HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDE!

This past Saturday (April 2) was Jude's birthday. Our oldest is nine years old! We've always said that he is the heart beat of our family. I believe my wife said it best: "Jude threw us into the challenging world of parenthood. His imagination is still alive and well. He still fights 'bad guys' daily with the plot getting more developed everyday. He is a spirited, stubborn, hard headed, active and a smart boy. He is one of the most fun kids to be around, always up for doing something fun." 

Since Abbey's birthday is eight days away we decided to do a joint birthday activity but only celebrated Jude's birthday (if that makes sense?). We took Cooper, Jackson, Maliya and Marisa to Provo Beach Resort for a few hours. After that we had pizza, came home and opened presents and had cake. Provo Beach Resort was surprisingly empty, which we were happy about. Probably because it was Conference weekend. Jude and his buddies did laser tag twice, spent their $10 arcade cards in a record five minutes, and played in the giant playground. All in all all the boys and girls had fun. We are grateful for all the friends both Abbey and Jude have. We're also grateful for the grandparents, aunts and uncles who thought of Jude on his birthday. 

From left to right back row: Cooper, Jude, Marisa, Jackson. Front row: Abbey, Maliya.

Enjoying the birthday present Jude received from his great Grandpa Willis and VR. 

The day before Jude's birthday, Grandpa Willis and VR dropped off some birthday presents.

The obligatory goofy picture.

I didn't get a lot of pictures of the kids at Provo Beach Resort, but I did snap this beauty. 

EASTER

Today we celebrated Easter. With me and Shauna's siblings out of state it makes for quiet family get togethers on holiday's. Shauna did a great job at making the day special though, she's good at stuff like that. We went to church and all the kids wore clothing made by their Mother. Some of Shauna's best work in my opinion. At church Brayla Rose Harvey and Carol Bell spoke, both of them recently returned from their missions. It was a refreshing to hear their testimony's. When we came home the kids got to do a scavenger hunt instead of the typical easter egg hunt. It was a great success! We played at the park and then my parents came up. We enjoyed a wonderful salmon dinner with them. They brought the kids a nice spirograph set as an Easter gift. We went back to the park and spent the rest of the night there. The Marvell's were there so the kids stayed busy playing with their friends. We are very grateful for our family and for our friends who help fill the lack of cousins close by for our kids. All in all it was a fun and happy Easter. 

Taken before we all went to 9am church! 

Jude's shirt, Abbey's dress and Penny's dress all made by Shauna. 

Went and said hello to my two friends in the ward Brayla Rose Harvey and Carol Bell. Brayla served in Uruguay and Carol served in Georgia. Both of these girls have brothers out on missions as well. I formed a really good friendship with all of the youth in my ward when I moved in and we've all kept in touch since. 

Marisa made beautiful chalk art for Penny. Penny adores Marisa and we are grateful they are part of our lives.