Some people laugh through their noses . . .

Gabe has the most bizarre sense of humor. He loves to see people get bonked or things thrown around. Eleni started throwing blocks today and he and Eleni got a serious case of the chuckles.

We have thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful St. George spring weather--it was 92 today!!!!!

Lydia's Baptism

After Lydia turned eight, we had the special privilege of having her baptised and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was such a special occasion! My parents and Seth's and his sister & brother came down for it, which was wonderful. We had a lot of support from family and friends.

We are so proud of what a special girl Lydia is! She was so excited to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and I have really noticed a difference in her since. She seems to be more in tune with the Spirit and trying even harder to choose the right. I don't know what we'd do without that girl!

These are Lyd's old primary teachers, Jared & Jennie McBride, who were so sweet to come!

We go to DIZZY-LAND!

That's what Eleni has said every morning for the past few days.

We had the most wonderful spring break--stayed in a beautiful Hilton hotel (bless this poor economy and the cheap deals on vacation packages!) with a 10-story view off our balcony.

Here's our room!Seth and I honeymooned in Disneyland and we both have a special place in our hearts for Disneyland and Walt Disney. We surprised the kids by loading them into the car after church on Sunday and driving to Disneyland for Spring Break. They had been so healthy and well--until that night. The three youngest kids developed a lovely cough, stuffy nose, and fever. Seth gave them I don't know how many priesthood blessings, and somehow we were able to have fun in spite of all the sickness! Eleni kept us up the first night, but breakfast at the hotel and then the look on the kids' faces as they entered Disneyland made up for it!

Favorite rides for the kids: Lydia--Thunder Mountain Railroad, Bear River Rapids, & Splash Mountain, Jacob--Star Tours, Splash Mountain, & Thunder Mountain Railroad, Eleni--Sleeping Beauty's Castle, the Jungle Cruise & Small World, and Gabe--Monster's Inc, Small World, and the Winnie the Pooh. Seth and I loved every minute seeing our kids enjoying the place we love so much!

People kept commenting on how much Eleni looked like Boo in her purple shirt, so we had to get a picture . . .

Some of our favorite moments:

Alice in Wonderland blowing Eleni a kiss . . . Riding multiple times with "switchpasses" (allowing families with small kids to trade off so both parents can ride with the kids) on Thunder Mountain Railroad with Jacob and Lydia who were SO excited! . . . Having Jacob comfort me on Star Tours--"Don't worry, Mommy--it's not really scary. I'll keep you safe." . . . Lydia and Seth coming back dripping wet from Bear River Rapids (The official Lydia & Daddy ride because I hate to get wet!) . . . Watching all 3 kids dance and have a blast in the Playhouse Disney show--it had actual Little Einsteins characters and bubbles falling from the ceiling--they were in heaven! . . . Seeing Eleni put on her 3-D glasses in Honey I Shrunk the Audience, take them off, put them on and try to grab the 3-D image, then take them off and never put another pair of 3-D glasses on again . . .

. . . Watching the Pixar Parade--front row seats and Mater and Lightning McQueen!Eating a Churro with Lydia outside the Haunted Mansion because she was too terrified to go in--we got all the way to the entrance and she stood outside the gates with a mournful look on her face, so I took pity on her and let Seth take Jacob instead. . . . Riding the Haunted Mansion ride with Jacob who was NOT SCARED ONE BIT. There was a 8-yr-old kid bawling his eyes out before the ride even started! When I asked Jacob if he was scared he said, "No, but there are ghostes." . . . Spending the last day Eleni-free (we love that girl, but it was nice to have a break from her) while poor Abe & Chelsea took care of her for us . . . And spending an afternoon on the beach with Abe & Chelsea & boys--what a wonderful icing on the cake that was!
Although I can't believe this is the only picture I have--I thought Seth was taking more. Gabe had just eaten a big mouthful of sand and wasn't very happy, but he absolutely loves his aunt Choody! The kids enjoyed winding down from Disneyland and having fun with their cousins Isaac and Miles. We'll have to go again soon!