Packing the Waffle Maker

Surprisingly, packing for Phoenix has gone pretty smoothly...like we've done this a few times or something!  Yesterday we packed the kitchen and I couldn't resist putting up this video of Blake.  He seems to have a real attachment to our waffle maker.  He didn't care if I put anything else in a box, but as soon as I would pick up the waffle maker to pack it he would start crying.  So of course like any good mom, I decided to put it on video and tease him a little about it.  He really does love waffles, so I guess he's making the connection--no more waffles for a while!

Last Nauvoo Visit

Lance had last weekend off, so we decided to visit Nauvoo one more time.  We've been a couple times to the temple, and to the Pageant, but have been unsuccessful at really doing any sightseeing in Historic Nauvoo mostly due to a combination of kids and weather (both times we tried it was either sweltering hot or freezing cold), and although the humidity was back in full force, we had nice temperatures and were able to stay Friday night and all day Saturday.  

 We went on a walk the night we arrived.  The house we stayed in was just a block away from the temple.

 Petting horses from the carriage ride. Addi's favorite part of the day. Evelyn whispered to me on the ride, "Mom! Why did we forget to bring apples?"

 The biggest coincidence was running into Joe and Misha and their family (our brother-in-law Nate's brother).  We knew them back in Provo, and now they are in a Medical Residency in Wisconsin!  We were able to go on the carriage ride with them before they drove home.

 making candles

A picture taken in Nauvoo right after the temple was constructed.

Then...

...and now. 

 This boy can be kissing me one minute and squirming to get down and run the next.

This is the trail the pioneers took as they started their journey West, leaving their homes in the middle of winter, and crossing the Mississippi River.

 of course we couldn't leave the Midwest without touching the Mississippi River

 The view from the porch of the house we stayed in.  

 When I was thirteen I visited Nauvoo, and saw the site where the temple would be rebuilt someday, and now here it is.  I think it's one of the most beautiful temples I've seen.  I could never have guessed I would live in the Nauvoo Temple district. 

 While I tried to get something wall-worthy, the kids played on the lawn out front.  This is one place I will miss a lot.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

We went to the U of I Hawkeye baseball game last night since Lance got off a bit earlier than usual.  Last time we went to a baseball game, Addi wasn't even a year old. (Read HERE ).  Even though we did miss the excitement and vocal fans in SF, it was nice to park close and have our choice of any seat in the stadium. They gave out candy cups to the first 150 kids that entered,  which the kids loved. And no one can say no to $1 hot dog night.

 our view

Blake loving the sucker

 Oh, did I mention there were Warheads in the candy cups...
To Addi, if it's candy, it's worth the suffering.

Me and my girl and a new awkward smile stage she's started

Blake can consistently hold this face for about ten minutes

 Dancing to the music

 Addi is our designated party-pooper.  She can come up with the most amazing excuses to try and get us to leave when we go places. "It's raining, let's go" (nope, not raining) "It's 8 o'clock, we need to go home and go to bed." (nope, 7 o'clock, nice try though) "It's over! The game is over! Let's go!" (uh, nope only half-way there)

 We finally gave Addi her wish after the sixth inning (and since it started getting cold), and of course after all her complaining, right as we got in the car Addi said, "I love baseball games!" We never found out the outcome of the game, but we're glad we got to attend some sort of Iowa sporting event before we go! 

March Pictures

I just came across these pictures from March (St. Patrick's Day actually, which explains all the green).  I know playing at the park is nothing unique, but I love that the kids are in their element and showing lots of personality. 

 After months of hard work and practice, Evelyn has mastered "pumping"--a skill she'll need for Kindergarten.

 Blake's "swing face."  We don't really know if he likes or dislikes swings.  Every time he sits on one he makes this face. No smiling. No crying. Just this face.

 Lance, making the car ride a little more bumpy

 Blake's favorite part of the park

(Addi walked behind him.  He thought for sure she was there to take over the steering wheel)

Addi, being helpful.