Five for Friday: Catching Up Edition

 - Spring Break -

At the beginning of Spring Break we had a visit from our good friends the Hunsakers from Kansas City. They stayed two nights and our kids enjoyed playing and playing. Sadly, we didn't take a single picture! It was so much fun to have them! 

Sadly, that was the highlight of our spring break. We seem to have a tradition of getting sick while the girls are off. This year, Eliza and Orson had a nasty stomach bug that lasted several days. At least it was better than last year when Orson spent half the week in the hospital.

Tuesday, while I stayed home with the sick kids, Michael took Hazel to the Deaf day at the Capitol. He met with several senators about Deaf issues while Hazel enjoyed their amazing "Belle" library. It was a great day for both of them! 

We rested up a few more days and by Friday everyone was finally feeling better. We celebrated St. Patty's day with green muffins and smoothies and were able to get some playing and fun in that afternoon.

 - Orson at 18 months -

Sweet Mr. Orson is getting so grown up! He's almost 19 months now and just grows and learns new things every day. He loves cars, trucks, trains, and all things that go. He also LOVES to pretend to cook and watches birds from the step-stool by the window every morning. He also really adores Daddy!

He is talking and signing SO much already. He definitely knows how to get his thoughts across. He can say the name of everyone in the family including the dogs, but Mama is still his favorite word. Orson signs a ton. His favorite signs are: bird, mine, car, and eat.

Orson loves to drag the step-stool around to get at what he wants. Here he got caught red handed snitching brownie batter! At least he got a spoon first and didn't just use his fingers right?!?

Orson is a dare devil and a climber. He about gave me a heart attack trying to climb this curved ladder at the park but he did it!

He also has a very sweet side. He plays babies with Lenora a lot!

Mr. Orson, you are such a joy! We love you to pieces!

- Grandma Craig -

Michael's dear grandma, Rosemary Craig, passed away the beginning of April. While it is always hard to say goodbye, we have no doubt she is happy in heaven now. She was an incredible woman who loved the Lord with all hear heart. 

An illness in her lungs has slowed her down for many years now. She didn't let that stop her from serving the Lord though. Each morning should would index names for hours and do family history work. I'm sure she's indexed hundreds of thousands of names. She will be dearly missed, but we will see her again soon.

Grandma Craig chose to donate her body to medical research, and she requested not to have a funeral. So, in her honor, we took a day and went to the temple. There is no better way we could honor her memory and the wonderful person she was than by serving as she so loved to serve. We had a wonderful trip, told the kids stories about grandma, and Michael and I greatly enjoyed the temple. We love you Grandma Craig!

-Spring has sprung-

It was feeling like Spring had finally come to Iowa, until this week! We had a few weeks of nice weather, but it turned rainy and cold again. At least the grass and trees are finally starting to grow! 

-Other shenanigans-

A two bodied robot.

Camping inside one night!

Just general fun!

On April Fool's day the girl's pranked me...It was so good too!

One day Lenora was begging to wear this yellow headband but I told her it didn't match. I asked her how she wanted me to do her hair instead. She responded in the most perfect tone: "I really just want a headband.  A yellow one, with white polka-a-dots." Haha! She was so cute, I gave in and let her wear it.

Orson has discovered markers...

And he loves Malt-o-Meal!

Otherwise we've been busy, busy getting our house ready to show. Thankfully our home teacher brought us the most amazing box from his work because he knew it needed to become an awesome clubhouse. The kids have played for hours in there while we've painted, cleaned, and organized.