April in Madi's perspective

Madison here, keeping up the blog for mom. Mom and dad went to California. We stayed with grandma.

 Aliya singing with her class at CBS in early April.

 Aliya after her program. (See her singing above.)

 Painting pottery with cousins at our house.

Abagail with playdough.

Playdough!

Soccer!

Chole and Aliya and Abigail trample daddy after soccer.

Finding Easter presents!

Blowing out candles at birthday party.

Dance recital!

Up top in dance!

Dad and daughter dance!

Push ups!

Dad carrying me away; AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

After dad daughter dance (after recital).

Madison and Aliya.

Daddy and Breanne!

Piano recital!

Prize for the first one

 What a negligent mother am I! I have missed sharing significant highlights on our blog. Aliya is my sweet little baker, always thinking of surprising her sisters with sweet treats. On Valentine's Day, we made cupcakes while her sisters were in school, arranged them in the shape of a heart and hid them until dessert that evening. We set up a decoy (everyone thought Aliya was in trouble when I asked her to please come see me in the back room) and then this little peacock emerged, "Happy Valentine's Day!" Her sweet heart amazes me (not literally-the cupcakes-but her spirit and demeanor).

 Unfortunately, I overlooked the fun red frosting could be. Taylor (a girl after my own heart) asked for just a spoonful of frosting (except, I'd ask for ice-cream to go with it.) And then look at those lips! Gorgeous I tell you! Madison and her friends have been busy with dance competitions. Her MiniKix class placed 2nd at the first competition. It's so fun to watch her dance. Derrick treated her to a date at Pizza Ranch after competing and then they returned to watch the entire evening of performances…what a dad! (Though he'll admit, that's a lot of girlyness!)_

 Breanne is into being silly and rubber band looms lately. "Take a picture of me mom!" Her hair is getting soooo long!

And look what's different about our big girl Madison….look again. I'm not telling you. Prize to the first one to notice and post the answer in the comments. (And no, it's not that she's lost the Miss Piggy hair.)

Flexible Learning…AKA Snow Day!

We love flexible learning days! Unfortunately, the Miss Piggy wig only came out once yesterday. Shucks, I don't think it will help Madi look like Roald Dahl in her Wax Museum this coming week.

Destination…Colorado

We were blessed with a safe, fun get-away to Colorado over the girls' break from school after Christmas. In the mountains, you can't help but marvel at the gorgeous creation God gives us to enjoy. Our first days took up to Colorado Springs were we saw Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, a mountain drive to a ghost town called Crippled Creek and some night time dips in the outdoor hot tub.

No trip to Colorado Springs would ever be complete for three little girls who spend more time listening to Adventures in Odyssey than they'd like their parents to know about, without visiting Whit's End Soda Shop at the Focus on the Family Headquarters. This was one of those rare parenting moments when it's okay to have ice-cream for lunch.

The drive from Colorado Springs to Grand Junction was breath-taking! From there, Derrick, Madison & Breanne hit the ski slopes while Aliya and mom swam and shopped (make sure everything starts with "s.") The following day we dared to see as much of Arches National Park in Utah as one family of five possibly could in just eight day light hours. Don't stop for lunch…eat while you drive and sight-see. Multi-tasking to a whole new level.

 There was much kissing opportunity for mom and dad while the kids watched from below where our dangerous rock scaling took us below Double Arch.

The 3-mile hike to the famous Delicate Arch was just perfect on a warmish winter day.

 The sunset was absolutely fantastic…this shot doesn't do it justice, but we recall it. Such a big day meant another day of "sitting," swimming and shopping for mom and Aliya while the rest of the family hit the ski slopes. (Breanne is smitten with snow-skiing!) Mom and Dad DeWilde also drove in mid-week and we enjoyed time with them and got to attend Derrick's cousin's wedding.

All this reflection leads me to recall that there is much of Utah left to be explored, but alas that will have to be another trip, another time.

What I love best…

 What I love best about Christmas is family, time with them, licking frosting, enjoying favorite foods, seeing joy and excitement on their faces opening gifts, snuggles with grandparents, dart guns, and laughter with cousins.

 

 What I loved most about the Amazing Race this year was watching the older cousins get completely wrapped up in the competition...

Cottage Cheese…better stop before you puke!

"But there's jello on it!"

Gagging down a Brazilian Nut and washing it down with water. Way to take one for the team! 

Keep the mascot with you at all times! Not matter who sees you with it.

Read quickly and accurately…and save your free pass for the most strategic moment.

JOY

Is that an "O" Daniel?

And the winners are….good thing you ate that nut!

The art desk revealed.

Play garbage with your cousins at every meal and snack time.

Always stay on grandma's good side…she does the shopping.

Making birthday cupcakes as a cousin force of 7…the perfect number. 

Smash the cupcakes into your faces…oh, hi Aaron.

Birthday girl.