April...yes I'm that far behind

 In Utah, April = big snow storm.  Since it was basically the only big storm this year we were obligated to enjoy it, snowman and all.  Somehow I only had a couple of pictures and tons of videos of the event.  

 Of course, Utah also means that a couple of days later you can enjoy a sunny day at the park.  The big kids are way too busy to look at the camera, but this little cutie knows what's up.

 Easter!  With super-early church, our basket hiding was postponed til late Sunday afternoon.  Since this is our last year without a kid in school, it's probably the last year we can get away with the kids not knowing they get Easter baskets until we tell them they're looking for them.  I know, I know...parents of the year, right?

I set up the hunt by putting word clues in eggs all over the yard.  They (Ben) had to read the word to determine where the next clue would be.  It worked well because it helped build excitement and prolong the hunt.  Again, we have tons of video and only a few pictures.

Ben's favorite thing in his basket was an Angry Bird.

 Erin loved her baby Cinderella that has her own carseat/rocker/bassinet.

 Noah's happy with just a pack of popcorn to push around! ;) Parents of the year, remember? 

And finally, here's what Brandon did in April...

Not just watching lecture, he's been doing that for almost 4 years. (this round)  He finished his LAST lecture class for his Master's in Embedded Systems.  He's doing his project right now, but by summer's end we may refer to him as Master Brandon.

Er-ina Ballerina

 Brandon happened to be home sick on one of our last dance class days, so he was able to get a few pics of our little ballerina.  Like how I use the window sill for a bar?  Yep, the class is just that awesome. 

Look at her extension, that'a girl.

 Trying so hard to do her plie with arms.

 Her signature move.  She calls it a P because of the shape her legs make.

 Master stretcher

I don't know if we'll keep doing our living room ballet, but it was fun and I was glad I could be there first hand to see all the progress she made in 4 months.  She's such a sweetheart...when she wants to be.

March Mania

 We didn't do anything specifically fantastic in March, so here are some fun pictures of the kids getting big.

 This little man turned 14 months.  He has officially become a walker and is into everything!  I maintain that a 1-year-old is harder than a 2-year-old.  They can't communicate or be reasoned with.  They're too tall and agile for their own good.  He's a cute little monkey, but he keeps me busy.  Still only 6 teeth, but he puts them to good use.  He's also our only thumb sucker.  It's mostly just at night, but when he gets tired the blankie is in hand and the thumb is in mouth.

  Can you tell that we're happy to be playing outside again?

 We registered Ben for Kindergarten in March.  I'm pretty sad to have my little guy be off on his own.  I think Erin will be in shambles when she realizes her best friend will be gone for school EVERY DAY!  Ben, however, is thrilled.  He has big plans to make a new friend every day.  He's an excited learner too.  He loves math and is starting to read enough to pick out words in the world around him.  It's so fun to see him develop.  Even though I'll miss him, I'm excited for him to have this great new experience.

 Noah's favorite spot - the toybox.

 Ben used to pull the same face.  Silly boys.

 Erin is my little chef and is always happy to help cook every meal.  She hates picking up toys, but is eager to help with any other job.  She especially likes it if it's something she deems to be a "mommy job."  She got her ears pierced in February and didn't even shed a tear.  She's shy in groups, but loves to be at the center of attention with people she's familiar with.

Erin had a nasty flu bug at the end of March that put her down and out for about 3 days.  It's hard to see them so sick, but since my kids never nap it seems sweet to see them snuggled up, napping on the couch.

Brandon had a mission reunion right before conference.  It's strange to realize that he's been home 11 years! They had a pretty decent turnout and we had a great time catching up with everyone.

The Aquarium

 Aunt Amy and Glendon were passing through in February and wanted to do something fun with the kids.  So, they took us all to the Aquarium!  

We were lucky enough to feed the sting rays.  The kids chickened out however, so Mommy fed the sting rays while they watched.  

 Jellyfish are so cool!

 Noah was pretty excited just to get out of the stroller!

 The Otters are new and very entertaining.

 Penguins. :)

And just a couple shots of this cute little guy.  He thinks he's pretty funny climbing on everything and running around with blocks in his mouth.  Silly boy.

Happy 1st Birthday Noah!

 Our little guy is already 1!  Since he thoroughly enjoys growling at any dinosaur in sight, we went with a dino cake for the big day.  After creating the cake above, I asked Brandon if there was anything we could make from the cut out pieces for a smash cake.  He quickly devised the little dino below. Genius!

 It was tough coming up with ideas of what to get the third child for his first birthday.  He is in no need of clothes or toys.  After some deliberation we decided that since the older siblings are much more aware of the birthday excitement we could get some things everyone would benefit from.  We gave Noah some books and movies and the big kids were quite enthused with the event.

 I had a hard time convincing Erin that she needed to give Noah a chance to at least try to open his own presents.  Luckily Nana and Papa came through with some early Valentine's so they wouldn't feel left out.

 Nana & Papa gave Noah this Bullseye rocker.  He loves it!...when Erin allows him a turn to ride on it. :)  Okay, she actually loves to 'help' him ride it, but has basically claimed charge of the animal.

 Alas, Noah was not super enthused about his opportunity to make a giant neon green mess of himself.  He picked at the cake a little, but his heart just wasn't in it.

 Erin made sure Noah had another chance on the horse the next day.  He's still all smiles.

 We finally got a trace of snow that lasted long enough to build a snowman.  We've been severely disappointed with the lack of snow-fun to be had this winter.

I love that the oreo mouth looks more like a creepy mustache.