful day!

It is always nice to see Grandma Jo, she is now 97.  I told her we were headed to Colorado next week and she was able to tell me that she might want to come with us!  Grandma Jo grew up in CO and loves to reminisce about her childhood.

We also got to celebrate Presley's birthday with Grandpa Carl, Mor mor, Paul, Ali, and Guinevere--thank you for the fun and thoughtful gifts!

Classroom.

So, I don't get to Presley's classroom that often (ok, I've gone in once to help make bread in a ziploc bag).  But I don't feel too bad because my Mom goes in every Monday to help out!  Today was the last day of school before spring break and it also happens to be Presley's best friend Makayla's birthday and with Presley's birthday being on Sunday (Easter), I wanted to bring in treats for her class to celebrate the birthdays.

M & P for Makayla and Presley's birthdays!

Makayla's mom brought chocolate cupcakes with light pink frosting and pearls on top (no pictures, the class was watching a movie and the lights were off while we ate the treats) and I brought in chocolate milk with crazy straws.  Of course I had to decorate the milk bottles.

How fun to celebrate your birthday with your friend at school!  Happy birthday girls!

Made.

Afternoon crafts are something we like to do.  Usually we keep it simple with coloring or stickers--maybe some scissors and glue.  But today we got out some of the craft projects the girls got for Christmas.  Presley wanted to make a fairy and Stella wanted to make a crown--here is what they came up with . . .

What a shiny crown, what a pose.

Fairy friends.

Pretty fun for a freezing cold afternoon--the day before it had been sunny and warm and we played at the park for nearly two hours.  The books are by a company called Klutz and come with all the things you need to make little crafts.  I have seen them at Michaels and on Amazon.

Baker.

I am definitely not a professional baker, but we all know I like to make sweet treats--and I have a sister who encourages and teaches me.  This month has been the "month of cakes", two baby showers and a first birthday.  I love making my two tiered roses cake (and I like eating it even more) and after this month I have it down to a science.  Mix, bake, clean, make filling and frosting, clean, cool cakes, level, fill, crumb-coat (both tiers), stack, pipe roses, clean, and DONE!  Oh wait, EAT!

Rachael's baby shower--her fifth baby and finally a girl!

For Caroline's first birthday--this girl has the best smile!

Erika's bay shower, after 8 1/2 years this sweet little girl is almost here.  The shower was "owl" themed.

I did not make these (remember, no more cake-pops).  But aren't they cute? From Erika's baby shower.

I love making cakes for those I love--but this probably won't be a profession I pursue (hard on the waistline).  Can't wait for more cakes in the coming months.  My friend Tami wants to do a Rainbow layered cake and I still have a butterfly and rose creation to make for Presley and Stella's joint birthday party (butterfly themed, I may be going overboard).

This cake is from Martha Stewart and I hope to be able to make it soon!

In the coming year I hope to learn a few new tricks--like this Ruffle cake from Martha Stewart.  I am already planning a Ballerina themed party in my head for the girls!  Tutus, ballet slipper cookies, learn a little dance routine . . . maybe I could do party planning?

Weekends.

We have been busy the past several weekends.  The BYU mens volleyball team has had quite a few home matches in a row and we have been to all of them!  Well, the girls come with me on Friday nights and then on Saturdays they get to stay home with a baby sitter, while I get a chance to actually watch the match.

Last weekend I finally remembered to bring my camera and get proof of the fun we have been having.  We have loved having so many friends and family come to the matches to support the team (and Chris).

Pre-match team chant.

The block.  Usually the stands are quite a bit fuller . . . still a loud, fun place to play.

Chris is lucky enought to have his dad working as his volunteer assistant--here they are during a time-out.

I think Chris is having fun coaching the guys--the team seems to be doing well despite a handful of injuries.  Started off the season at #1 and currently are coming off a weekend win in Hawaii at #4.   I need to get pictures of Presley and Stella in their BYU cheerleading gear--they love to dance and scream and cheer on their dad!

Slopes.

We had a minute to hit the slopes today (between breakfast and another home volleyball match tonight)--I was glad Chris got to come, he has only been skiing one other time this year!  With all the other equipment we have to haul around when I take the girls skiing, I am just not up for bringing my "good" camera, so here are a couple camera-shots of our day.

My snow angels.

Stella waiting for the tow-rope with Chris.  Usually she just skis between my legs, but when dad took her she did it on her own!

Ahhh, Sundance--so close, so small, and I know it so well.  Too bad the parking/shuttle stituation is such a pain for families!  I remember the days when I couldn't snowboard at Sundance and when, if you had to park in the upper lot, you could just ski down to the lift (not ride a bus!).

Coconuts.

To celebrate their first 100 days of school (and the number 100), Presley's class had a Hawaiian party.  We made a quick stop at the party store and got a lei and grass skirt (did you know they had 4 different types and prices for grass skirts?) and to Presley's dismay we did NOT pick up the coconut bikini top she wanted so badly.

Oh, we should have dug up the ukulele!

Ever since we have been dancing the hula and talking about going to Hawaii--someday, right?  It doesn't count that Chris is going to Hawaii next month with the team.  Hope he brings us back treats!

I Heart You.

We started our day off with new Valentine's Day shirts (Old Navy $1.99) and heart shaped cinnamon rolls.  Next off to school with our valentines for classmates and teachers.  Then to grandma's for some valentine fun.

Smiling sisters--they LOVE each other, most of the time.

Heart shaped cinnamon rolls, mmmmmm.

Kisses!  Presley's lips are blue--it must be cold in our house today.

Last but not least, we have a surprise for someone that we are doing later today . . . pictures to come!

The Gym.

My sister in law found a fun thing for our kids to do in the winter . . . an indoor gym with a foam pit, several trampolines, and a bungee harness swing!  The girls loved it, and as promised were so worn out that they took huge naps all afternoon!

Where is Stella?

Definitely a little nervous about bouncing too high.

Stella loved flying like Tinkerbell.

Come with us next time!  Mondays at noon.

A First.

My mom loves lemon meringue pie--who knew!  Maybe I could have guessed, I remember her making it every year for her dad for his birthday, but I had no idea it was her favorite too.  So, for my mom's birthday this year, I got her recipe and made my first (of many) lemon meringue pies!

Mom got to take the one left over slice home--she loves the filling, while Presley loved the meringue!

Mom loved it and I promised to make her a pie for Mother's Day and her birthday every year!  Happy birthday mom--thanks for letting us throw you a little party.  Watch out for next year, we have to throw you a BIG party!