Earth Day in Tucson

We planned a trip down to Tucson to stay at our timeshare for a night. Its a 90 min drive south so makes for a quick and easy stay-cation. We swam and watched movies Friday night and Saturday morning and then went out on a couple adventures. Our first was to BIOSPHERE 2. You probably don't know what this is, but google it. Basically, Biosphere 1 is the earth. Biosphere 2 is the earth-like environment scientists created to see if humans could ever live on Mars. It looks like a gigantic greenhouse but inside is a rain forest, a desert, an ocean with real coral, fish and waves (thanks to a wave machine). They have two "lungs" that adjust the oxygen and pressure because the whole building was intended to be closed and airtight for like two years while scientists lived inside. That's my summary of the place, anyway! It is interesting let's just say that. And we had a good time exploring, seeing the different environments, and feeling the temperatures of the different climates. What a way to spend earth day (not that it was planned)!

We then we continued our earth day celebration with a visit to the Pima Air and Space Museum. This was the stop Tyler was looking forward to. All the old planes get a guy every time. Plus the kids saw the Wright Brother's airplane replica which Ashley was excited about since they just learned about that in school, they had a chance to play in moon sand and even stand on the moon for a photo! ... at this point my feet began to ache.

So we got of exercise by walking all day, learned a lot about the earth and solar system, and Claire worked up quite a thirst. Cute girl.

Girls trip to Scottsdale

I've been a little indulgent, but went ahead a took another trip this weekend. Had to, mom planned it. We got away with my sister, aunt and cousin for a couple nights to eat as many calories as humanly possible in one 72 hour time-frame, do some shopping and lounging by the pool/reading, plus a hike! It's the environment where mothers recharge their batteries. Tyler was happy to send me on my way, knowing I always return home more in love with him and the kids. They did great without me, the house was clean and dinner was waiting when I got back. Great weekend all around.

Hoppy Easter Egg Hunt

We had our annual ward/neighborhood Easter breakfast and egg hunt. It was a beautiful morning and fun event. Claire was darling, collecting the eggs until she discovered there was candy inside, then had no need for a basket. On Easter morning at our house, I asked her to spit out what was in her mouth since she was drooling so badly, and she dumped about 10 half-chewed jelly beans into my hand. Breakfast of champions. The older kids had a hay-day with the loot. It's always fun treasure hunting for candy and eggs! And then reminding them about the real reason we celebrate Easter, of course. That's what the Easter Pageant, church and family night were for that week. ;)

Rock the AIMS!

Luke and Ashley take the AIMS test next week. Luke came home wanting to show me this "pump up" video his teacher has been showing their class everyday. I got a kick out of it - haven't said the word scantron since my last test in college. So this one's dedicated to my teacher friends and parents of AIMS takers - show your kids! :)

Enjoy

Easter bunny pics!

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my birthday

Tyler and the kids brought me breakfast in bed, complete with a candle in my bowl of frosted mini-wheats!

The Jake woke up and was sad that they did it without him. So he disappeared to the kitchen and made a valiant 5-year-old effort to do the same - but dropped the tray on his way in. I felt so bad for him. He was crushed. (and he even got me a string cheese from the fridge - precious!)
So after mopping up some milk and wiping lots of tears, we needed to salvage the morning so I declared a mom and kid's swim party - in the bath! They were thrilled. Swimsuits went on, bubble bath went in and we had a great time all crammed in together!

Then we got dressed and headed to the park. It was a chilly day but we managed to have a fun time!




Dinner that night was with daddy at Red Robin. I felt covered in family and kids and love that day, my 32nd birthday. So much to be thankful for.

Pooped

Conference Weekend Temple Progress Pics

It's been 6 more months since our last photo! The kids are growing and the temple is progressing rapidly! We cannot wait for it to open so close to our house!! YEAH!

The Sand Eater

Claire has a bad new habit. It's become our first discipline issue. She thinks its funny and yummy and I tell her it is naughty and yucky. I hope to get through to her before too long.

Chick Magnet - number 2

Months after I had Claire I took her to school and let Luke show her off at recess. He was covered in girls before we knew it. Recently Claire and I went back for a visit and this time the chick magnet was Jake. :) He loved showing everyone his baby sister and his fellow kindergartners gathered around him to play "follow the baby", doing whatever she did, wherever she went. It was cute.

happy, even with sweaty armpits

This was one of those weekends when my adopted personal mission statement really spoke to me. It's a quote from Sister Hinckley, which I love for the perspective it gives:

“I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.

I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived.”

This weekend I was able to help a friend do her garage sale; I baked and sold dozens of cinnamon rolls to raise money for relay for life; I had an opportunity to feed dinner to the homeless on Friday night; I played at the park with my kids and pushed my baby on the swings; I did dishes, swept up piles of flour, drove around taping "Sale!" signs to poles, changed diapers, wiped faces, and worked in the yard, enjoying every minute of what we have left of nice weather. And, I got to listen to General Conference in between and around it all - which was probably what helped everything come together and make sense!

I know I didn't look very good this weekend and I probably didn't smell good most the time, but, man, I felt good! These experiences being able to get my hands dirty helping my family, friends and strangers are what life is about. This is the real secret to true happiness: service. :)