Nick Jr. to the Rescue

Ame visits Nick Jr. quite frequently and this is the craft project we finally attempted
to make today. Ame has been very anxious to finish her carton of chocolate milk, so we
could finally make this. We went to the $$ store and were lucky to find everything we
needed to finish our project! We circled the house a few times and realized we are limited
on a place to hang this bird feeder, since we have no trees strong enough to hold something.
So we decided that the playset will be the housing spot for it.
We shall see how long until Kaipo (unfortunately) has it pulled down or dumped out!
As you can see she is VERY proud of the finished project!!
She is already discouraged that NO BIRDS have been eating yet...I hope for her sake that we have a few visitors, sometime soon!

Fun in our OWN backyard

This weekend we spent A LOT of time in the warmth of our own backyard.
The weather was perfect ( in the 80's), so we had some fun in the sun and water!

I ordered this alligator pool, that had some slides and fun things, online for what I thought was a great deal, but after getting it all blown up, it had a few holes. So it is going back, but it provided some refreshment for a few days. The water was VERY cold, but I could not keep Ash out. The first day after I got it all blown up he just kept crawling in, with his clothes on. I think he is going to be a lover of the swimming pool! And that is great for this family!!

So the next day we put a swimsuit on. Isn't the matching hat and shorts cute?
I picked them up at Dollar Tree, believe it or not.
Can't beat a $1 for a cute pair of shorts, right!

We love the warm sun!!
(but is it here to stay???)

This was the other PROJECT for the weekend.
Quinn and I spent a good part of the day getting this playset functionable-with swings, slide, picnic table, rock wall and ladder. It still has some accessories that still need to be added, but at least now it serves its purpose...PLAY

Ame and Kaipo think the teeter-toter is really meant to practice their "surfing" skills

They are soooo happy to finally be able to use this collection of wood pieces,
that has been sitting in the backyard, partly put together. The kids have already
decided they are having a PICNIC dinner, under the playset tonight. That was one of the greatest parts of this set-up for Ame...an actual picnic table.

We have had a great weekend, at home, with the family.
Working and playing together!
And we couldn't have asked for better weather

love this sound

I was in my bedroom this morning, doing on of my MOST favorite things...
folding laundry (NOT REALLY), and I heard the wood chimes outside my window.
This is one of my favorite things to listen to. I can always tell just about how windy it is outside, by how quickly these things are moving around. It is such a peaceful sound to me.
Reminds me of my favorite place, which always seems to have a perfect breeze blowing.
SO at least if I can't BE THERE, it can (for a moment) sound like I am!
This is my second set of chimes. The first set we brought back from Maui, were broken in a BIG storm last year, so I had my parents pick me up some new ones on their last trip to Hawaii.
I hope to always have a set of these hangin' around my home!

a WET visit to the zoo

Monday morning our friends called to see if we wanted to meet them at the Zoo.
I was a bit hesitant because it had been raining, actually pouring all morning.
But we got layered up, grabbed our snacks & umbrellas and headed out for a WILD time.
Although it was VERY wet, it was such a fun time with friends and definitely worth it!

Our 1st visit was to see the WHITE alligator

Kaipo was definitely intrigued

One of our other favorites was the baby giraffe

I am not sure how much fun Ash had

but the rest of the WILD animals all had a blast!

And we got a season pass so we can visit lots more times...when it is NOT raining!

new scent

Anyone looking for a new scent...this one is awesome!
Euphoria, by Calvin Klein
One of my wonderful mothers day gifts.

I love these letters!

A few days ago, while playing on "Playhouse Disney" Ame found a video example of how to make a single serve of ice cream in a bag. That being a BUSY DAY, I told her the next day, when we had more time, we'd try it. Well the next day was, lets just say, a BAD ATTITUDE DAY with Ame, so I told her we would have to do another day, when she had a better attitude. This is the letter I got later that day.
interpretation (if needed):
I really want to make ice cream
So can you let me
pretty please let me
And the picture is US sharing an ice cream cone. I soo love the letters and notes I get from her. Reminds me a lot of myself, as a little girl! (right mom) Unfortunately it has been COLD since and I just haven't FELT like making ice cream-more like hot cocoa!

more dance...THE RECITAL

The BIG day was a crazy one! The recital started at 3:30, so I headed over with Ame and Kaipo about 2:45 when the doors opened to the auditorium. There was a huge line and by the time we got in, our seat where 3/4 of the way back or more. Here's Ame WAITING to head back stage. Ame with our neighbor Azlin.

Not a very good pic, but here's Ame ON STAGE.

Quinn was able to get a bit closer to video,
so hopefully it is a little closer up (we haven't watched it yet)

The girls waiting backstage (in the hallway actually)for their big finale.

