Michael

Grandma took Michael and Reagan to her Lake Elsinore Women's Club St. Patrick's Day something or other and they had such a good time. Michael wouldn't stop talking about all of the fun that he had at the "women's playhouse".

Michael loves to play with Malia. He enjoys making her laugh, although mom doesn't approve of some of his methods. . .

Michael loves being silly. It is kind of hard to find normal pictures of him because he is normally making faces for the camera. This was our April Fool's Dinner, so silly was definitely allowed.

This is typical Michael. He has always loved the blanket Auntie Sherelda and her mother made for him. He takes it everywhere, and it is pretty much a rag now. He still loves it, but he's started doubling up on blankets. He is all tucked in for bed in the rocker in our room with his animals tucked into their bucket. Somehow he has slept all night in this position. He, at almost 5, still does not understand why he should have to sleep in his own bed. Actually, I think that Malia is the only kid in our family who doesn't complain about being put in her own bed.

And here is Michael super happy on Easter because the Easter Bunny brought him a kite, and a Batman one at that. Michael will be starting kindergarten in the fall and I am excited for him. Though I am looking forward one less head to count for a few hours each day, I will miss him. He is a sweet and sensitive little man, and also lots of fun to be with and listen to.

Kaela

Kaela is always begging to go to the snow, so she really enjoyed our Utah trip. I don't know how many snowmen she made! Here she is after a fun sled ride with Samara. She's got that cute tooth gap. I miss that. Sometimes she is pulling a loose tooth out before I even realize it was loose.

Kaela enjoying our April Fool's Dinner. She is quite the drama queen. Recently at open house her teacher asked if she is as quiet at home as she is at school. I could not help but laugh out loud, because she is so full of life at home. I'm grateful she remembers her indoor voice at school at least. Her teacher complimented Kaela on being a very sweet girl and a very good student, and I have to agree with her.

Kaela got glasses!! We noticed she was really squinting while reading scriptures at night, and sure enough, she needed glasses for reading. Thankfully she was excited about it and picked them out all on her own. We are grateful that she is such a responsible girl. She takes good care of those glasses.

Here is beautiful Kaela with her Easter stash and new best friend Ping. Kaela LOVES animals and always has a few friends tagging along with her. She is also very thoughtful with her little friends and is quick to share them with little cousins and brothers. She is actually very thoughtful with everything and blesses our family with her gifts of kindness.

Kaela awaiting the tooth fairy. . . again. . .with 2 teeth. . .I borrow money from her. Kaela will finish 2nd grade this week. She has done very well in her class this year and recently received "Student of the Trimester" which was pretty fun for all of us. She never needs to be told to do her homework. She enjoy being outside riding her bike or playing with her brothers or cousins.

Leneah

Here is Leneah holding Malia on her blessing day. Leneah adores her baby sister and is super helpful with her.

Leneah got braces! She had a retainer for a bit but had one stubborn tooth that didn't fit. We went in for a bracket, and I was surprised to see this smile coming out of the orthodontist office (I don't know much about braces. . .). This was back in January, and they were removed just in time for Easter and STAR testing treats at school. She looked so much older with them on, but we quickly got used to them. She enjoyed all of the fun colors as they changed her bands, but missed gum. That's about all she missed because I wasn't very good at remembering what she couldn't eat. Caramel and lifesavers will break brackets by the way. . .

We took a whirlwind trip to Utah to see cousins and snow, and the kids had a great time. Here's Leneah and Nani enjoying the freshly fallen snow. Leneah LOVES to be with her cousins. She also loved the snow and spent the most time in it of all the family. She learned that snowpants and boots are wonderful.

Leneah REALLY wanted to do a science project experiment this year. It wasn't required, but she was very excited and determined to do so. It fit well into my schedule with 5 children, a very busy husband, and a new baby, so typical Carrie style, we finished it together in the early morning hours, but darn, we did it and had fun doing it. Her experiment involved testing yeast and the temperatures it works best at, inspired by an experiment I did with my mommy about wheat oh so long ago. Leneah did a marvelous job and won first prize for her grade at the school. Typically 3rd graders don't get to go to the District science fair, but they sent her project and she ended up with a 2nd place there! It was so fun for her. Her winning project will be available for a nominal fee next year. . .

And here she is at Easter (note the expensive smile. . .). Leneah will be finishing up 3rd grade this week. She has had a great year and has enjoyed trying new things. She enjoyed mastering handball and tetherball this year and also served on the school student council. It is hard to believe she used to be so shy and afraid to try new things. We love Leneah!