Like new!

We spent the fall and a fairly warm winter missing our trampoline, that ripped and was ruined in the fall.

I ordered a new mat, hoping it would be here in time to enjoy over spring break, but it was going to be a full week into the break before we were going to get it.  FedEx was kind enough to deliver the new mat even earlier than expected so Anderson and I put it together and he tested it. He bounced twice and then turned and tried to run straight off! Luckily his feet got tangled in the springs so I was able to get to him before he fell all the way. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and gave him another chance. He bounced a little longer and then ran and did the same thing. I realized that he has only jumped on two of our neighbor's trampolines, both of which are enclosed with nets that he throws himself into. He has since figured the trampoline out and is much more cautious. When the other kids are on, he sits down in the middle and lets them bounce him.

I told the kids they had to have their chores done and the basement clean before they could jump on it, and they worked so hard and fast I wish I could motivate them like that every day.  It was so windy and cold outside but they just took blankets outside and jumped anyway.

In just less than a week, the kids have easily logged over 8 hours playing on it. And that's not counting all their games under or around it.

Needless to say, that trampoline is one of the best gifts we have ever been given!

The boys didn't bother to change clothes after church on Sunday, they just ran straight to it!

Polar Bearing

While I was wrapping gifts with my friend Jill, our kids played in their hot tub. They would sit in the snow and then run and jump into the hot tub. A couple of them even got brave enough to do snow angels. I think they are crazy. Jill said she did that at her aunt's house when she was younger and they called it polar bearing. I just might have to try it...

The "Beach"

We really love Jensen's Grove in the summer, and go at least once a week.

Briggs does NOT like getting in the water.  Which basically means that my little hurricane Briggs happily plays in the sand and mud and occasionally reaches into the water.  He is entertained for hours and loves it.  And believe me, I love it more!

Drying out on their towels.  This picture was for Dad.  I told them to say, "I love you!!"

Back in the water.  They love the water!

Maddie with our friend Emma, who is 9.  Emma makes my girls feel very important, and is so sweet with them.

Maddie needed and apple like Emma.

The best part?  3 sleeping kiddos by the time we pull into our driveway.

Change

Maddie started walking last night. She is now weaned from formula and drinking regular milk.

We took the girls swimming again last night and Emma is becoming a little fish. She can play in the shallow end completely by herself. She is totally potty trained now.

I'm officially looking pregnant, which makes sense since I'm already 21 weeks.

My little sister should be gettting her mission call in the mail TOMORROW.

The primary president in my ward is moving in August, so our primary presidency will get released by the end of the summer. I've been in there for 3 full years and I really love those kids.

One of my best friends moved away in January, and another of my best friends will be moving away as soon as they can sell their house. Their daughters are the only friends her age that Emma has ever really known. I have a hard time explaining to her when we drive past "Lydia's house" that she isn't there anymore. And when Olivia & Brady left our house last night for the last time I felt a sense of loss, and don't know that Emma will be able to understand that her two friends who have been coming to our house at least once a week for the last year and a half won't be coming anymore. She has grown up with them as part of our family, and probably doesn't really remember life without them.

And the truth is, this list is only the beginning of the changes coming our way.

My Dad served his mission in Japan, so we was always quoting Confucius. Later we learned that sometimes he would just make up something wise and say that Confucius said it. But this is a Confucius quote that I love...

"They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom."

I'm grateful that each of these changes bring new joys and/or new wisdom to my life.

Even if I can't see it all yet.

Love these girls!

It's that time of year again, when I get together with my best friends from high school. We eat lots of food, laugh lots, and talk for hours. So fun! Love them!

Hop 2 It

Madelyn & Hannah hanging out while the rest of us were going down the slide.

Emma & I at the top of the slide.

Emma conquering the big slide.

Thanks, Hannah, for taking pictures and sharing them! My camera's battery has been dead since Christmas, so this blog has been sadly lacking in pics.

The girls and I went to Hop 2 It a few weeks ago with my friend Hannah and her kids Brady and Olivia.

The girls

Got to see some of my favorite people this weekend- it was too short of a visit, but SO much fun! Love you girls!

The girls

Hanging out with some of my favorite people Saturday afternoon (Krystal, DD, Sam & Lucy). I have very few memories from jr. high and high school that don't involve at least one of them. I miss these girls! Can't wait until our next get together!