One of her dance buddies

Here's our big star with her trophy and flower(from mom and dad)

I think this is her favorite pose

Thanks Karli and LeAnne for coming to watch. We really appreciated your support!

father and sons

Kaipo and Daddy made it father and sons BREAKFAST. Quinn isn't much of a camper, plus he had a bunch of work calls, so they just went up in the morning. Does Mr. Mischief look like he had fun?
I would imagine that water was pretty chilly, but Kaipo doesn't
seem the least bit bothered by the temperature.

Fun daddy and son time!

Except where is daddy...I guess behind the camera

dance pics

I was really impressed with the dance, picture taking process, this year. They took pictures @ a studio right next door. Everyone was soo organized and they scheduled picture time during their regular dance time, which was VERY convenient! We got them back the next week and they did a great job (I think). Isn't her costume so cute? After watching dress rehearsal yesterday, I am even more happy with the costume SHE got. SOme of the others...hhmmGrandma and Grandpa, we will have more pics after the dance recital this Saturday!

Preschool Graduation

Wednesday evening Ame had graduation.

It was just a simple, cute, little "pirate" program.

The kids sang a few wiggles songs (I think the song choices could have been better, but whatever) and then they talked about each of the kids... as they got their certificates
Ash makes for a real CUTE pirate, don't you think?!
Ame and her teacher, Ms. Mandy
(what a job-and she did it so great!)

Here are some of her favorite friends.

And several of the student teachers

(Ame really liked the idea of having all these BIG sister type girls around-

they were really cute with the preschoolers)

They provided a sloppy joe dinner after the program, which I thought was VERY nice, considering they have 2 classes of 16+ students and then to feed their families too!

Ame has had a fun time at pre-school this year and has been such a BIG helper.

But she is definitely READY for Kindergarten in the Fall!!

For our Special Grandma (Asplund) and Mom

Since we can't be with you IN PERSON, we thought you'd enjoy these special videos made

JUST FOR YOU!

Grandma we hope you know on this Mother's Day just how special you are to us!

I didn't really want this to be on my blog, because it is more personal, but I didn't really know how to send these large files via email (I'm sure I could have figured it out,eventually, IF I tried)

Here's to YOU Mother:

You are such a perfect example of what a mother is and should be. And I love that we have become so close, not only as mother and daughter, but also as great friends too. I am so fortunate to have you as one to emulate. I don't think I could ever become half the person that you are...but it is always good to set your goals high, right?

I am also so grateful for the grandmother you are to my children. They are so fortunate to have someone who is so thoughtful, generous, loving, concerned and just enjoys having fun & being WITH them! ( just not right now)

Happy Mother's Day...to the GREATEST mother I could have ever asked for.

Love, your daughter, Brittany

Tumbling

Kaipo started taking tumbling last week. I was a bit nervous about starting him, not knowing how good of a listener he would be and if could stay focused. He has pleasantly surprised me and done very well! This is such a positive way for him to release some of the enormous amounts of energy he has, at least once a week! (This gives me hope for preschool next year)

Way to go Kaipo...YOU made your mama proud!

Here are 2 of his buddies, from our ward, that are in the same class. They are actually

both older than him, but you would never know that cuz he is just such a tall boy!

Classic

Have your kids seen this "timeless" classic?

We saw it at the library yesterday and I just had to get it for my kids to watch.

They have never seen it.

They are actually watching it right now.

Great movie for a rainy day, I think!

I have told Quinn before that we should get this movie for the kids to watch.

But He doesn't think it is as great of a classic as I do.

He says it is a creepy, wierd movie.

What is your opinion????

For Gma and Gpa

I don't want to bore anyone with another performance by Ame, so this video is put on here just to make a grandma and grandpa proud, of their favorite little girl (well one of them).

I don't think Ame has given the scripture or prayer, since we have been in this ward. But she has given 4 talks (because she always vounteers)! If it were up to MOM, I don't think I would choose a talk EVERY time, but as long as she is willing I will let her choose. We always seems to get the assignment on a busy week. But once I see her share it on Sunday, the little time spent was SO WORTH IT! And if this didn't make a mama proud enough, she jumped right up in Sac. Mtg. and shared her testimony. What an example this girl is to her parents and brothers!

yard work

This weekend we (mostly I-Quinn sort of checked the sprinklers) spent some time in the yard, doing some planting, care, repair and clean-up.

This is a picture of my flower bed(s) and the tulips I planted last fall.

I planted several other things this weekend, that I ordered off of a website my neighbor recommended. So we will see if I made good choices and if they will actually bloom.

I tried to pick out some things that seemed kind of unique, as well as some traditional flowers.

I also gave our lawn some "lawn food". Hopefully it will help with the less green areas. These are some of the flowers I ordered called Lupines.

This is a picture from the website and it said they come in a bundle,

so we will see if I actually get this assortment of COLOR.

The New Front-Runner

For those who live in Utah, you have heard about the MUCH anticipated Front-Runner Train. Well we decided to give it a try, since the first few days were FREE!

