An Open Book

I am not a reader - I never really have been. Not too long ago Brandon (who is a reader) brought home a book that I was required to read in high school. I could not figure out why he would purposely read a book like that. I told him that I might still have the Cliff's Notes in one of the boxes downstairs.
I used to feel somewhat guilty for not reading, like I was not as cultured - or whatever readers think they are? But, then I found out that mom's sometimes don't get off the couch for most of the day because they just have to finish the book they are reading. That made me feel a little better.
A year or so ago Brandon started a book on our 8 hour drive to Colorado. He started reading it out loud as I drove. This was a long book, so it was far from over by the time we got home. But, I had a desire to finish it - which I did. When we went back to Colorado for Christmas, we did it again. It was fun! Imagine that! Now that summer is about here, I was thinking I might like to read a book while I watch my kids play outside. But, where do I even start in this world that is so new to me? So, help me out. What are your suggestions and why?
Please no Twilight!
By the way - the book Brandon brought home was Walden by Henry David Thoreau and he only made it halfway through!

Do you see what I see?

Just couldn't resist sharing these cute photos of Koby and Clay wearing Spencer's glasses. Clay just wandered around with this look on his face. I wonder if he can see better or worse with them? Who knows? He may need glasses too and we just don't know it yet! Could you just eat him up?

Hulk Spencer

My wonderful sister (have I mentioned how much I love her?) took Spencer for pretty much the whole day on Wednesday. But, instead of Spencer, she returned a very proud Hulk!

A Google

Google is a common word around our house, but we recently learned from super smart Uncle John that a google is actually a number. It is the number one with one hundred zeros. Koby decided to write down the number google. I didn't actually count the zeros, but it looks good to me!

Nick and the electric chair

For family night this week we went to my Grandma and Grandpa Claybaugh's house (my dad's parents). Every day since, Koby and Spencer have asked when we are going back. They have a little dog named Nick that they all loved playing with, walking and feeding. Clay flipped out every time we took the leash away from him.

The other hit of the night was Grandpa's electric wheelchair. Spencer must have spent over an hour in that thing driving up and down the street and giving Clay rides. Who needs Power Wheels? Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for a great night!

Happy Bithdays!

April is a popular birth month in our family. I want to shout out a big Happy Birthday to the wonderful women in my life. Within a week and a half there are four birthdays between the sisters. My super fun and hip sister-in-law Shelbie, my funny and beautiful sister Kim, my darling and hilarious soon-to-be sister-in-law Alexis and my cute and super sweet sister Cara. Thankfully, my mom, cousin Amber and I were invited to celebrate with them at their birthday lunch. Thanks, ladies! I can't say enough wonderful things about all of you. But, to spare the readers of my blog my mushy thoughts, I will just say how much I love you each and love spending time with you, laughing and having fun. I love that we all live close by and get to share each other's lives - whether you like it or not! My mother-in-law has a saying that says, "I smile because we're sisters, I laugh because there is nothing you can do about it!" Ha Ha!

Spring Break Continues

I give you permission to skip this post if you are not interested in the details of our spring break fun. But, you can at least scroll down and check out some pictures!
Day Two of Spring Break included a trip to Target to pick out a new toy, and some fun in the mall play area. Plus, more books, stories, drawings and games at home. We also played miniature golf and at the arcade in Trafalga - that place has changed a lot since I used to go on dates there!
I wish I had more pics, but we were just enjoying ourselves instead of worrying so much about pictures!

Day Three we painted our own ceramics at Color Me Mine and we can't wait for tonight to see how they turned out! It was snowing when we left, so we went to the library for a bit. That night we had my sister Kim and her family over for soup and scones and games. Have you ever played Ducky Ducky? I'm honestly not sure if my family made it up or not. But, we used to play it as kids with all my cousins on our family vacations. One day I will take pictures and expain.

Day Four we woke up to this awful, beautiful snow. The magic of snow is long gone in April. We lost a portion of our tree from the heavy, wet white stuff. The sun came up early and we headed to the Bean Museum (again, no pictures). But, it is a huge museum full of stuffed (taxidermied) animals. Then we went around the corner to the Museum of Art (both on the BYU campus). There was a Walter Wick exhibit (from the I Spy books) that was really cool. That night we went to see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3-D. We don't do movies very often, so that was fun for our family.

Day Five we braved the crowded Discovery Museum in Salt Lake. I think that all the elementary schools in the state were there, so it was kind of a bummer to be so crowded. But, it was still awesome and we will be going back soon since Grandma bought us a year pass - thank you! Then, the sad time came to take Grandma Jennis to the airport. It was fun, but she is needed at home. We are so grateful for the time we had to spend with her this week and can't wait for next time! Sorry for the overload of information, but now I have it recorded!

Spring Break with Grandma Jennis

Brandon's mom came to town this week for our Spring Break and we couldn't have had more fun! She played with the boys non-stop - I am not kidding. From the time she got off the plane, to the time we dropped her off to go home she was reading, singing, telling stories, listening to their stories, playing and taking us on fun dates. This woman is the most fun person I know. If you know her, you will agree. And, if you ever go to her house, you will not want to leave. I love Brandon's family and feel sorry for those of you who don't absolutely love your in-laws too. We were not ready for Grandma to leave when she did, it was a great visit. Although we missed Grandpa Gary.

Day one: We picked Grandma up from the airport and went straight to the zoo. It was a beautiful, warm day and not busy until we were walking out - Perfect!

Clay was inspired by all the animals...

After the zoo, Grandma took the boys to McDonald's to eat and play. Once we got home, she put together a great Easter egg hunt in the front yard (yes our yard is white trash) and passed out other Easter prizes.

I was so pleased that Clay was loving her right away and not being shy. She is the best. Stay tuned for days 2-5!

Clay's new bike

Clay found Koby and Spencer's old bike with training wheels and has adopted it as his own. He is not even two, but don't try to tell him that he can't do anything that his older brothers can do. So, when we play outside or go on walks, Clay "rides" his bike. He has done this for looong walks and refused help. This is what Clay riding his bike looks like...

Easter in Pictures

We have been enjoying ourselves A LOT this week (explanations to come), which means I have neglected my blog. But, I can't not post some of our Easter pictures. So, here is a quick recap of what we've been doing (because I know you have been wondering!)

Of course, we colored eggs, and it was pretty painless this year!

My amazing sister threw a great party with a fun Easter egg hunt. She has the perfect house for a party like that. It was so much fun!

Easter morning sorting through the loot...(once again, who is the OCD one?)

Clay was a little excited!

I hope everyone else had a great Easter! We are now enjoying (I mean, enduring) snow while one Spring Break! What is wrong with that sentence?