Easter Morning

We had a fun Easter morning. I really enjoyed finding them each of the kids a little present that I knew they would enjoy. Annabelle was thrilled with a pink rimmed fedora and Asa, who is currently in love with Mickey Mouse got a new stuffed animal. 

 I just love Annabelle's bed head!

 Of course Kai wasn't left out, but he didn't care too much about the glowing sea horse in his basket.

After church I noticed that Annabelle has just grown leaps and bounds since she wore this pink dress to David and Clara's wedding a year ago {Happy Anniversary you two!} . It's almost as if she's sprouted new legs ;)

Kai Kai's First Camping Trip!

Who could resist gorgeous Sedona for a little spring camping? Not us! Once again we camped at Oak Creek. This time we mostly stayed out of town, played by the river and went for one of the greatest hikes we've ever taken with the kids.

Kai did great and didn't mind being all snugged up in the wrap while we explored. It was fun to take him camping for the first time and to use Mike's new birthday tent for the first time as well. Awesome night shot of the tent here.

No matter what else is on the agenda for a camping trip, if there is water, we've gotta go get our feet wet and throw some rocks into it. Oak creek is perfect for just such an activity.

Who needs toys when you're in a meadow? 

These two played all morning next to our campsite.

Kai was our sleepy head, the last one up in the morning.

As I mentioned, this was the greatest hike I've ever taken with the kids. Annabelle and Asa had their imaginations going full speed the entire time. Every bit of terrain that we encountered turned into something else (i.e. fallen trees were elephant bones, ditches extending out from the river were where witches were hiding). It turned out to be quite the adventure.

Asa pretending to eat the popcorn

To our surprise at one point we came upon a grove of popcorn trees! Not much imagination needed here. We played and sang "Popcorn popping on the Apricot Tree" a few times before moving on from this favorite spot.

"I looked out the window and what did I see?"

Mike took some gorgeous photos of Cathedral Rock at Sunset. 

And I took this one. You can check his out here and here.

Our latest family "portrait"

Easter Egg Hunt 2011

Success! Besides the unwelcome heat, our Easter Egg Hunt was a success. My great friend Julie and I teamed up together this year and threw an Easter Egg Hunt and invited all the primary kids in our ward.  The fathers met earlier in the morning and hid a couple hundred eggs - the kids came excited and ready to find 'the golden egg'. 

Look at this turnout! Mike caught most everyone that attended in this huge group shot, as we gathered up the kids just before setting them loose (youngest kids first of course).

Annabelle and two of her friends that attended, just chattin' it up.

We had a great time. Unfortunately because of the heat the chocolate melted (causing some eggs to be infested with ants before the kids could get to them), and we didn't end up playing field games after a yummy lunch because everyone just wanted to get out of the sun - - but the hunt was a success, a big potluck lunch was fantastic and we got to socialize with lot of friends.

Thanks Julie, I'd do it with you again in a heartbeat.

New Lens = Instant Gratification

Mike's other birthday present came in the mail yesterday, a new lens. The kids and I were in the backyard when he came home with it and was ready to try it out. I can't believe the amazing shots he got of the kids who were just standing on the porch. The technique he used is called "high key".

My beautiful girl! 

In case you didn't know, this boy stole my heart.

And my baby. I just can't get enough of this chubby, happy little guy.

 For any of you curious photographers, this is how Mike described his process: "I had the kids standing in the shade, in front of a wall that was in the sunlight. I used the pup up flash, which limits the shutter speed to 1/180 of a second. This makes the sunlit was go to bright with, which makes for some fun images in the style called high key."

Yeah, I married a photographer stud.

Exhausted?

Asa just couldn't last another minute tonight.

Official 3 Month Photo Shoot

Mike took some "3 month" pictures of our little Mr. on Saturday morning. 

This is the best smile we were able to get. I think he was flailing around a little to much to enjoy laying on his back, but I love his comfy pajama look. It just makes me want to snuggle him.

 To get a new perspective we tried him in the bumbo, which was fun but he just couldn't help but lean. 

Haha, poor babe. He really is a good sport with all our picture taking. 

I just want to kiss those cheeks!

3 Months Today

Happy Three Months little Kai Kai!

You looked so darling in your bath today I just had to grab the camera and see if I could capture your sweet face, blue eyes and contentment.

 Asa jumped up on a chair to help you and love on you a little too. Who could blame him?

 You put up with us for a little while, and then you were done.

We sure are happy that you are in our family.

xoxo