We only went as far as Layton. But after waiting to get on the train, then waiting again to return, plus we all had to share like 1-2 seats, because it was sooo crowded, we are glad that is as far as we went. But the kids got to experience it, so that is what counts!

And it was BEAUTIFUL weather yesterday-close to 80.

(just for your info. today is only 50)

Hawaiian Day @ Pre-School

Ame had her MUCH ANTICIPATED hawaiian day at school.

She wanted to share something withe everyone, so she passed out SHELL LEIS

(conveniently we had some left over from our ward christmas party).

They also made foam flower leis, painted fish, made vocanoes erupt and

had lots of other fun activities.

Ame was being silly and wearing one of the flower decorations. Kaipo loved PLAYING in the water and sand with the other kids.
Ms. Mandy even brought some coconuts to show the kids and cracked them open,
so they could try a piece. They had them for snack (after Kaipo and I left)
but according to Ame they didn't really like the coconuts.
Ame shared one of her many talent with the class. She was VERY brave to
perform ALL BY HERSELF (with the exception of Kaipo joining in a few times)

in front of everyone. The decision was completely left up to her as whether or not to dance.
She was feeling shy at first but after one dance, she actually WANTED to do a few more!

Here is one of the hula dances she knows. She did a tahitian dance first, but I missed

recording that one...trying to tame Kaipo instead!



Ame told me after I left she even gave some Hula lessons to some of the girls!

2-in-1

This picture shares two things for me. One: my new favorite cleaning supply.

Kind of weird I know, but I tend to buy generic cleaning supplies as often as possible,

including window cleaner. But not anymore! I picked up some windex because it was on

sale at the grocery store and I am never going generic again with window cleaner.

I can't believe the difference!!! No streaks and a much better smell! Two: notice the much excess blind pieces stacked at the bottom of the window.

Well when we installed the blinds ourselves (from home depot) they cut the width for you,

but they come in just a standard length which you are suppose to remove and trim to size.

Well we obviously didn't do it when we hung them and said we'd DO IT LATER.

Well it is a year later and they still aren't done.

Hopefully I will get to them this summer (in addition to my many other PROJECTS).

Sounds like so much fun...doesn't it?

brushing?

Are you a manual brusher OR an electric toothbrusher?

We used to just use regular toothbrushes, but Quinn and I just had dentist appts.

(at a new dentist) and got electric toothbrushes. We have had them in the past, but

Ame didn't really like it before. But opinions have changed and of course NOW the kids

love the tickle toothbrushes (as Kaipo calls them). And since we are trying to have

better oral hygiene, in addition to floss Ame wanted to get mouthwash. This kind is

great because the lid flashes so they know how long to rinse. Now every morning Ame

is taking care of her teeth without me even having to remind her!

And that is a GREAT thing for a busy mom!!!

hugs and kisses

This is a special post for Grandma and Grandpa Asplund.

We just wanted YOU to know how much we LOVE you,

that we are thinking of YOU (as we often do)

and since YOU aren't HERE to give

YOU a hug... and a kiss...
we are sending them to YOU via blog.

Hope you are having a great day!

*YOU are our favorite missionaries*

A Few Updates

Here are few updates:
#1 You can see I have changed the background to my blog page. My sister-in-law sent me the link and I really like it, cuz I like Roxy! (maybe cuz it helps me FEEL young) I haven't changed anything on my page up to now, cuz I am soo clueless, unlike all you smarter & more creative people out there. I definitely need a course in blogging! Any offers I accept. Although... I do NOT prefer pink, so hopefully I can figure out how to change the color.
#2 Ash is drinking some milk. I started buying the pediasure drinks and he really likes the chocolate ones. Who wouldn't, it is soooo chocolatety. I dilute it with some milk and hope to gradually add MORE milk and LESS chocolate. We will see how it goes.
#3 Kaipo has gone a week without any accidents, during the day. He is still wet after night-time sleep. But I am OK with that for now. That is how Ame was and she just gradually started staying dry. Way to go BiG Boy!
#4 I got a new calling. I am in young womens now-0ver personal progress AND athletics. I am excited to be in YW's! I haven't been in there since I "graduated" so many years ago! I have my first personal progress activity tomorrow night. Another thing to help keep me young!
#5 Quinn has finished his training (in SLC) for his job and is now officially working from home. We are still working things out-scheduling and work space wise, but my flexibility is back (somewhat).
#6 Ame is getting to her busy HULA season. Her teacher emails us the performances they have scheduled and then everyone makes it to what they can. The performances are optional but encouraged. It just helps them become better, besides lessons every week, to perform as often as possible. Their big annual LUAU is in July! I may be biased, but I think she is getting pretty good! She especially loves tahitian!
She also has her Jazz/Ballet recital next month. So she is a busy dancer, but is having fun (which is most important)!