Happy Easter!

Breakfast!!


Alayna was probably the most excited about her "7-11" soda that she got to drink all by herself and didn't have to share with anyone.

We had a great Easter Sunday. The kids loved hunting for Easter Eggs. Benson took a nap before church - so church was a lot more enjoyable than it usually is for us! Alayna and I watched "Finding Faith in Christ" while we did her hair. We have been talking about the real meaning of Easter all week, so I was so touched when after dinner with my family she told us about the Resurrection during a special Easter FHE.

Today she also gave our FHE lesson on the Resurrection. She did an amazing job. She first told us about how the soldiers hated Jesus and hung him on the cross and put nails all the way through his hand so that the nail came out the other side. Then she told us that he died and was put in a tomb with a big stone. Then the big stone was pushed away by angels and Jesus walked out. Then Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and couldn't find Jesus so she started to cry - then she said, "But Jesus was Ahh-live" (drawn out). Then she showed us the picture of Jesus showing the apostles the nail prints in his hands. She also bore the sweetest testimony. I couldn't believe that she had understood so much this week. So I add my witness to hers - That Jesus is alive today and forever! Happy Easter!

On Saturday we spent the day in the mountains with all of the Kitchens shooting rockets, hunting Easter eggs, eating, visiting, and huddling around the campfire.
Alayna was so fascinated (and terrified) with all of the huge rockets that Brandon had brought - and she was super excited to launch Brynnli's huge purple and pink rocket.

Getting it ready to go with Brandon.

Counting down and then Alayna pushes the button to blast the rocket off...

She did not stick around to watch...she pushed the button and ran as fast as she could away. Everyone else watched it disappear into the sky. (The look of sheer terror on her face is priceless!)

My boys!

Benson spent half the day "driving" this jeep - by driving I mean sitting in it and making driving sounds and motions. He couldn't get enough!

Benson's first Easter Egg hunt (mom forgot baskets, so Walmart bags had to suffice)

Hunting Easter eggs is super intense!

Dip, Lick, Repeat...

Friday Night we dyed Easter Eggs - I don't know why, but Benson loved the vinegar water.
He would repeatedly dip, then lick his egg...


"Am I sure I love vinegar?...It is just so addicting..."
Alayna doesn't get any pics on the blog because she was so into dying eggs - that she did it sans clothes...

First Time Ever!

Alayna went bowling for the first time ever for Aunt Juli's birthday.

Thanks to Wii Bowling - she was a pro - she was very disappointed when she didn't get a strike or a spare. She basically out-bowled us all - thanks to her wicked ramp skills. She insisted that she do it all on her own - including carrying her 8 pound ball and placing it on the ramp and pushing it down.

Benson (who's biggest obsession is balls) was having a hay-day...he wanted everyone's balls - he just didn't get why he couldn't have one of the balls...

The birthday girl - we love you Jul-i-fern!

Little Duckling

Aunt Kali bought a duck a couple of weeks ago (without permission).
She only got to keep him a few days before she realized how unrealistic it was to have a duck and had to find him a new home.

We loved the day we got to spend with that cute, cuddly, little duckling.

Benson loved to quack at him...and watch him swim in the bathtub.

When Benson woke up from his nap the other day, Alayna crawled in with him and she read him stories for awhile...it was too cute!

15 (and a half) Crazy Months!

Poor Benson doesn't get a post on the blog until he is 15 and a half months...because of his poor excuse of a blogger mommy. These pictures were taken when Benson was about 14 months. I know he is melt-your-heart-handsome!

So Benson's stats for his 15 month Doctor are:
Head: 19.1 in - 83 percentile
Weight: 25.5 lbs - 64 percentile
Height: 31.93 in - 76 percentile

*Benson has been really late getting his teeth - he has 6 teeth now, 4 on top, 2 on bottom.
*He decided yesterday - he was only going to walk...for the last 3 weeks he has only walked if it is convenient (he is already standing up and isn't going far) or he is being bribed (yes - he will do anything for a M & M). It is so cute - he is so proud of himself as he walks everywhere and if he falls he stands back up instead of crawling.
*Benson loves his sister, Alayna - the very most. He is constantly calling her name - Nana and trying to find her and play with her.
*Benson loves to play Hide-N-Seek, Ring Around the Rosie, Duck Duck Goose, and go on walks in his Beep, Beep Car.
*I love all the cute things Benson has been saying lately. He is always been noisy, but is now really starting to talk. He tries to say everything.
Our favorite phrases are: "I do, I do!!" (He says this when asked "Who wants a ...(treat)?" - and waves his arms). "I know!" - "Apple" (means I need a drink - and would prefer apple juice, but will take water or milk.) "Duck, Duck" - (he says this anytime he can get close enough to your head to give you a few good swats.)
*Benson is such a joy - he sleeps good and eats good (maybe too good). He loves it when we read stories and do animal sounds. He seriously melts my heart everyday!