Pure Joy

I can not put into words the pure joy that Tara brings to Eden and to this house. Today we were lucky enough to spend the afternoon with her and Eden was in pure bliss. After extensive school play, etc they decided to run around in the water on this {not so warm} day. They went through almost an entire bag of water balloons before they decided to stop so they could share a few with Zion when he woke up from his nap. They waited so patiently, laying in Eden's room (trying to get warm) and building awesome forts, while he napped for hours (literally). Once he finally emerged from his slumber and they coaxed him outside, pure joy unfolded. It is hard for me not to get carried away by the pictures and their ear to ear smiles. These moments are what life is all about.

Vista Hermosa Springtacular

For the first time since Eden was born, I was not working during the San Clemente Easter Egg Hunt. For some reason it always seemed like a pretty big deal to me...like this big thing that I was missing out on. Therefore, I was really looking forward to it this year. But as anything is that you hype in your head it was something of a disappointment. There were just soooo many people there...more than I had anticipated, which always gives me some pause...I just feel like one of my babies could so easily get swallowed up in such an enormous crowd. My babies must have felt the same discomfort, because as soon as I put Zion down, they locked hands and would not let go. When it was all said and done, Eden got about four eggs and Zion got about three, Eden was a bit disappointed but forgot about her disappointment almost immediately after we rendezvoused with her cousins. Cousins definitely have a way of making everything ok.

No more eggs \; 

When I went to get my stroller, I turned around and these three were standing there just like this.

Annual Walla Cousin Egg Dye

Every year we get together with the Walla cousins to dye Easter eggs. Every year it seems like quite the production. I often wonder if there is a simpler more peaceful way to go about it, but I think the only way to make it simple and peaceful would be to take the little guys out of the equation, (but where is the adventure in that?). In any case, it was a madhouse!.....We are sort of assuming that Ben thought the eggs were balls so he just kept launching them (much to the despair of the girls, who preferred to have their eggs un-cracked). Zion appeared to be truly into it, but he repeatedly either kicked the dye tubs over on accident or would simply pick them up and pour them out while no one was looking. All poor Tara wanted to do was make tie-dye eggs, of course we had only one tie-dye piece, and Eden just kept badgering her for a turn. Plus Eden somehow was not into getting the dye all over her hands so she needed some help that she just could not get to save her life cause we were all playing referee (or taking pictures (: ). All in all, of course we had a blast and I would not have it any other way. And to top it off Tracy made a bunch of sugar cookies for the kids to decorate which was probably their favorite part. 

Eden and Tara made the Happy Easter signs and hung them up on the table for us.

The outer two are Zion's creation - you can tell cause there is a bite missing from each.

Regular Day Magic

We go on more than our fair share of adventures. Each adventure is filled with more magic than one lifetime deserves {perhaps}, but I am learning to really embrace and appreciate the magic of our regular day. Filled with so much love, tenderness, and growth; I do not deserve the abundance of these blessings. Thank you God for all that we have.

Early morning breakfast/play

Chugga, chugga, choo-choo!!

Easter Today at Mommy & Me

Eden & Elli at Mommy & Me Preschool (Elli's daddy also works for OCFA and played soccer with Jon growing up, but we don't really see them outside of preschool cause they live in HB /:) 

I feel like Eden is at such an awkward stage of development. She seems like she is getting so much older in thought and speech, but then I have these moments where I look at her and realize just how small she still is. 

Playing with Bubbles while I cooked Dinner

"Take a picture of my bubbles mom!" (so excited that she *finally* wants me to take a picture of her)

Zion in heaven!

 Occupying themselves IN my laundry pile while I fold.

Eden has come into a very special age wherein she really enjoys reading to Zion. Often she will just make up the story as she goes, which somehow makes it all the more special to me. I am obsessed with these moments (almost regretting even picking up the camera, but wanting to capture the moment forever).