happy mother's day to my mama

Isn't my mom hot? This was taken when she was in college. Before she was a mother. I'm sure that the girl she was then probably didn't dream she'd end up with five kids. She probably didn't know what a wonderful mother she would be to us. She probably didn't realize all she was capable of doing and being. I'm so grateful for this girl and the mother she became. So grateful for the mother she taught me to be.

bath time

Miriam took a bath with just Asher for the first time this week. 

They looked so big playing in the water together.

My baby girl is growing up!

The kids were playing on the rug today having a good time with Isaac. Isaac is such a good big brother. He really is so sweet with Asher and Miriam. And they just love him too. Isaac will often walk around the house with Miriam-- her favorite thing. And Asher just adores playing with his big brother. They are lucky to have each other.

I snapped this pic of Miriam and it is now one of my favorites of her. Such a sweet smile this girl has.

My parents came to visit finally. Due to house selling and moving and such, we hadn't seen them since Christmas. The longest they had ever gone without seeing the little ones. By the time they left, Miriam was actually letting my mom hold her for long stretches of time. Big improvement!

I actually think that Asher bears a strong resemblance to my dad and Miriam looks a lot like my mom. Kinda funny how genetics work. 

You can see their matching eye color. 

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday we all got dolled up and I really wanted to get some good pics of everyone. The kids had new clothes and looked great. But of course my dreams of great photos didn't come to fruition. Miriam had a fit and would not let the kids hold her for the pic. This is what we got:

Funny at least, right?

I did snag a few pics of the big kids individually which turned out pretty cute.

The girls were sweet together.

Asher just ran away however.

And here's Miriam with Daddy and one with Mommy.

(Also, for some reason the focus was not sharp on any of these. Annoying.)

Easter Saturday

We like to do all the easter basket/egg hunt stuff on Saturday instead of Sunday to keep the pagan aspect of the holiday separate from the Jesus aspect of the holiday. Plus it allows more time to do all the fun activities and not be rushed on Sunday. Saturday we got up and the kids found their Easter baskets and then we headed over to the neighborhood egg hunt. It was windy and chilly but fun. 

Later in the afternoon, we dyed easter eggs. Its been years since I've done it. I had kinda forgotten out fun it is and wished I'd gotten more eggs. Next year I'm going to save ourselves from toxic dyes and try some natural ones though.

kid on bench x4

Bored kids at the BYU Museum of Art taking advantage of cushiony benches.

I grabbed the camera and had to change lenses in a hurry and didn't realize until we got outside that it wasn't on right, so my focus was all wonky. But I like how this one turned out anyway. Grace's eye contact makes it I think.