We're Safe!

I didn't realize we moved to tornado country...The storm was the worst I've ever seen. Hail a bit bigger than marbles pelted our house and windows and constant lightning (kind of cool to watch). Thankfully, we were safe and no damage was done, other than a few new dents in our Civic (it adds character, right?).

Watching videos of the tornadoes that touched down was scary. I also thought, "Cool to see, but why are these people taking videos instead of bunkering down and keeping safe?" I feel sorrow for those that were affected by the bad weather and pray for them and their families.

We are all grateful to be safe from harm. Heed the warnings!

Ohio Vacation

**WARNING**

This post contains a LOT of pictures!! Feel free to just look and ignore the captions.

This past week Brian had a training for work near Columbus, Ohio. We decided to make a family vacation out of the time we would have spent apart. The boys and I had a lot of fun together during the day and fun as a family at night. While we had a ton of fun, we're also glad to be home!

The boys had fun at the hotel. This is what happens when Mommy needs one minute for a potty break. Who knew he could do that?

I took the kids to COSI in Columbus. We had a TON of fun!!! Adam kept asking to go back to the museum.

The boys loved being able to touch the clouds.

They had a great section just for kids pre-K and younger...Michael loved the little houses.

We also went to the zoo. We had fun and it surely wore Mommy out!

It was super cool to watch the polar bears swim!

Adam got a close up with a trumpeter swam (well, as close as Mom would let him). They are big birds!
We got to see sting rays too!
Michael enjoyed the fish and manatees, too!

And it's nice to be able to play on "pretend" gorillas when you can't play with the real ones!

And honestly, as much fun as we had going to museums and such, this was my favorite, hands down.

Brian and I were able to go on different nights. It was wonderful!

Adam is great.

Bubble Buddies

We are loving the spring weather! A few weeks ago we had a lovely taste of Spring weather and I took the boys outside and we blew bubbles. My boys love bubbles! Sorry it's taken so long to get the pictures up. Did I mention I love our boys? I do!

Happy Birthday Adam!

I know it's late....but here's some pictures from Adam's birthday a few weeks ago. On his birthday we just did some cupcakes and presents. Then on the following Saturday we had the big cake and birthday party at the park. The weather cooperated just long enough for us to play and eat some cake. It was fun!

Birthday money! I guess it's kind of obvious we haven't explained that money is paper too, not just coins.

The big boy's big birthday cake!

The trucks and tractors were hard at work.

The full cake.

We love our Adam! He's such a blessing in our life. Some of the things he says really crack us up. I'm amazed at how fast he grasps concepts and such. He loves playing outside and working with us in the garden and yard. We love you Adam!!

Happy Birthday Michael!

Our sweet little Michael turned one today! He is growing up too fast! Here are a few pictures from today. It was rather eventful. We started off with story time at the library, leaving the building with Adam's hat that fell in toilet (eww) and Mom inadvertantly stepping in a big puddle and then Adam wading through a small river in the parking lot at the store (soaking his pants and causing him great discomfort). Michael was happy to be carried; it rained all day.

Here is the cake that Adam helped me make for Michael today--we had fun:

I know it's not "anatomically correct," sorry Tom, but we thought it was a good representation. Michael sure loved it!

"Umm yum yum yum...good stuff Mom!"

I promise, that is not blood on his face. That's cake and icing. And, no, I will not make a cake using red icing for a child's birthday who is under 3. It's messy. And the red can stain. And it takes a lot of coloring to get a real red (not pink). Isn't he a cutie?

The boys had a lot of fun opening presents and especially playing with this cool latch and lock puzzle from Grandma and Grandpa. I love my boys!

Today I was thinking about my little family. I feel like I'm in Paradise. Honestly, what more could I ask for? I have the world's most amazing husband, wonderful sons, a home, cars that work, my husband has a great job, we have the Gospel in our lives, we have innumerable opportunities to serve others...life feels complete. No, not every day is all good. In fact, every day has a few moments (or many) of frustration, but overall things are good.

Granted, the only thing that would make life more perfect is more children (with time!!!) and one of those future children being a girl...haha. The Lord has truly blessed us. Today I've seen more clearly how the Lord is blessing us for keeping our covenants and living the Gospel.

Last week I asked Adam to say our prayer for breakfast. Tears filled my eyes and my heart grew more as I heard these words and felt their truthfulness:

"Dear Hevnly Fadder, tank dee for ar famly and dat its forever. Name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

I'm so grateful my family is forever. Just this morning Adam said, "Mommy and Daddy were married in the temple." Yes, Adam. We were married in the temple and because of that, our family will be forever. I love you. Forever. --Love, Mommy