Memorial Day

We had a great day together yesterday. First we went to our annual ward breakfast at 8am. I have to admit, it wasn't easy to try to look like I was actually awake that early but I think I pretty much pulled it off.

Then we took the kids to Zoo Boise. They really loved the giraffe slide...especially Sam. It was actually Kate's brave idea to go down it (only with Daddy, of course). But when we actually got there to do it, she said, "Uhh, I'm not so sure about this." She went down once and then we watched Daddy take Sammy a couple of times. Sam would have kept going all day if we'd let him. He even said, "weeeeee!" when he watched other kids go down.

Joe and Sammy on the giraffe slide at the zoo. (and after)

Enjoying Zoo Boise.

Then we walked over to Julia Davis Park and had a picnic. The weather was perfect and the kids really enjoyed eating outside. Kate was really into the idea of having a picnic and said, "You know, Dad. It's a great day to be at the park." and "I wish I would have brought my basket so I could pick berries." She always says the cutest things.

Kate and Sammy also had lots of fun having races with Daddy. We gave out lots of pretend gold medals.

Sam, Mommy and Kate at our picnic in Julia Davis Park.

Then we drove over to the MK Nature Center near Municipal Park and walked around to see all the fish. We even got to see one of the 3-foot sturgeon they just added a few days earlier.

Joe and the kids looking at the fish and the MK Nature Center.

All in all, it was a really fun and pretty relaxing day. It was nice to just hang out with just our little family and have a good time.

I only pretend to be organized

So anyone who knows me knows that I am a chart person. It's more like I'm a chart maker and hopefully a chart follower after I've made one. Anyway, I've brainwashed, I mean taught Kate to be the same way. Here are the latest ones Kate we've made together. (Sorry if they don't make sense. You know, if they're as clear as mud...or, as Joe would say, "clear as Lake Lowell."

THE CHOOSE THE RIGHT GAME

This an idea I got from a girl in my ward that I visit teach and she said it works great with her kids. She called hers the "Make Good Choices Game" I think but I couldn't remember that when I made mine. The concept is that when the child makes a good choice by obeying, being kind, sharing, being helpful or whatever then they get to move ahead one square. There are fun squares along the way ("Game," "Lollipop" and "Art Project") to kind of tide them over until they reach a big prize at the end ("$ for their Piggy Bank" and "A Special Treat"). But if the child chooses to disobey or not do what's right, they could move back a square. Of course you could change any part of it to fit the needs of the children. But I thought it was a pretty good idea. We haven't actually started using it yet at our house but hopefully it will help my kids want to make good choices.

BEDTIME ROUTINE CHART

My kids have a hard time going to bed at night so I thought that making a set, easy-to-follow bedtime routine would help them out -- even if Daddy or someone else is in charge of putting them to bed. The rest is self explanatory if you just read the chart so there's need to clarify.

Fun in the Back Yard

Sammy wearing Daddy's hiking hat.

It doesn't really have anything to do with the post...

it's just a cute picture that was worth sharing.

Now that the weather has been nicer, the kids have been having a lot of fun playing in the back yard. Their favorite thing is to dig in the dirt in the flowerbeds. Here's a few pics of them enjoying the sunshine.

Sam stopped digging long enough to say cheese.

Kate running away from me trying to take her picture.

Kate decided to stop running and just pose instead. Silly kid.

Joe was fixing a sprinkler so Sammy couldn't resist "helping" him out. Then everyone got in on the action. Joe was grateful for all the helping hands. After all, when you're helping you're happy!

SLC

Okay, so I've been slacking on posting anything new but sometimes it feels like life isn't that exciting...at least not enough to post about. But here's at least something for the blog.

Last month Joe and I spent a couple days (without the kids) in Salt Lake where his parents are serving a mission. It was a nice break but we realized that we talked about the kids a LOT of the time. It was our first time away from them. But being the fat mama that I am, it was much needed. Anyway, here's a few pictures I took on Temple Square so that Kate would be able to see some of the things we saw.Just the two of us hanging out at Temple Square.

With Elder and Sister Chandler (Joe's parent's) in their basement apartment.

(It was at night...that's why I'm wearing pajamas.)

My attempts at being somewhat artistic with my photo taking:

Happy Birthday to Joe!

Today is Joe's 28th birthday. He's a perfect dad and husband and works so hard for us. He is always willing to help people out. He loves the Lord and his family. And WE LOVE HIM!

Happy Birthday, Joe!

We Love You!

Our Forever Family

This is our most recent family picture. Kate drew it the other morning while she was waiting for her breakfast.

Just so you know who's who...

(from left to right) Daddy, Sam, Mommy with a baby in her tummy, and Kate.

She always draws us all holding hands which I think is really cute. The girls have long hair but I almost think she may have over-estimated on Daddy's hair. She said we were all going somewhere so we all have shoes on. Great drawing, don't you think? What a talent.

Racing in the Front Yard

Sammy loves to do races. He doesn't quite get the idea about a finish line yet -- but he's got the "on your mark, get set, GO!" part down.