Easter

We had a great Easter. The kids loved looking for their baskets in the morning. They were confused as to why the Easter bunny hid them inside instead of outside like last year. I think he was worried about all the snow outside this year.

Kate ate all her Peeps in a matter of seconds.

Aunt Marcia, Tami's sister in law, made all the kids special crochet animals. They were a huge hit and still are.

After Church we went to my parents for their annual egg hunt.

We all had way too much candy.

Kate's Third Birthday

Kate turned three last month. We had a fabulous Minnie Party. It was her very first friend party and she loved every minute of it.

Her favorite part was dancing with balloons to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse music.

We were so lucky to have the Kamerath's in town for her special day. It wouldn't have been the same with Audrey and Carol.

Kate also loved her Pinata.

I made it a little to strong and Jared eventually had to break it open.

Her Minnie Cake

She loved all her presents, but was very good at sharing them.

You can see more details at Second Street HERE.

These boots were made for walking!

Panther Wrestling

Grayson loved Wrestling. He did well but still has lots to learn.

More Kate moments.

I decided someday I'll miss Kate and all her crazy ways. I wish I could carry a camera with me all day because we have a lot of fun messes around here. Usually I'm to mad to take a picture or in a hurry. But here are a couple.

I woke up one morning to this in the window sill.

Kate decided to fix herself a snack. This bread may have come from the garbage. It was loaded with butter. Kate LOVES her butter.

Here is another picture to give you an idea of just how much Kate loves her butter. I wish I could say this was the only time she attempted to eat a whole cube.

Clarissa and her Cake

We celebrated Clair's birthday weeks ago but I forgot to update the family blog. I love the giant cupcake cake. She wasn't feeling the same love because she barely touched it.

She was excited for the candle and was mad when we blew it out.

She also like the sprinkles.

I love her face in this one. She acted kinda grossed out by the whole thing.

Finally a taste of the frosting.

Eventually in an effort to produce a show my sister stuck her hand into the cake.

She was basically done after that.

It was a huge disappointment since Kate made a huge mess and almost ate her entire cake. We wanted to see that again.

Clair is sporting her matching t-shirt.

Jared in the News

Jared and his students were in the news for an awesome project they are doing with PBS. His article is in the feature section of the Tribune. Here's the link for their online edition http://www.sltrib.com/features/ci_14730100.

Jared Wright, teacher for the West High School TV West class, works on a computer as students discuss scripts for this week's show during their class Thursday. The TV West class has been designated as a "student reporting lab" for PBS NewsHour Extra. The class has received a $1,000 grant for film equipment to produce two features a year for the NewsHour's Web site. The class also produces weekly news for the high school and each student reports four features a year. (Steve Griffin / The Salt Lake Tribune)

Jared has done some great things for the program the last few years, I couldn't be prouder.

Happy St. Patty's Day

Another trip to Hawaii

I know we just went to Hawaii. But, my parents offered free room and board to anyone who could get themselves over for the week. We had enough frequent flyer mile saved up, so we couldn't resist. Since it was basically a free trip we decided to splurge on a babysitter for the older kids. Originally we were going to have a friend watch the kids, but at the last minute my sister decided to stay home, and earn money watching our kids. Our original sitter would have been great but very relieved to leave them with Shelly instead. She is already like a second mom. I don't think my kids missed me for a minute.

It was an interesting trip. Definitely not your typical trip to Hawaii. First of all, the weather was horrible. Basically it rained the whole time. The trade winds were in and we weren't able to swim at most beaches because the waves were out of control. Honestly tough I didn't care. I got a week of no cooking, no cleaning and almost no kids.

Kauai is a beautiful island. We spent a lot of time riding in the car to look at all the gorgeous sights.

Looking over Wiamea Canyon the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific"

Please don't laugh at my hair. It was really hard for me to post these pictures. It was a bad hair week. My hair does not do well in humidity and the wind didn't help or the fact that it is too short for real ponytails.

One of my favorite experiences was an all day hike along the Na Pali Coast to some waterfalls.

This coast is famous for scenes from Jurassic Park. It was very wet and very muddy. We had to cross several rivers with flash flood warnings. I was brave and kept all my mom fears to myself. The views were amazing and worth the aching knees at the end.

We got a few sunny moments on the beach. Do you see the seal in the back ground?

Clair experienced sand for the first time.

Another highlight was riding bikes along the coast.

Kauai is also well known for it's shaved ice. I know I loved it.

My mom and I took a boat down the river to the Fern Grotto with Clair.

Clair loved the singing and dancing.

I think the biggest highlight for us all was being there when my brother, Jon purposed to his girl friend, Melissa. They kayaked to Secret Falls and he asked her under the waterfall. How cute is that. She was totally surprised. We all love Melissa and can't wait to the big day. The more I get to know her, the more I think she is perfect for Jon.

Clarissa turned one!

Poor Clair, she had to spend her birthday in Hawaii. Honestly it was quiet uneventful, for her. We'll celebrate properly tomorrow. She was nice enough to give me a few smiles on her big day.

The year flew by. I can't hardly believe she is a year old. She isn't walking yet but she'll be there soon. She started waving and saying "hi" on the trip. See what happens when I actually give her some one on one attention.