Saturday, April 27, 2013

In which Tanner visits, Henry spills his sporks, Watertown is on lock-down, and we find a house!

 The Mormons spoke, and Costco listened!  This could have been the thing that convinced me to switch to Costco.  Thankfully I have friends who are kind enough to make my weekend that much awesomer.  #lifechangingtortillas

 I see a bright future in data entry for these two, who have taken on the very important project of correctly identifying all the people in our Picasa albums.  2,500 down, 11,000 to go!

Rule: When it's 72 degrees in Boston, you absolutely must get outside and stay there and soak it up . . . even if it means the missionaries will be building their own Paninis for dinner.  #heavenlyspring

Next time you decide to use your backpack as a jet pack to fly around the playground, check to make sure the zippers are all zipped up.  Otherwise, you might risk spilling all 50 sporks from your "Dr. Forkchop" collection all over the sidewalk.  #iloveyouhenry

This makes me happy!  #sunshineandbrothers

Cleaning out a cupboard in my kitchen.  This is how many notebooks I have filled up over five years, sitting at my kitchen table.  #morningpondertime #scripturejournal #andmanyothermusings

Our Spring Break overlapped with the Yosts', so we got to have them for a quick visit!  We will miss these friends when we no longer live three hours away and get to visit frequently.  

What on earth is Henry wearing on his feet?  And by the way, has anybody seen the arm rest covers for Henry's booster seat?  

Tanner is here!  He checked two bags: one for clothes, and one for games.  Bring on the Dominion, Klunker, and Acquire!

This is going to be fun.  #uncletime #ukeleletraining

 Almost like a 24-hour playdate for my boys, but cooler (because he plays with me and Ben too).  #boardgamegeek #mybrotherrules

Only some people are cool enough to make (and eat) a Mac & Cheese Panini.  We were definitely planning on doing something cooler with Tanner today.  Instead, we are locked down in our house with the doors locked and the blinds closed.  #somevacation #prayingforwatertown

Whoa.  This just got a whole lot closer to my house (less than a mile away, just down the street).  We are definitely not going anywhere! #watertown #standoff #shootings

 Ellis decided that today would be the perfect day to wear his Watertown Police Department tattoo.  Endless thanks to the men and women who made it possible for us to leave our homes today without feeling scared.  #watertownpolice #thankyouthankyou #gotthebadguys

Impromptu scripture/testimony/missionary-story session with Uncle RM.  Thanks Tanner for bringing the MTC into my home!  These boys love and admire you so much.  

Cloudy, quiet, healing day in Boston.  A good day for finding a new favorite kite-flying spot.  #castleisland #healingwithboston #letsgoflyakite

"All by myself!" (with some help from Uncle Tanner).  Did I mention that I think kite-flying is the most wholesome family activity?

Meet the third wheel of our date night!  Can you tell we're siblings? #mikespastry #neddevines #faneiulhall

I'm sitting down to read these sweet notes from the Primary kids and teachers.  I got released today after nearly three years as president.  I will miss these amazing kids, teachers, and counselors. #seeyoulateralligator #iloveprimary #firstofmanygoodbyes #bringonthetears

I'm sitting in as Ben defends his dissertation.  Will he be good enough to graduate?  #thebigday #wayovermyhead

Dr. and Mrs. Iverson on their way to Chicago for a celebration/house-hunting trip.  Our kids are in the hands of Uncle Tanner.  Please pray for all of us!

 Ben says that I'm asking for too many prayers . . . But please bless that this can be our house.  The realtor has to beat out one other applicant!  #evanstonhouse #rental

Morning jog on the lake #chicago #icouldgetusedtothis

We got the house!!!  Hip, hip, hooray!  This shows a glimpse of the inside.  #happyday #thanksfortheprayers

 And this is the street.  The neighborhood is the part I'm most excited about.  It is full of parks, walking distance from train and shopping, two blocks from the school.  And it is SO CUTE!

