Easter Weekend

We had a great Easter weekend. Our friends, the Fennimores, came to visit and brought the sunshine with them. Our girls had lots of fun with their kids, Max, Olivia, and Isabel. We went to Discovery Place

They were a huge help with Siena's birthday party

We enjoyed some Southern BBQ (Talia liked the lemons from our drinks)

On Saturday we went to Latta Plantation (I forgot my camera). We had a fun Easter Sunday with the Fennimores and Burtons. The kids colored eggs, hunted for treats, and we all had a delicious dinner (thanks Carrie!).

We loved spending time with them. Thanks for making the long drive down south Fennimores! You are always welcome!

Ode to Siena

Siena turned five last Friday. How did that happen?! My baby girl can't possibly be that big! She has been such a blessing to us. We love how smart, creative, and loving she is. She is so patient with Talia and is better than her parents at cheering her up. Siena makes friends wherever she goes. I'm always amazed when we go to the park or museum how she seeks out and befriends children (and adults) of all ages. She tells great jokes, stories, and makes up the best songs. She is a talented dancer. Her latest ambitions include singing veterinarian and cowgirl and I have no doubt that she'll succeed at anything she sets her mind to. We love our sweet lady bug so much! Happy Birthday my pretty girl!

Congrats Spencer and Becca!

My baby brother Spencer got married on March 8th. He and Becca Paulson were married in the Mt. Timpanogos temple. They are a really cute couple and just glowed the entire day. We're so happy for them! The whole event was a blast. It was so fun to see all the grandkids in their yellow outfits. I'd say the highlight of the reception (for us) was dancing along with the band (Spencer's friends).

I loved seeing friends and family that I haven't seen in a long time. Siena even caught the bouquet! Afterwards she said to me, "Mama, it's like a dream, a dream come true!"
Because the wedding was in Utah that meant we had to make the trek across the country (4 hour flight) with the girls. Siena was easy as pie (DVD player - best investment ever) and Talia was wild. At one point during the flight I just covered my face and said "I don't want to see you anymore!" She thought that was a great joke. I'm afraid the people around us didn't think it was so funny. She was a little better on the flight home. Here's to hoping she'll become a movie junky before we have to fly again in June.

Mike stayed the weekend but had to get back to teach classes the following Tuesday. I stayed for another week with the girls. We had a great time bowling, playing MANY games of Guess Who with Uncle Paul (the nicest uncle EVER!), trying out grandma's piano, enjoying Aunt Stinky's bed head (she's going to kill me for this one), catching up with old friends, and spending time with Duncan and Larsen family.

Due to the generosity of Christina and the grandparents I was able to go to St. George with some of my high school girlfriends for a couple of days - without the kids. Robyn, Wendi, and I ate, slept, talked, shopped, hiked, and ate some more. Wendi is pregnant so we tried to keep her morning-sick belly full of Nielsen's frozen custard, french fries, Cold Stone, and candy, candy, candy. I wasn't hungry for several days after we got back. It was so relaxing and fun. Huge thanks to Robyn's parents for letting us stay at their house. We finished our trip off with an early birthday party for Siena with some of her Larsen cousins. In true Larsen style it was total mayhem with happy kids and tasty treats.

It was hard to say goodbye to gorgeous Utah but it was nice to get back to Mike and our beds.