3in1

 This weekend was busy! We celebrated Kyles 6th birthday and Easter and enjoyed General Conference. 

Kyles birthday was great. I was nervous I was going to let him down because his expectations were so high. However, it turned out to be everything he was hoping for. He took treats to school, had a party and told everyone he met that day it was his birthday. The party was insane. We had ten kindergarteners, Cache, Beckett and two of his friends and Tayden and one of his friends. 16 kids total. Kyle loved having the older kids there, it made him feel so special. Plus, they were a huge help to me since Scott had to work. The kids made ninja headbands, sword fought, played "ninja, ninja, robber" and did all the traditional birthday party stuff. It was an exhausting success and a huge reminder why I don't do parties often. 

Kyle is the best six year old. He is strong willed and convinced he's the boss. Ky is rough. He doesn't put up with any teasing of any sort from his brothers and often retaliates with his fists. He knows his mind and has a hard time changing it, unless of course it was his idea. But for every ounce of stubborn, he is as equally as sweet. He showers me with love and hugs multiple times a day, often out of no where. We got him a watch that he really wanted for his birthday and he told us "thank you" no less than 20 times over the space of two days. Kyle is resistant to learning. He does great in school, but has no interest or patience for it at home. Its something we're working through and I think have found a solution with a sticker chart. Kyle loves to play with his friends, loves to go camping and build with legos. He is as cute as they come and makes the perfect caboose to our crazy train. 

Easter and conference went hand in hand this year. Easter Sunday fell on conference weekend and that is just how I like it. We spent the weekend listening to the General Authorities and filling our spiritual cups. This is the third conference in a row that has been virtual due to COVID, but I heard so many messages of hope that it was hard to feel too upset about it. Especially when you have dogs to cuddle. 

Easter was great this year. Because of Kyles birthday, I had put off Easter preparations until the very last minute. We're talking until the night before. Scott and I went out after the Saturday afternoon sessions and fought the crowd of procrastinators and walked away with less than we anticipated. As we laid in bed that night, we decided to talk about The Resurrection before we did any Easter gifts. It turned out to be a beautiful moment with our kids. We bore testimony, talked about the Great Plan of Happiness, the gifts and blessings that The Resurrection provide, and the love of our Savior and Heavenly Father. Then we handed out our small gifts- a shirt and a couple pieces of candy. And you know what, the kids were fine! More than fine, they had the true spirit of Easter in their hearts. Scott and I decided a new tradition had been born and we would not commercialize Easter, instead focus of the empty tomb. I am so grateful we had that experience and I am looking forward to years to come.

We went to Packards for Easter dinner and spent time with Grandma, Grandpa and Ashley. The weather was beautiful and the boys enjoyed time jumping on the tramp, playing at the park and the egg hung that Ashley planned. It was the perfect ending to a beautiful day. 

This weekend was busy, but so so good. We are blessed beyond measure!