Birthday Girl

I turned 31 yesterday. I love having my birthday fall on a Sunday...a day of relaxation and worship. 

What could be better?

I received many kind birthday messages,

a birthday dinner prepared by my mother-in-law,

the most decadent chocolate brownies from a close friend,

visit from neighbors,

phone calls from family,

a beautiful birthday bouquet from my mom,

a beach cruiser bike (I've always wanted one),

cute 4-peice luggage set, 

and LOTS of love. 

Today was a great birthday!!

I love this month...every two weeks something special happens...Anniversary...Mother's Day...and my Birthday!!

The Annual (Mexico) Mother's Day Program at the grade school did not disappoint this year.

Tori's class sang "Baby Bumblebee"

Alex's class sang "The Wheels on the Bus"

(and she was the mother on the bus)

Benton's class sang "Mr. Crocodile"

Then the entire school got up and sang a few Mother's Day songs.

Our school is tiny but we love it.

I got to help Tori's class with their song and costumes.

Each class presented their mothers with a gift.

I came home with flowers, pictures, and potted plants.

On the U.S. Mother's Day Garrett and the kids prepared our Sunday dinner and did the dishes so I didn't have to lift a finger. It was so nice. The ward gave all the mothers a bar of fine chocolate. 

We had a wonderful day resting and visiting with our mothers.

Happy Mother's Day!

weekend in El Paso

We head out to the states once a month to get all our errands/shopping done.

This weekend there was a TON going on.

We went shopping with the girls...Tori, Alexa and Brooke...

Can you find our girls among the mannequins at Old Navy?

I couldn't spot them until I glanced over at this grouping of plastic mannequin, then I saw them talking to them, hugging them and holding hands with their new (doll) friends.

Once our million and 2 errands were done we dressed up and went out to a dance recital of some more cousins. Alex was happy to spend time with Malia and Remy.

From there we rushed over to a double birthday party for Malia and Jayden.

These two little munchkins had a blast in the pool. 
No visit is complete without ice cream and late night visits.

We had a busy weekend but spent a lot of time with family and had so much fun. 

Chill'n

This afternoon it got warm enough to put on our swimsuits and get a little wet.

Before I could get Ada into her suit I found her fully clad, shoes and all, soaking in this galvanized tub.

She had her hands behind her head and she was relaxing.

Once I got her out of her clothes and into her swimwear I was hoping she would pose once again for the camera...no such luck.

Glad to be able to get a little color to my whiteness...but what is it about the first time of the season...seeing yourself in a bathing suit...and the SHOCK!

Children's Day

Children's Day is upon us once again. 

Our kids have been practicing for the races.

Every class got matching shirts.

The school provided lunch, awards, and water games today.

Tori in her first race.

Benton participating in his first Children's Day events.

Many ribbons were won in our family this year.

Adalyn was a good sport the whole time.

She cheered on her siblings.

Alex is our speed demon. 

She earned several FIRST place ribbons.

We learned that Benton's main event was the sack-race.

He won by leaps and bounds.

This kid has some hops.

Benton was placed with the Kinder kids because there was only 2 pre-schoolers.

They did very well.

My competitive boy was brought to tears when the 3-legged-race didn't go as planned.

Better practice for next year.

Children's Day continued in Casas.

The Fair came to town along with the Circus. 

All the kids got in for 1/2 price.

This was Adalyn's first time on roller-coasters (only in Mexico)...and she LOVED it.

The faster...the better.

Benton, on the other hand, liked the slower, calmer rides.

Our kids brought some friends with them and we spent two solid hours on straight rides. 

They had a blast.

 HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY!