Two lips?

This past weekend we found ourselves with an entire Saturday open (largely because it was raining again). But these days an entire open day is truly miraculous and we've been feeling the sadness of leaving the area... so we found every piece of waterproof clothing we own, loaded up the car and headed to Ottawa for day to see the annual Tulip Festival.
I have to admit that the first few minutes of the car ride were some of my favorite as Lincoln tried to wrap his head around a "two-lip" festival!
Ben:" Are you excited to see all the Tulips everyone?"
Lincoln: "Two Lips! Two Lips? Hmmm- yeah, I'm excited!"
I can only imagine the images that were racing through his head. And I suppose it was a bit of a let-down when we introduced him to 1,000's of actual Tulips.

But they were gorgeous...

and the kids especially enjoyed the Korean 3D technology in the 'Tent of Nations'.
The surprise extra of the day was when we stumbled upon (Ben tried to drive in the private and heavily guarded driveway of the home! Oops, but our US plates got us off the hook) the home of the Governor General (Head of State) of Canada. We were able to take a tour of the home and learn all about Canadian government. It would be like taking a tour of the White House in DC. Emmy thought it was extra cool since she just finished her Canada unit at school- she filled in all the gaps for us.
I'm sure it will be our last visit to Canada for a long, long time. So glad we got to go one last time. It was a great day.

Easter sun

Another Happy Easter! And Lincoln's little bare toes are evidence that the sun does eventually return to the North Country. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time.




Now if I could just get them to stop having fun! ;)

Dreams for the future

This was the conversation on the way to school this morning. I'm still laughing!

Ben: "Hey guys, look at those cool construction vehicles. That would be a cool job to do wouldn't it?"

Jamison: "Um sorry dad, but I'm going to be a circus clown when I grow up."

Ben: "A what?"

Jamison: "A circus clown!"

Ben: "Wow. A circus clown. When did you decide that?"

Jamison: "Last night. It's pretty much the most awesome job ever!"

Lincoln: " Me too, me too!"


At least they have ambitions!!

Life's Curve Balls

I'll admit it- I'm a planner. I LOVE having a plan. I love knowing what is ahead of me. I enjoy preventing too much unexpected and feeling prepared. I know- it seems a little less than adventurous, but I am working on it! Apparently there seems to be higher powers that also had some tweeking and work in mind for me as well.

By defenition: a "curve ball" is a pitch delivered, intending to take someone by surprise, with a spin that cause the ball to veer from a normal, straight path. Life has once again presented us with a big deviation- a "curve ball" if you will.

A few months ago Ben was approached by the Church History Department (of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) to join their Historic Sites Team. A huge shift in his career, a big move and change for our family, and NOT in the current plan! Consequently-lots of anxiety on my part.

The last few months have been a time of deep searching for us. Searching for direction, searching for the right thing to do, searching for advice, searching for clear answers, and searching for peace. Gratefully those answers have come, much peace has come and we are about to head out on another...adventure! We feel very blessed and find much comfort in knowing that even though it wasn't in our plan, it is part of some plan. And following that plan is what we have to do.

So, the new plan?

We're moving to Salt Lake City at the end of June! Ben has accepted the job and is getting very excited about it all. We're all getting excited. It will be a big change but we're trusting a good one.

Look at me being adventurous!

Clayton's baptism

Clayton got baptized this last weekend. It was a wonderful day and we were so glad that BOTH sets of grandparents made the long journey to be with us. Many, many thanks!!

Congrats Clayton- you look amazing! We love you!

Jamison's super power

After church today Jamison's Primary teacher came up to me in the hallway, barely able to control herself between fits of laughter.
"I have a story to tell you about Jamison", she says.

Oh boy- here we go.

(teacher) "Today we were talking about the Priesthood power being restored to the earth. I asked the class if anyone knew what power had been given to Joseph Smith that helped him be able to restore the gospel to the earth. Jamison immediately raised his hand- 'I know, I know!' After I called on him, he proceeded to jump up on his chair, put his hands out in front of him like he was telling you to stop, and yelled 'The power to shoot fire from your hands!!'"

Wow.
Honestly, I have no idea where this stuff comes from. Fire from your hands?!

At least he's not shy....or reverent, or quiet...

Clayton's birthday

Can't believe it, but Clayton's 8! He has been totally and utterly excited for this birthday to come. Counting the days since Christmas...particularly because it meant a friend birthday party and he will be getting baptized.

(I suppose a slight tangent to explain another qualifier for the "meanest parents" award would be appropriate here. A few years ago we decided that rather than feel like we were constantly throwing our money at huge birthday parties we would set the years the kids got to have one. Year 5, 8, 12, and 16 are the years for friends. The rest of the years, sadly come and go with just a family to shower gifts and attention upon them. These poor kids... Actually, it's given them something great to look forward too and our budgets a little bit of a break! It's a system we love.)

Anywhoooo...friends! 8 friends to be exact. Eight 8 year old boys. And sledding was the activity of choice. So 8, 8 year old boys on the sledding hill. If that doesn't incite fear in you, then you are braver than I.

SO, SO, SO much energy. But the boys had a great time- they all lived to tell about it- no bones or any body parts were broken- and the cake and hot cocoa was the perfect ending. Even the weather cooperated- sun came out and it warmed up to 30 or so. We all had a wonderful day and Clayton loved every minute.



The new "birthday":) suit that Clayton has been asking for forever! Doesn't he look great! Perfect fit Grandma.

And he is super excited to be a Cub Scout. Totally decked out. (Go Grammy!)

And yes, that is a finger splint that you are seeing in the pictures. Clayton had a run-in with a basketball at the church the night before his birthday. Didn't end up being too bad-just a few days splinted and he is good as new.
We loved celebrating Clayton. He is one cool kid and we love the energy he brings to our family. It feels like he is growing up so quickly. But he's such a nice, kind- GREAT boy (ok, I'm a little biased). Love you buddy!