April Projects

Project #1: Painting the nursery:

Seth and Catherine begged to help paint.

They did a remarkably good job, and only painted the baseboard in one spot. 

Project #2: Developing Elise-holding Skills: 

After ignoring her for the first month, Aaron has now decided Elise is pretty great.

He's got the "insert pacifier" skill down.

Also the "hold the baby and watch a screen" skill. 

Still working on the "properly support baby's head" skill.

Project #3: Hacking

When given an ultimatum (either Mom gets to do your hair every day, or you cut it short), Rapunzel opted for the short hair. I was quite surprised, but happy to hopefully be done with all the snarls every morning:

She was a little hesitant at first, but quickly fell in love with her new do!

Project #4: Teaching Elise to Sit Up 

This is Seth's project.

I told him it will be several months before she can sit up.

He insists on training her anyway.

It's going about as well as it appears in this picture.

Sometimes

Sometimes you have to have a photo shoot for no reason besides an adorable outfit.

Excellent head-lifting skills.

Also, brow-raising skills.

Blue, blue eyes.

The hair looks quite red in this one.

Adorable little dress!

Every girl need a mohawk with her dress.

Kid Moments

Drives in our van are now measured by the number of times we have to listen to Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" on repeat. Preschool is 4 repeats. Another 4 to get home. Even Aaron insists on it now.  "Want 'Shake, Shake'?"

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Me: (can't figure out why my phone keeps telling me my storage is full).
Days later: find a 17-minute-long video my daughter apparently recorded of herself walking around the house.
Yep. That would do it.

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Aaron, as we approach the church building one Sunday: "No! No! Don't want to!"

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The big kids are trying to save up for a PlayStation 3. Instead of doing chores and getting paid for them (like I suggested), they're out front trying to sell glasses of water for $1 to the neighbors.  No takers, so far.

Easter

Elise was really the only cooperative kid when it came time for Easter photos.

And so, here are lots of adorable pictures of Elise in her Easter dress:

(Don't miss the booties--love!)

The shocked look is one of her favorites.

This girl has some crazy, crazy cowlicks happening.

Hopefully her hair will lay flat once it gets longer.

Ruffle bottom tights!

Easter baby

Catherine was the second most cooperative, so she got a solo shot:

Such a beautiful girl!

Elise was thrilled by the sisters shot:

No screaming, but no smiling either:

Sometimes I wonder why I even try taking pictures of all four kids.

This is how it goes. Every. Time:

Drunk Catherine, Chewing Seth, Pacifier Elise, Whiny Aaron

At least Seth looks good...

We also had our traditional Easter dinner at the Knoxes. 

Aaron helped me made Au Gratin potatoes:

And by "helped" I mean he ate the potatoes.

Raw.

I also got to help put together a simple Easter program for the Primary. We listened to the words of those who walked with Christ when he was on earth. I was so touched by their testimonies.

We listened to a young Mary declare, "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord." We heard from the daughter of Jairus, raised from the dead. We listened to Peter describe what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane. We heard Mary again, this time speaking of her son's sacrifice on the cross. And, finally, we listened to Mary Magdalene describe how her sorrow turned to joy when she realized that He had risen.

It was a powerful and beautiful meeting. I'm so grateful for all who helped put it together: this is my new favorite Easter tradition!

Bunny Day

Life with a newborn means Mom does not get up in the morning in time to see the kids rush in to see their Easter baskets. Instead, Mom gets to see the aftermath:

Looks like they thoroughly enjoyed the contents of their baskets.

Catherine loved her Elsa kite.

Seth was quite pleased with his loot (especially the footie jammies)

Aaron had no idea what was going on, except there was lots of candy.

Elise got no candy. but she did get this sweet, sweet outfit.

Elise's first Easter

Catherine is always available to help.

She also got a lamb, which she loved dearly.

A successful Bunny Day for all!

Antics

One time, Catherine was under the impression that her friend gave her his stuffed cat. Upon further investigation, it appeared to actually be a temporary loan. But by then she was in love. Luckily I found one for $5. But then she just wanted to keep the twin cats...you can't win!

Having two kids in diapers isn't as bad as I thought it would be. 

Plus it lends itself to adorable side-by-side sibling pictures!

(not actually a smile--just a lucky contortion)

Catherine finally got her crown from Grandma to stay on her head.

And then there was the day Aaron woke up with The Hair:

It was glorious:

I might even go as far as "majestic":

Elise also has majestic hair:

Then there was the afternoon Catherine put stickers all over everyone (and the wood floor):

Obviously, Elise was thrilled:

Kidding!

That's actually Catherine, after being be-stickered by Seth five years ago.

And, in a strange coincidence, using the exact same stickers.

What goes around, I suppose...

And this is my favorite--Aaron's first time asking to hold Elise:

Of course, now he thinks he can pick her up and carry her around.

He gets quite offended when I stop him.

Church Easter Egg Hunt

Because you can never have enough Easter egg hunts (lie: you totally can and our kids had way too many this year), we also did one with friends from church. 

Catherine and Paul, waiting for the hunt to start

Aaron is so sure he can climb up things that he really can't climb up.

I try to tell her that these things wouldn't happen if I could do her hair...

As usual, Bekah took over Aaron duty.

I need to hire her as his Mommy.

One of the first really warm days of the year.

Also, the only picture I got of Seth.

Having four kids makes me spread too thin sometimes. 

Aaron hunts for eggs with Bekah.

Catherine waiting patiently to start.

Still totally refuses to participate in any of the pre-hunt singing/movement 

to keep the kids entertained while waiting.  She just stares stoically.

Egg hunts are better in heels.

Totally let them eat their candy for lunch.

Good thing Easter is the last big candy holiday until Halloween!