Happy Birthday, Easter, Masters Weekend

It's been a celebrating kind of week for us. First of all we thoroughly enjoyed Conference. Which in our home, is a holiday in and of its self. We also used that great family time to celebrate Derek's birthday early. We thought it would be especially fun to do it while Chad was visiting from Boise. It was nice that Derek was able to go to priesthood session with his brothers. Earlier that day Derek did his Easter egg hunt filled with clues for his birthday present.

He followed clues all over the house to get to his very special birthday (Father's Day, Christmas, etc) present.
True joy and surprise was on his face as he came upon the PS3 that I forever swore would not enter our home. He has been the best boy, the most wonderful father, and loving husband. I just couldn't deny him.
We enjoyed an entirely too rich turtle cake after the boys returned from the Priesthood session.
I don't know what he could have possibly wished for, maybe Tiger Woods winning the Masters or that the Cubbies have a good season. But I certainly hope it comes true.
This is something we have never seen Baby Eva do. This picture captures pure excitement of a child about to get a present. She had seen her Easter basket on the table and was squealing with glee.
She crawled so fast and couldn't wait to get her little hands on a few new toys. I'm not going to lie; I hate stuffed animals. I think they are a worthless toy, but this little girl loves them! She is a very nurturing and loving girl. She hugs them and kisses them. Nothing makes her happier.
If this little girl is anything like her mother we will surely see this Sunday after Sunday for the next 10 years. There is nothing as lovely as wearing a dressing over a vent and seeing it puff out in the prettiest way.

The true Easter was certainly not lost on us amidst bunnies, baskets, and eggs; it was a beautiful, sunny Sabbath day. I have found that the place I like to be best on Easter is in the Primary. Sure, our hundreds (literally) of children can be overwhelming and crazy, especially when hyped up on chocolate bunnies and jelly beans, but if there is ever a place to hear sweet, genuine feelings for the Savior it is surely amongst His "little ones." I taught sharing time today. A daunting challenge enough when it is trying to help them feel the Spirit during lessons on family or the creation, but it can be absolutely mind boggling when trying to plan the perfect lesson to teach on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However the teaching was effortless (not on my part) and the learning abundant (most definitely on my part) as I was touched to know by the junior primary that "Jesus loves us" and by the older children that "He died for us and He lives for us." I also feel especially blessed this day to know that our home and family is lead by a Priesthood holder who loves and serves the Savior tirelessly.

Well, it wasn't just the Master's day, it was also the final round of the Masters. Which being married to Derek, obliges me to hours of golf viewing. I actually don't mind. Especially when it can be done with friends. We had a very fun day with the Yeats!

Eva sang, danced, and endlessly tormented Zach. His only defense was being armed with a dinosaur. This girly girl shrinks in fear from any dinosaur he wields in her direction.
Maybe I wasn't as attentive as some would've hoped. In the end I know Angel Cabrera won and the details in his race for the green jacket don't concern me much.
Ally spoiled Derek and we all benefited. It was a wonderful dinner followed by a 5 star restaurant worthy dessert.

I just feel in complete bliss with my family. It's a good one and we had a really fun week together!

Our Mischievous Baby

Baby Eva is quite the explorer. She pretty much disregards anything that is meant for her, like her toys, and goes for anything she can get her little hands on that we can't manage to child proof. She loves to open drawers and pull everything out, she loves the books on the bookshelves, any garbage can, audio/visual equipment, etc. She pushes doors open into rooms and closes them behind her. She also has an affinity for any cabinets and cupboards, and loves to climb into baskets. She definitely keeps us on our toes as she crawls all over the house looking for mischief. But we think it's pretty awesome. Here are some pictures from the past couple of weeks.

under the kitchen table

in her bedroom

under her crib

large boxes are always a hit

her favorite kitchen cabinet. she first takes out whatever she can...

then proceeds to get into the cabinet so she can really investigate

in the bonus room

basket of blankets in her bedroom

at grandma's house in boise

in her toy basket

Not pictured: Eva getting into a basket of newly folded clothes and removing it piece by piece, and Eva pulling down her tall laundry basket, pulling out the clothes, and crawling inside for a better look, both fairly common. She is our little sweetheart.