April Tidbits

Michael lost yet another tooth. 

 Gabe climbed a lot.

 One of Gabe's favorite things to do is brush his teeth.

 I tried putting some gel in Gabe's hair to see if I could get it to be curly. It kind of worked.

 Gabe loves being outside. I don't love spring patio cleanup, but I love Gabe, so it all works out.

 Not sure what is going on here. I think I'm folding laundry and Gabe has parked himself right under my legs and the basket.

 Brothers! Also, this is at Michael Simmons' parents' house in Sandy. They invited us for breakfast the day before Easter (also Gabe's birthday). It was yummy. We love Michael Simmons, and his family, and his parents.

 We especially love Sandy, his mom, because she didn't have any problems letting Gabe do this to her kitchen::

 Our classic Michaels picture.

 After breakfast on the 15th (at the Simmons residence, in case you missed it, and also on Gabe's birthday), we rushed back to our hometown for soccer games. Here's Michael's

 and here's Rachel's.

 And after the games, we let the kids play in the park. It was Gabe's birthday afterall.

 Gabe likes his birthday gift. He especially loves climbing on top of it:

 On Monday, April 17, I gave Gabe his first official trimmed with the clippers hair-cut. Here's before:

 And after:

 On one hand, I was really sad, but on the other hand, I thought, "Wow, why didn't I do this sooner?!"

I let the kids pick flowers for the beds in front of their respective windows. Michael planted his all by himself. He's my little gardener. 

 April brought more soccer games. Yay! 

 My parents came for a weekend when I threw a bridal shower for Cassidy, my brother's then fiance. More on that soon.

 Rachel wanted to model her hat.

  Brian snapped this picture. He must have thought we were cute. I think I'm combing Rachel's hair. Either that or I can't get enough of how she smells. I'm going with combing her hair. 

 "I'm on a Michael. Yah!"

 Gabe. Our house never saw him coming.

Michael sporting his plastic booties at the Idaho Falls Temple Open House.  

And then it was May.

Trip to Idaho for the Idaho Falls Temple Open House

When I found out that they would be opening the Idaho Falls Temple for a public open house following the 2 year remodel and prior to rededicating it again, I knew we had to figure out a way to get my family there. This temple is so special to me. It was the landmark on I-15 that told me we were almost home after a long trip. It's where I had my first experience with performing ordinances on behalf of my deceased ancestors. It's where I was endowed with power prior to serving a year and a half mission. It's where I married my sweetheart, where my mom married hers, and where my grandparents were sealed as husband and wife. I couldn't wait to be able to take my kids inside for them to see because once a temple is dedicated, you need a recommend to enter, and in order to get a recommend, you have to be at least 12 years old and a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who is keeping the commandments to enter. This was a big deal, an opportunity that I never thought I would have. So, even though we had a crazy April, we made it happen. 

 Brian and I got choked up as we showed our kiddos the altar where we were married and the couch we sat on while we waited for our sealing/marriage ceremony. The memories of that day came crashing back on us, and it was like we could see our younger selves and telling them, "Look at this amazing family you're going to have!" I'll always be grateful for that day.

 After the open house, we headed to the Museum of Idaho. We always see billboards for their exhibits when we drive up to Idaho and we always seem to miss the good ones. So, when we actually had time AND were in town while the exhibit was still going on, we had to take the opportunity to check it out, especially since my parents were helping with the Open House and wouldn't be home for visiting. The museum had a big exhibit on Ancient Rome. They had lots of hands on stuff for the kids, and we all had a blast.

 We learned about machines, armor, battles, gladiators, arches, and so much more.

 Then, we found this Kid's Discovery room. It had a really cool tree house, caves, and a mini log cabin. It put our playroom to shame; it was that cool.

 Michael had a LOT of fun putting on costumes:

 After the museum, we went to the opposite side of the Snake from the temple to take a picture. The lighting wasn't ideal, but at least we're all looking, right?

And then the kids wanted to take a picture on the horse bench across the street. 

 And then we went back to my parents' house for baths

 and lawn mowing:

 Rachel taught the Barbies yoga:

 Gabe got in a good nap before church the next day. I love sleeping babies. So precious!

 Before we headed back, we stopped to say good-bye to Grandma and Grandpa Linville. There aren't enough words to describe how much I love this picture. I love seeing my kids with these amazing people and hope that they'll be around for years and years to come, but since we have no guarantees, we take lots of pictures, give lots of hugs, and be sure that we always say "I love you."

It was a quick trip--I don't think we were even there 48 hours, but it was totally worth squeezing it into our schedule. I'm so glad we were able to go!