Spring Lambs

I forgot to mention yesterday that when I returned from our property, Sariah and Rex and Lyle were out on the front lawn.  When Rex and Lyle recognized me pulling in they started jumping, waving their arms, and crying for joy with great big smiles.  It was so fun!!  (A "two-is-better-than-one" moment.)  Wish I had pictures.

Panning for Gold

Today we actually "broke ground" on our property.  Even though it was only the test holes for the septics system it was kind of exciting.

Bryant heard that black sand is where you find gold, so he made me promise to bring him some.

Tonight, James helped the kids "pan for gold."

Imagine our surprise when they found some!

Too bad the gold is tiny flakes.  (James is holding his ziploc with about 5 tiny gold flakes.)

In recent days:

Most the kids caught a nasty cold.  Here is one of Rex and Lyle's sick days.  I've probably said this before, but the only thing worse than a sick baby, is two sick babies.

This is part of the morning routine:

Just like all the rest of the kids, Rex and Lyle always want to "help".

"Fast Fish" (an orange car) is Hyrum's constant companion.  First thing he must have when he wakes up, which as you can see, is a matter of digging through his bed since he falls asleep with it.

Hyrum came back from primary and wore his Valentine's mask for a couple days.

 On February 10, 2013, Bryant finished the Book of Mormon for the first time!

He's well into 1 Nephi already.  I'm so grateful this is one of his habits.

Thanks to some generous help, I got to spend Valentine's Day with James at seminary.  Then we came home and celebrated traditionally with the kids, pizza, soda, and heart shaped brownies with ice cream.  I think it was a great day for everybody.

 Including this girl who had planned her Valentine's Day outfit a month in advance.

My efforts in promoting reverence in our primay.  James of course made these beautiful stands.

 Today...what a sweetie. 

Rex and Lyle have been outside much more and it's so good for them.

Valentine's Pillows

New Hales tradition this year. 

 Love notes in a pocket on a pillow every day 'til Valentines. 

So far, so fun!

Characters

Rex and Lyle went to library storytime today for the first time.  Survived it.

When we got home I let them be outside for awhile.  Of course they found the dog's water and then the bucket of ashes.  When I got out to them they were throwing handfuls at each other.  Having a great time really.  I'm actually glad it's just warm enough that they can be outside for periods of time.  I think they have cabin fever---a little whiny lately.

 Love this picture!

They really are getting fun.

I love when Lyle says "Yes!" and Rex says "Pizza!"

Pinewood Derby 2013

As I was setting up for the derby, James and Bryant were putting on the wheels.  Hales Pinewood Derby style.

When they weighed in it was .3 ounces too heavy, so James headed home for the drill.  By the time the "operation" was over, Bryant was pretty upset but hiding it well.  To say the least, his paint job was ruined.

The sting softened when he started winning races.  He took third place overall.

It was the first pack night to which we took Rex and Lyle.  A pizza party was their style.

Curtains Up!

It was a REALLY long week for Talmage, Bryant, and Sariah, but thanks to the Missoula Children's Theatre they pulled off an amazing production of The Frog Prince.  (i.e. They got home at 8pm on Thursday night from dress rehearsal and had to be back at the school by 6:50am the next morning!)

 

 Sariah played the part of the fly.  (Black costume)

The only fly I've ever thought was cute!

 Bryant played the part of a Royal Knight.  A Knight that "does what's right."

Talmage played the part of the main character's best friend "Bert" the alligator.

He couldn't have been cast more accurately. 

The performance lasted an hour and 20 mins., and they learned all their lines and songs in 4 days!  Amazing!

So fun!