Easter 2012

We had a wonderful Easter.  We started our celebrations on Saturday by going to an Easter Egg Hunt at the Fountain Nature Center.  We did this last year as well and really enjoyed it.  They had real live bunnies there there that the kids got to pet, plus all the other interesting stuff at the visitors center.  We like this egg hunt because they give each child a card with a picture of an animal on it and the kids can only find eggs with that animal.  It makes it fair but still fun.  Our kids had a great time, even Alyssa got into it, although she tried to take other peoples eggs.  We just let her put them in the basket and then when she bent down to pick up another one we would drop it back on the ground.  

 These cute bunny baskets are going on three years now, longer than I ever thought they would last.  The kids love them and they know which one is theirs.

 Jackie and Dallin helped each other, and let Brea know when they found her eggs as well.  It was cute to see them working together, they would get so excited when they found the other persons egg.

 Alyssa liked the hunt, even though she didn't really "hunt". She found a lot of eggs.

 They found all their eggs!

 They quickly showed Dad and then raced back to the visitors center where they traded in the plastic eggs for a handful of candy (another great idea so candy and wrappers don't get left outside).

 Alyssa was happy to have some freedom outside.  The kids wanted to stay and play in the visitors center afterward.  Since we didn't have many plans for the day we let them.  They played with everything and it was fun to just watch them learn and discover on their own.  We decided to take a walk around and enjoy the sunshine.

 Alyssa would not hold our hands, but stayed right up with us, except when she something she wanted to explore.

 The kids kept begging to climb the trees, so we finally let them. Alyssa wanted to join them, but once she got up she realized it wasn't much fun (she couldn't go anywhere) so she came right back down.

 Dallin wanted to go in the water so Jeff told him he didn't think he would last five seconds in that water.  It was a windy day and it is early spring so the creeks are still cold.  Well that was enough of a challenge for Dallin, off came the shoes and he stepped in a counted to TEN, just to prove to Dad that he could stay in longer than FIVE.

 Alyssa goes up again.  She is starting to say a lot of words now and it is kind of nice that she can tell us what she wants.

 They have so much fun outdoors, their imaginations just explode.  It is a great place to be.

Some more water for the crazy boy.

 Dad found a caterpillar and all the kids got to have a change holding it, that was fascinating to them.

 Egg decorating time!

 Alyssa got into it this year.  We had to watch her because she would just throw the egg into the cup of dye, luckily she always made it, we had splashed but not spills.

The kids woke up early to see if the Easter Bunny had come, and he had.  They searched for their baskets and enjoyed a new book and little stuffed animal.  We were able to do a special Easter scripture reading afterwards.  I had placed objects in Easter eggs with a scripture about the Savior.  It was a neat way to learn more about the Savior and his life, Crucifixion, and resurrections.  The objects helped keep the kids attention and we were all able to think about the Savior on this special day.  Happy Easter!

Addition

This is cheap labor, you just hire two six year olds, give em some wood, hammers and nails and hope for the best.  They would of loved to build, but that is not quite how it happened.  They sure did enjoy playing with it though.

Alyssa came out into the snow covered patio in her pajamas and coat, we just couldn't leave her out of the fun.

 Last summer we poured some footings in our existing back patio so we could add a bedroom there.  We waited until just a few months ago to make the plunge and finish it.  We debated whether or not Jeff should do it himself or we should just hire it out.  We decided to do both, hire some and do some ourselves.  We hired some framers and the kids were entertained by watching them outside the upstairs window (sure beats TV).

 This is the start of the framing.  You can see the size of our back patio is not huge, but it worked well for an additional bedroom.

 This is honestly our cheap labor.  All of US, including my sister Elly who was visiting.

 The kids even got involved, for a short time, here they are sanding away.  Sanding was a long process.

After the framers framed it all in, placed the window, siding, and roof we took over.  My Dad came out to help do the electrical work.  Jeff and my Dad worked hard all day and got it all in, including an electric heater, so we didn't have to add onto our existing HVAC.  It was very nice of him to come out and we appreciated his help, plus it was great to see them and spend time together.  After that we could get the walls up.  We first installed the insulation which went pretty smoothly.  Next was sheet rock.  We knew we needed to start on the ceiling, which we did.  Unfortunately we didn't get too far.  That was tough work and I wasn't a very good apprentice.  We opted to have some install the sheet rock and we would tape and texture.  Those sheet rockers are amazing, they had three guys and did it all in 2 hours - WOW.  We spent the next week taping, puddying, and sanding, sanding, sanding.  Everyone was able to help and got covered in dust, as well as did everything in our downstairs! 

 
Finally the day came to texture, Jeff rented an air compressor and texture gun.  This was his first time using a texture gun.  He did a great job, it looks really good.  He did the orange peel with a knock down, and learned a lot along the way.

 Now the fun part- Paint!  A note for future - paint turns out a lot darker when it is on a full wall vs a tiny card at the store.  We had a great time painting together, I think that was definitely everyones favorite part.

 Dallin painting a pink wall for his sister room.

 Jackie didn't have any crummy pants to wear so we turned one of Dads paint shirts into pants, she was a hard worker and did a good job.

 Brea was thrilled to be able to paint a pink wall.

 Our paint crew - they did great.

 We got a bit messy, but that is what painting is all about.

 It turned out very pink, I was a bit nervous at first, but once the carpet got put in it looked much better.  We had the carpet installed, then Jeff put on doors and shelves and outlet covers and trim and probably other miscellaneous stuff I am forgetting, and then we were finally able to move Jackie in.

 We have a little hallway with this small closet we are using for our pantry.  Our canned goods used to all be in the garage so this is very exciting.

 Here is the small hallway, the peach door goes outside, the little door you see in the picture is that small closet door opened and then to the left is the door into Jackies new room.

 Here is the finished room. Jackie loves having her own space and spends a lot of time in there.  We got her a days bed with a trundle underneath so that when visitors comes it came turn into a king for them to sleep on.

 Jackies closet has tons of shelves.  We bought a bunch of boxes from Ikea to store everything in.  She uses the bottom half and I use the top half, it is a wonderful closet.

 This is the other side of her room with the closet door closed.

 The far side with the window. She has a great view of our backyard.  It is nice to be done.  We didn't even do the hardest parts, but it still was a lot of work.  I am glad I have a hard working husband that can figure things out and is willing to do these kind of projects.

Aunt Elly

 We all had a great time with Elly here, lots of memories, lots of pictures, lots of laughs and a little work!

 Alyssa tried to stomp around in Ellys snow boots.  I think Alyssa got more wear out of them here than Elly did.  I guess she didn't realize how warm Colorado is and that most of the snow is gone.

 Elly got some great shots of Alyssa.

 While she was with us we were in the middle of adding on to our house.  She willingly stepped in and helped us sand and paint.  It was messy, but we were able to make a good time of it.

 I think Alyssa will always hold a soft spot in her heart for Elly.  Alyssa would ask where Elly was when she was gone and would run to her when she came in the front door.  In fact, one time Elly and Jeff came home for lunch together and Alyssa was so excited to see them.  Jeff squatted down and held his arms out for her, she ran over toward him, but right before she got to him she lunged into Elly.  It was really cute and funny, we all got a good laugh out of that one, I think Elly loved it!

 It was so wonderful to have her here so long.

 She was able to get dressed up fancy for a dance.  Jackie enjoyed helping out and watching her get ready.  The girls thought she looked just like a princess.

 From princess dress to work clothes - remember those muscles....

 The kids loved having Elly there to play with them and she played a lot.

 The classic Tickle Monster

And one final smile from Alyssa, Elly captured it beautifully here.