Bode turns 9!

Our birthday celebrating continued last week with Bode turning nine! This kid loves a birthday, and as with Molly, I really hoped he would have a good one even though he couldn't have a party or be around his peers this year. A few pictures of the birthday boy!

We started the day with crepes, his favorite breakfast. He miraculously didn't have any new assignments for online school that day, which is funny because he had been asking if he could skip school on his birthday. I took he and all of the kids to grab sandwiches at Jimmy Johns for lunch and we drove up to a park that overlooks the whole valley and had a picnic inside the car. I laid the seats down in the back so they could spread out, and it turned out to be really fun!

After lunch we started letting him open a present every hour or so. I think this kept him excited throughout the day and gave him something new to keep him entertained. He was excited to get a new watch, kindle, Zelda game, basketball and basketball cars, Legos, model car kit, etc. 

Bode wanted take-out ramen for his birthday dinner. The place we usually go is closed due to Covid-19, so we tried somewhere new (Asa Ramen) and we loved it! It was a great choice because it was a pretty cold, windy day.

More presents to open after dinner.

Bode has been wanting his own indoor basketball for a long time, so when he got one for his birthday, we decided to let him go try it out at the church for a bit (Sean is in the bishopric so he has a key). We all went and played speed (known as "lightening" in my day). He was so happy to be playing. Bode is such an active kid and usually playing all sorts of sports. Everything being cancelled this spring is quite an adjustment for him (and all of us). I love watching the boys all play ball together-- Sean included!

After basketball it was home for cake and ice cream. Once again, Bode requested chocolate bundt cake. I think he liked it because he ate two big pieces!

Bode is such an awesome kid and we are so lucky to have him in our family. He is just one of those people you like being around. He makes life more joyful and fun and helps us all loosen up a bit. He's also helpful and loving and smart. I am so glad he's ours!

When he went to bed that night, he told me he thought this was the best birthday he's ever had and my heart about burst. I wanted him to feel loved and special, because he is, and I am so glad he had a great day.

Bode's 9-year questionnaire

Easter dress

I have loved making Molly an Easter dress each year. I've known I wanted to make her a dress with a Peter Pan collar for a long time. I love how this dress turned out, and so does she! I had my eye on this Liberty of London fabric for awhile, but it wasn't supposed to be available until the end of March and I wasn't sure I'd be able to get it in time. Thankfully I was able to get some from a local seller who shipped it to me and it all worked out! It was fun having a sewing project and more free time to work on it with all of our extracurricular activities being cancelled due to coronavirus. 

I couldn't get enough of her all dressed up! Of course we had to take lots of pictures. 

I really love this photo.

Easter 2020

We started our Easter celebration a few days early with our annual Easter egg dyeing. This year we had bunny and unicorn eggs, as well as ones the kids colored using the rock tumbler/spinner, and designs they came up with on their own. 

The kids woke up Easter morning and found their baskets! We did an egg hunt throughout the house and then had bunny pancakes for breakfast. 

Onto the real reason for celebrating, we were excited about the unique opportunity to worship at home this Easter Sunday. The night before, as I was ironing the boys' shirts and had them hanging on the ironing board all in a row, it was such a moving sight to me. I felt such gratitude for what each of those shirts meant. I still pause at times in almost disbelief that we are a family of six. This year I made Molly's Easter dress and matching bowties for the boys. When I hung them all up, all pressed and ready for the next day, I felt such gratitude! I decided early on I would still make Molly an Easter dress. The fact that we wouldn't be participating in a public church service did not mean we wouldn't get dressed up in our Easter best to celebrate the Savior. I know the Lord doesn't care what we are wearing, but I am hoping it helped press upon the kids how special this day is and convey some of its significance. 

We had a great experience worshiping at home and talking about the resurrection and taking the sacrament. The kids were good sports in letting me take their picture all dressed up. It was so nice to see them all dressed up! 

 We had a really yummy Easter dinner and my rolls even made my mom proud! 

My parents surprised us by calling us and telling us they were in our driveway. We haven't seen them for several weeks and didn't think we'd see them anytime soon with the virus restricting travel and with social distancing guidelines. We were really excited to see them, though it felt really strange not being able to get very close to each other or hug them! It was great to see their faces in person. Overall, I'd say one of the best Easters I can remember!