Staycation

Paul and I were going to go on a cruise to the Bahamas the first weekend in May, but it got canceled. He had 5 days off so we planned something fun each day. It was a great week! We played outside in the pool, had a baking day, had a take-out movie picnic in the basement, camped in the backyard, had a BBQ, and ended the staycation with a Star Wars day on May the 4th.

For our Star Wars day we dressed up, had Star Wars treats, and watched a few of the movies. We passed out awards at the end of the day. Clark won for "cutest Storm Trooper", Paul won for "best Chewbacca impression", Susie won for "most Star Wars trivia", and Braden won for "best Star Wars sound effects." We played the theme music while we passed out the awards haha. I should have awarded myself for "lamest Princess Leia buns". 

It was really nice to have some family time. One highlight of the pandemic has been slowing down and spending time together at home. 

Susie has used her time at home picking up a few new skills. I taught her how to index names on Family Search. She also has tried some sewing. I've been making masks and head coverings for my sisters who are nurses so they don't have to wash their hair everyday. Susie wanted to make a little blanket for one of her dolls. She did a pretty good job! 

 We decided to take a spontaneous trip to Cedar City for Mother's Day weekend. My mom really needed some help with her backyard. It was overgrown with weeds and sagebrush, so we decided to go down and help. I wish I would have taken before and after pictures because we were able to do so much and it looks great! Paul worked so hard getting it all done. It was a great Mother's Day gift to us both. We hadn't been anywhere for awhile either so it was a fun little trip. 

Birthday, Conference, Easter

I had a fun birthday at home with my family. I got to go for a nice run in the morning (to make room for lots of treats). I had fun making yummy treats for a tea party. We had macaroons and carrot cupcakes and crotinis with brie and turkey tortilla roll ups and apple juice. I put diet coke in one of the tea pots for me haha. 

I had friends drop by with a gift or a treat. We had fun sharing these crumble cookies, yum!

We have been preparing for a special General Conference to commemorate the 200th year since Joseph Smith's first vision. We studied the restoration and the priesthood and Joseph Smith's life. We made a poster with the kids of the blessings we have because of the restoration. 

We made belgian waffles on Conference Sunday and had a conference packet for the kids to do. We were grateful for all the wonderful messages that were given and felt uplifted and inspired. I loved watching my children participate in the hosanna shout. I know God is mindful of all His children. 

We had fun celebrating Easter week. We celebrated the passover by watching the Ten Commandments (we do this every year with a snack food feast). We read scriptures each day of the Holy Week and put up pictures of Jesus for each day. 

We dyed eggs, filled Easter baskets, and had an egg hunt around the house.

Paul had to work Easter Sunday which was a bummer but we tried to make it a special day. I made the kids dress up for a picture (which they did not like one bit) and then we went Easter caroling to a few people. We practiced I Feel My Savior's Love and He is Risen throughout the week and sang  \for a Aunt Sarah and Chante's family and one other family in our ward. Singing with my kids was probably my favorite part of the day.

We built an epic fort and watched videos about the Savior (and Meet the Robinson's haha).

We made a ham and cheesy potato Easter dinner and waited till Paul got home to eat together. It was a good day. I love Easter because of what it means. Without Easter there really wouldn't be much meaning or point to any of the other holidays or special times. Because of Christ's atonement every day has meaning, every day has purpose, and we have hope in Him.