Mother's Day Reunions

On Mother's Day weekend we went up to Drew's hometown to have a mini family reunion.  His brother Scott is moving to Germany so this is the last time we'll all be together in a while.  

On our way up Friday we stopped in Price, UT and took the kids to the WAVE POOL there.  I hadn't been there in about 15 years!  It was so much fun.  The kids absolutely loved it!  We'll have to make it a tradition. 

On Saturday morning we got up and took family pictures.  The photographer didn't show up (frustrating), so we just took the pictures with my camera and Uncle Marvin's help.  Not perfect, but they'll do. 

Melvin and his oldest brother (by 20 years) Marvin.

The kids were so glad to be done with pictures and decided to play for a while.  They love Brecon's bike.  A three-wheeler with a basket in back.  Awesome!

We went up Rock Creek for a picnic and hike.  I love it up there.  We parked at Miner's Gulch and ate lunch.  The kids did lots of exploring.

And the babies were filthy!

Then it was time for the hike.  Melvin stayed back at the picnic area while we hiked from Miner's Gulch to Yellow Pine.  It was a beautiful hike.

The kids even stubbled upon really rare Tootsie Flowers ;)  And luckily there were enough for each kid to pick and enjoy.  (Sweet Idea, Esther!)

 Rather than taking the trail back, we followed the road.  Ella fell asleep in my arms halfway back.   It's no wonder.   She had walked almost the entire trail.

We had dinner together and Drew and the three oldest kids slept in a tent on the front lawn, while Ella and I slept inside.  Then we headed home the next morning.  But it wasn't without stopping to visit my family in Salt Lake.  We wished my Mom a happy Mother's Day and took a photo.  All the sisters were together for a the first time in a while.  It was great!

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Mia loves to make money.  She's always trying to think of different ways of making and saving money.  But at the age of 9, there aren't a ton of options for her right now.  So six months ago we participated in the semiannual community yard sale.   I made a deal with her that if she ran the sale, she could keep the profits.  I sat in the front office while she was outside selling.  She didn't make a whole lot last October because we didn't have much to sale, but it was a great learning experience.  So great in fact, that she spent the next six months getting ready for the April yard sale.  And this time we were ready!  Lots of old baby toys and clothes.  I helped her label everything and set it up in the garage a few days before.  Then at 6:30 we put everything outside and she sat there until 2pm.  All her hard work paid off!  She made a large chunk of change, which she says is part of her college fund.  Way to go Mia!

Keeping Ella in doors was our biggest challenge!  Here's a photo of her trying to sneak out while I took pictures.  Her nap time was extremely nice that day!

Cole and Luke wanted to make money as well.  So I agreed to buy soda and bottled water for them to sell.  They did pretty good for a few hours, but slowly started to lose interest.  At one point a lady came to buy a soda from some other neighbor kids that just happened to be sitting in their seats while Cole and Luke were off playing down the road.  But they're still young.  Hopefully in time they will be as interested as Mia is.

Ella Turns 2

Our sweet baby Ella just turned 2 years old!  I can hardly believe it.

We celebrated her big day by inviting several friends over for some cake and ice cream.

 When everyone started to sing "Happy Birthday To You", she was a like a deer in the headlights.  It was so funny!

 She LOVED opening her presents!

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl.  We love you so much!

Easter Morning

Easter was pretty fun at the Swasey house.  Here's a run down...

Mia was the first one up and had everything in her basket sorted before any of the other kids were out of bed.  Drew was on call that day, so we didn't get to have Daddy around for most of the activities, but it was fun anyway.

Cole was totally excited about his Lego set.  Mini camper... how cute is that?

Ella's basket

 Luke checking out his Play-Doh kit.

When all the kids were up, they had an easter egg hunt.  Mia had left a bunch of eggs out for the Easter bunny to hide, and sure enough, they were hidden all over the backyard.  They were hidden so well that we found several eggs days later!

After a relaxing and fun morning, we got dressed up for church.  My adorable munchkins!