Mom of six while Jamie was dancing the night away at the Newport Ball.  I think if I had to choose, I would rather be home with the six kids!

  And Ben asks, "Is there a quick version of Monopoly?"  #superdad #starwarsmonopoly

Five kids play outside while the baby sleeps and I bake lovely bread.  Sounds like a day straight out of the blissful (idealistic) dreams of my youth.  #ihavesixkids #lovelyloaves #lifeisbeautiful

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Three Very Handsome Boys

I can't help but post these handsome pictures of my boys in their Easter attire.  I was happy to see that Henry seems to have gotten over his awkward photo stage and is now happy to pose for pictures (in a dramatic, thoughtful way).  Sam, on the other hand, was very hard to capture . . . unless he was holding a ball!




Can you see their personalities in this one (just a little bit)? 





 


Thanks to Jamie for taking these last three. I feel so lucky to have these boys in my life!


Sunday, April 07, 2013

Easter Saturday: a good excuse to consume lots and lots of sugar

Um, does this holiday involve candy?

I think I am going to like this! 

And Star Wars too?  This is too good to be true! 

Wait, that's not candy!  Silly Easter Bunny!  Wouldn't it be fun if there was a broccoli egg every year?  Beware the broccoli egg!

Dump into the communal candy jars.  Then no one will notice how much Mom and Dad actually eat!

 Let's get started on this sugar overload right away.  Only 12 handfuls before breakfast, kids! 

And maybe one or two of the big ones too . . .

Saturday, April 06, 2013

March via Instagram


Just caught my boys in a rare sweet moment of perfection.  At Sam's request, Ellis "read" all of the books he has memorized to Sam.  they both sang together at certain points.  #bestillmysoul

Cloverdoodles . . . and my little leprechaun helpers!

The great playroom purge.  #springcleaning

Tons of stuff to trash/donate in the foreground.  Fresh, pared-down playroom shelves in the background.  This RS activity came at the perfect time!  #readytomove

You know, just settling in with Ellis for some cozy story time . . . Not exactly the fairy tales I would like to be reading, but it works.  One perk is that I get to use words like "fwa-koom!" and "kzash!" #starwarsgraphicnovels #thelifeofaboymom

#horriblehairday #joyschool

While Mom supervised the shaving-foam-feet-painting activity in the kitchen, Sam found a project of his own.  #iamnaughtyandiknowit #spontaneousdelight

"Mom, it's kind of like a move for a Super Ninja." #jillianmichaels #rippedin30 #ninjamama

I'm glad to see that I've raised a child who knows how to protest (even if he hasn't yet learned subject/verb agreement).  

Aah!  My little brother is getting married!  He's been home from his mission for less than a month.  #whenitsrightitsright #tannerandmeagan

Look who showed up at our house tonight!  His travel might not be fun for Autumn, but we are sure enjoying his visit!

I'm trying my hand at six kids today while Jamie is away.  Two of the kids are taking a nap right now, while the other four play Star Wars.  #miraculousmatchingnaps #starwarsBFFs #luckythatstarwarshasaprincess

Officially my favorite Pandora station right now: Fionn Regan.  Zee Avi is a close second.  Calm music to counteract the madness.  What is your favorite?

 Someone is letting someone else stay up past his bedtime to have an in-depth discussion about math . . . for no reason.  #nerdtraining #mathgeeks #lovethemboth

 Whoa.  I was trying to figure out why Sam's hair looked like this . . . and then I remembered letting him play with the blow dryer this morning!

 Easter eggs!  And navy blazer preview . . .

 Ellis is excited to have a friend who shares his affinity for acting on stage.  #elizaandellis #themusical

 The great candy sort, where "mine" becomes "ours," and we get to hide it all from Sam, who has been shoveling handfuls into his mouth all morning.  #eastersaturday #waytoomuchcandy #partofacompletebreakfast

In Boston, Easter clothes have to be warm, just in case!  I'm finally learning this...

Family photo, courtesy of Jamie Cook.