Happiness from General Conference

I had a wonderful weekend--I "ran away" from home and went to my sister's house in Wyoming.

I took the baby (of course) and Brienna to help with Benjamin.

This was the first General Conference that I have been able to listen to (and learn and enjoy) in many, many years. Usually I have to "entertain" the little ones (Conference Bingo, bribes to be quiet and listen, etc.) and miss out on a lot of the talks.

But I was able to watch and listen to all 4 sessions w/o interruption :)

More to come later this week (pictures of our escape and more about my weekend).

I loved listening to the general authorities :)

Last, but not least==Ethan!!

Our eldest child--Ethan, the mighty Junior.

Holding Benjamin--he is an awesome brother to little Ben.
He is the master at putting Ben to sleep (and I guess himself too)

His chipped tooth (same tooth, 2nd chip)

Lovely :)

Shortly after getting his tooth fixed. That is one nice looking kid!

Okay--most of the time I can't get pictures of Ethan. Like this night. He refused to look at the camera (or me) all night :(

This is at the district Eagle recognition dinner

Finally got a picture of him (w/o his head ducking or turned) at our Blue and Gold banquet.

We also had a Boy Scout court of honor that evening.

He's #20--playing at the state basketball tournament in Boise. Our games were held at Caldwell High School.

Listening to coach during a time-out.

The master at work--sleeping :)

Thanks for babysitting Ben!

Putting a food storage shelf together. Lucky Ethan--it goes in his room :)

We have such a small house, all the children have food storage in their rooms.

Putting the finishing touches on the shelf.

A surprise picture taken by Zane. I don't think Ethan knows this picture was taken :)
Clark County National Honor Society induction.

First time in over 10 years (maybe even 20!). It's exciting to have this in our little school. Congrats, Ethan :)

Thanks for posing!

Ethan is a great teenager--and has grown a foot or two finally. He reached that coveted 6 foot mark during the basketball season!

I can't believe we only have 1 more year with him in our home :( We will enjoy the time we have!

Brienna

This is Brienna's pictures. She is in 7th grade, and I have to fight off one of her teachers from kidnapping her (actually, all of the teachers would adopt her in a heartbeat)

When the boys were painting their pinewood derby cars, the girls wanted a project to paint. So I pulled out my DI treasures (wooden treasure box, heart that says "I love you", wooden letters).

Brienna has been taking 4-H sewing classes every Friday. Here are 3 of her projects. The quill0
Here it is unfolded (this material was scraps from my material box)

The cute reversible purse/bag and her pink skirt--I must say I am very proud of her :)

She has also made a stuffed Christmas tree decoration, a couple of pillows, and a stuffed heart.

Way cute, Brienna!

Sunday dinner

Brienna is the best big sister that anyone could have custom made!

Helping Benjamin while traveling in the van.

Sisters cheering on Ethan at state basketball.

Brienna, Emmalee and cousin Jennica

Playing games with Aunt Pamela

Watching movies in mom and dad's room

"Babysitting" Benjamin :)

Brienna is such a joy to have in our family. She is a peacemaker :)

Photos of Callum

Okay--here are pictures of Callum. He was supposed to go before Zane, but I started downloading Zane's and didn't want to start over :)

Callum has physical therapy in town 2 times a month.

Climbing the rock wall
Balance beam (harder than it looks!)

Making a candy necklace.

At school--waiting to play the valentine games.

Playing basketball at the church--with the ball he bought with his Christmas money.

Receiving recognition at the Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scouts.

Relaxing with Benjamin (although Ben doesn't look comfortable, he sat there for about 10 minutes)

Doing some science experiments--he tried vinegar & baking soda in the water bottle w/ a balloon.

Ta-da!

This mixture had baking soda, flour, and vinegar. It ended being a thick paste!

Reacting to Zane's experiment

Playing with some play dough that Brienna made.

Reading with Aunt Pamela (and Benjamin)

Playing in the rain on a warm spring day (nice rain ponchos!)

Notice the hair--he did it himself :)

Standing next to his invention at Pack Meeting

Waiting patiently for his turn at the hoop shoot.

He had great strength and hit the next a couple of times--yahoo! We are proud of your hard work :)

Watching movies in mom and dad's room

Callum teaches us all so much--he is a hard worker and we love him :)