April

April is always always fun. I have loved the sunny days and even the rainy spells too.  Since it was a good stretch of weather we had Bennett's birthday party outside. After looking at endless cake ideas, I settled on the campfire theme because it seemed doable. so I learned how to make glass candy for the flame. Bennett's candles kept re-lighting themselves...it was only then I realized what the package meant by "re-lighting".

It was nice to have so many little ones running around when your youngest seems to be growing up too fast. Bennett is one of a kind, so funny and bright. He is, at times, a bit overly sensitive but then again he's only 5.  We moved him out of his toddler bed and into a regular bed Grandpa made and he has enjoyed it. We thought for sure he'd fall out but he hasn't - not that we've heard anyway.

We were especially blessed to have Jaylene and her girls visit for a couple days for Bennett's birthday. Her little ones are as busy as can be and definitely fun to have around. Cami is so sweet and friendly...just can't help adoring her.

This little game Jaylene gave Bennett is a hit. It's a Star Wars game, very simple but a fun concept and great for a lot of ages of kids. We finally moved it off the table last week but have played many rounds.

The pot in front is one Paxton should be proud of. He made it by himself, with very little help from Jared (mostly verbal). Jared had to tell him a couple times to quit while he's ahead. And he did, resulting in his tallest, most centered pot so far. These are the kinds of every day things I have neglected to take enough photos of this month. Like Paxton at baseball practice or the boys playing catch in the backyard. I'll do better next month, no more classes to teach and more of camp planning out of the way. I hope.


Speaking of girls camp, I couldn't help but recruit Jared to do something our girls could personalize at camp. So, bowls it is. He has thrown around 35 give or take and probably has about that many left. He can do about 5 in an hour or less so he does them in batches. These particular bowls on the rack have little holes punched in them by the girls who want it for a jewelry bowl, in particular to hang earrings off the rim. None of these are fired or decorated yet, which will come later.

Just a photo I took today puttering around the backyard. It's lucky it turned out because the sun was blinding. At least it's not chickens.