Sooooo.... Clayton's 5th birthday was March 28th. We didn't celebrate until just after Easter, however, because the gift we ordered for him took FOREVER to get here. By the time it did arrive, Grandma Kathie was due to arrive in just a few days. We decided waiting a little longer would be well worth having Grandma be one of the Birthday surprises. We didn't tell the kids she was coming. Alex went to pick her up from the airport and then she hid in Leif's room. We told the kids that there was a surprise somewhere in the house and that they needed to find it. Well, they were thrilled that the surprise was Grandma Kathie! The next day we went bowling for Clayton's birthday party. We ate pizza and had lemonade while we played. Clayton LOVED his "birthday game!"

We had a wonderful Easter and enjoyed every minute together!

The one sad part is that Adelaide woke up with a stomach ache. She and I stayed home from church. I tucked her in on the couch and we had lunch together and had fun talking with each other. After an hour and a half she felt better. Then slowly, and in a peaceful quite house, I began dinner preparations. As soon as the rest of the family got home from church, the usual chaos broke loose and I was very glad dinner was almost done and that I didn't have to cook the whole meal while being interrupted every 30 seconds or so. After dinner we dyed eggs and had hunt. That took all day. We all had a lot of fun!

I wanted to do something simple with the kids to help them learn what happened on this day about 2,ooo years ago. The Savior died. He died that we might live again!

I found these super cute treats on youtube:

This is how I tied it in to what I wanted the kids to learn.

I asked:
What can you find in a nest? (eggs!)
What comes out of the eggs? (baby chicks!)
Then I said:
Those cute little baby chicks represent new life! Who died so that we can live again? (Our Savior, Jesus Christ)
We discussed it a few times today, and the kids did learn from it. The treats were quite delicious! I think I will make this a Good Friday tradition. Also, Adelaide copied the words "He died, that we might live again," onto paper while the chocolate nests were in the fridge.

Here's how to make them:

Crush three large shredded wheat biscuits. Melt some chocolate and mix into the shredded wheat. Form into nests and put in fridge. The nests will feel like they aren't going to hold together very well, but if you smash them together well, they will hold very nicely. After 30 min, take the nest from the fridge and put in three malted eggs. Done!

Here's the video if you want:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zt9LWmQ8FuI&feature=feedlik

Uncle Parker and Aunt Sherrie sent us a gift card to Coldstone Creamery. It was a Happy Birthday to all of us at the same time. What a great idea! They are so thoughtful and kind, and always give the best gifts! Alex and I decided it would be a good idea if we split it up and have some one-on-one time with Adelaide and Clayton. Adelaide and I went on a date, and Dad and Clayton went on a date. We all had so much fun! Adelaide was so excited during our girl time. It was fun listening to her chatter away. I suspect the daddy/son date was just as wonderful, but somewhat different. I imagine Clayton silently admiring and eating his ice cream over a period of half an hour. We all had a great time! Thanks Sherrie and Parker!

This morning, while trying to feed oatmeal to a very cranky Leif, I only half heard Clayton tell me, "Mom, this morning I was sad and grumpy because Adelaide wouldn't play with me, but then God made me feel better."
I responded something like, "Oh, cool" before even realizing what he said. Then I said, "What? Who made you feel better?"
With great feeling and wide eyes he exclaimed, "Jesus, the bread of Life!"
Today I definitely was touched by the innocence of a child. The last few days I have seen a spiritual light shining from Clayton's eyes as we discuss certain topics. I can see the things I've been trying to teach really hitting home. Before, I felt like no matter how much love I expressed or what I tried to teach, it was not effective. In other words, I felt unable to communicate to Clayton in a way he was able to receive and understand what I was trying to convey. But something has clicked now. Maybe age 5 is a magic number, because now the pieces are falling together and I am watching in awe as my boy is growing into a young man of God. He is, as an understatement, a wonderful gift and example to me.

When Adelaide found out she was going to a daughter dance the countdown began. She knew about it two weeks in advance and, of coarse, each day she was very accurate in the number of days left until her date with daddy. She had a wonderful time! Alex was the photographer and had fun practicing his portraiture photography and dancing with Adelaide.

I've been trying to figure out why I adore this picture so much. I finally realized it's because
1) She's so darn cute and
2) There's a picture of me as little girl with this same exact facial expression. She looks a lot like I did at her age. Only I was chubbier.
Now of coarse, the reason for the evening: Adelaide and Daddy. I remember going to daddy daughter dances with my dad. It's so amazing how important these events are to us girls. I have fond memories of dancing with my dad, and now Adelaide is making wonderful memories with hers. We are grateful for our Dads!