Spring Break

 We debated about going out of town for Spring Break, but it just didn't work out this year. So we did a day trip to Denver.  We started by seeing the yummy creation of Krispie Kreme doughnuts.  Of course we got our free sample and a few more for later.  The kids enjoyed watching and even more eating the warm, freshly made and glazed doughnuts.  We then headed to the temple.  Our kids don't usually have the opportunity to see the temple, as we go by ourselves.  We were glad for the chance to see and talk about the temple with them in the car.  Jeff had gone with the youth the night before for baptisms, so I did a session myself while he took the kids to the park.

 Then we got to tour a candy factory in Denver.  That was really fun, we all got Hammonds Candy hats and got to see the employees hand making candy LIVE!  We also got a sample at the end, which I thought woudl be a little piece of candy, but it tuned out to be a whole lollipop!

 Our next stop was at the state capital.  To our amusement th?eir was some kind of a legal session in process that we were able to watch for a bit.  The kids enjoyed walking through the building and Brea was so funny she kept asking "Is he the Governor?" to every man we passed.

 The only disappointment of the trip was when we got back to our van, after visiting the capital, to find a ticket on our window.  We did not realize that we had parked (on the road) in a representatives spot - oops.  So our free trip to the capital ended up not being free.

For dinner we went to our favorite Denver restaurant - Casa Banitas.  It is a Mexican restaurant, the food is ok, but the entertainment and atmosphere is remarkable . They have a waterfall and divers that perform throughout the evening . It is a large restaurant and has so much character to it. 

On our way home Jeff took the older two kids to a nerf gun place and I took the younger two to Ikea.  The girls were excited to play in the play area, but they did not have enough staff so it was closed.  I thought, oh well they can just come shopping with me.  That was all good, until the store closed and Jeff was still not back.  I was beginning to get worried because I expected him back and could not get a hold of him.  My mind thought up horrible situations of things that had happened to them, and I having no way of knowing.  I finally called my dear sister Elly and asked her to look up the name of the place they were at, which I did not even know the name she just searched nerf gun in Littleton, CO.  She found a phone number and I called and asked if my husband and kids were there, and they were.  At this time we were all ready kicked out of the store, and just waiting and trying to pass time.  We had bought a few items and the girls used their huge imaginations to play all sorts of things with an umbrella, colorful bowls, and white glass plates (yes it was interesting to watch).  They finally made it to us and we safely returned home.  It was a fun day in Denver.

Easter

 We were so lucky this Easter - we had a wonderful friends come visit us.  The Stulls have been gone for three years, but are moving back.  We got to enjoy Easter weekend with them while they looked at houses.  We are so excited, the kids all get along so well, and so do us adults!

 The boys dug and dug and dug, they made a huge whole in what used to be our sandbox.  They were out there for hours, and thought it was the neatest thing ever.

 Decorating eggs.  We did the girls first (while the boys dug) and then the boys.  It was fun to see their creations.

 We also got to rock climb, a fun activity we used to enjoy together.  The kids are now older and did quiet well, and got quiet high.  We look forward to camping, hiking, games, and fun together.

Mother/Son Dance & Father/Daughter Dance

 The kids school always does a Mother/Son & Father/Daughter dance each year.  Our kids look forward to these special 'dates'.  I had so much fun with my little buddy boy.  He is not so little, and was a very sweet and fun date to dance with.

 It was a 70's theme, and we tried to get as 70's as we could.  Dallin danced so hard his head was completly soaked (in sweat).  He was all smiles all night.

 Jeff had a cute date for the night, they jammed to the 70's music.  Jeff said Brea was out dancing and leading trains all night.  She likes to party, and was thrilled to have her Dad as her date.

 These pictures do not do the clothes justice.  Jeff borrowed some pants and they were nice and tight until the bottom where they flared out, with neon lines going down - they were groovy!

See the excitement in their faces!  Fun times.

Cramer life

 This is my little helper.  I hope she never grows out of the stage of wanting to do the housework.  I just need to remind myself to let her help.

 Jackie was homeschooled this year, and was able to go once a week to a homeschool academy with teachers and students.  She made this doll and background and put on a little skit for us.

 We love friends.  Lizze and Alyssa needed to do their work on the computer.

 Dallin had his first "late-night" (our equivalent of a sleep over).  They wanted to sleep in a tent, so Jeff set up a tent out back, and they were so nice to included Jackie.  They had a blast in that tent.

 Alyssa in her sunday dress, Dallins t-shirt, and Dallins tie.  Silly girl!

 Jeff was going over some mission memories with our Elders.  One of them is a visa waiter that is going to the same mission that Jeff served.  It was neat to hear his stories, and the girls enjoyed listening in as well.

 In Colorado we have lots of random snow days.  So the girls bundled up and enjoyed the snow for the day!

 Our baker Jackie, made a three layer cake!  She decided over conference weekend that she would like to make a three layer cake.  I myself, never have done such a feat, but I knew she could do it.  She found a recipe and triples it, yes all from scratch.  Then she used a cake pan, and bundt cake pan, and a bread pan.  It worked, and was delicious.  I told the family, as we were eating, that we needed a birthday to celebrate with this lovely cake.  Jackie realized that we had a birthday to celebrate, it was April 6th, the birthday of our Savior Jesus Christ. I think we may have started a tradition.

We had a visitor!  Gaylene was able to stop by and visit us on her way to a training for work.  We had a great time with her and are so glad to have her in our family.

Brea artwork at church

 Brea made this precious picture during church.  The speakers were a couple that are in the temple presidency at the Denver Temple.  I was so impressed with her picture, and realized how much she heard from the talks.  The words next to the temple say, "I am going there some day".  There is a picture of cute blonde hair girl, the temple, and a lighter figure behind (the Savior).  I framed it and put it in her room.

Garen & Elly Wedding

 I know this is so late, but I don't think I ever blogged about my dear Sisters wonderful Wedding day.  Here is the beautiful couple.

 It was wonderful to be there at this special time especially in the holy temple to witness their wedding for time and all eternity.

 The newly, newly weds coming out of the temple, look at those huge smiles.

 All of the crew that came to share in this special moment.  It was cold outside but our hearts were warmed as we witnessed the marriage of two people so in love.

 The girls with the beautiful bride! I had the privilege of doing the flowers for Elly.

 My kids adore their Aunt Elly, but now they adore their Uncle Garen just as much!  I am so glad my children have them in their lives.

 I just really like this picture!

I can't believe my baby Sister is getting married, I love her so much!