I Heart Spring!!

It feels sooo good to spend time outside everyday--Here's what we've been up to lately:

Thanksgiving Point :) We just got a membership for the year and I'm loving it! The gardens are so beautiful and relaxing...and the kids both burn off a lot of energy. Hey--anyone else out there with a membership?? Let's go together...

Mikayla had her dance recital a couple weeks ago, and she did such a great job. I wish I had better video, but this is all I got with my little camera. She is in the back row and is the first to stand up:

We're so proud of you, Mikayla. Great job!

(Mikayla with her best friend, Paige)

Playing Catch-up

I just realized that in all the chaos, I never posted any pictures of Easter. Kale was in bad shape this day, so he didn't get to join in for the easter egg hunt, but the kids had such a great time with Uncle Shane, Aunt Shea, Bryce and Brittnie...and of course, Mom and Grandma. Pictures of the girls in their Easter best are to the right.

Update

Kale has been home for a week now and seems to be progressing normally. He had his staples taken out on Monday and he has a nice long scar (about 7 or 8 inches) down his lower back. He is following doctor's orders and staying in bed much of the day...only getting up for 20 minutes at a time. It's making both of us a little bit bonkers, but it's for the best. We have high hopes for a full recovery and years of no more back pain!
That's all for now. I took the girls to the tulip festival at Thanksgiving Point tonight, so I'll post pictures of that later. It was so much fun!

Surgery Today

Kale was taken to the hospital due to, among other things, severe leg pain and numbness. He was admitted on Wednesday night and as of this morning is scheduled for a spinal fusion later this afternoon. He is feeling well at the moment, but I am so anxious about the whole thing. We feel very blessed that Kale has been diagnosed and is being operated on by the best Neurosurgeon in Utah. Everyone we talk to says there's no one better than Dr. Reichman. I'll post an update as soon as I can.

My sweet Aubrey

Just over two years ago, our family was blessed with a new little baby girl. Yesterday we celebrated-- Tinkerbell style.

Her birthday was on Thursday, but the party was scheduled for Saturday so that we could celebrate with family. She knew she was having a party soon, so she was VERY excited when I got her up from her nap and took her downstairs where I had spent the last 1 1/2 hours decorating and frosting cupcakes--"Aubrey party, Aubrey party". She even took the time to take a bunch of pictures for her mom. Isn't that nice of her?

This little girl brings such joy to our family. You know--the kind of joy that feels your heart so full you think it may burst. Here are some of the little things I adore about her:

1. She is my good little helper. She's always the first to respond when I say it's time to clean up. The other day, she and I were playing Polly Pocket before naptime. When I decided it was time for bed, I picked her up and started walking out of the room. She surprised me when she said, "Mommy. Clean up."

2. She is very tender and loving. She has genuine concern for others when they are sad or hurt.

3. She says the funniest things. The other day I was changing her diaper and she looks at me and says, "Have mercy". WHAT? I laughed so hard. I guess she's picking up a few one-liners from watching Full House. (You know---Uncle Jessie).

4. She adores her whole family...especially her big sister. Watching the two of them together is good for my heart.

5. She always wakes up happy and smiling. Whether it's in the morning or after nap, she smiles and says, "good morning!".

6. She just makes me smile.

7. Her giggle is infectious.

8. She loves to cuddle. When she gives hugs, she always rubs and pats my back.

I love you my sweet Aubrey-bug! I'm so glad Heavenly Father sent you to our family--