Dance Recital

Gracie had her big dance recital last Sunday. I tried to put the video on here, but I couldn't get it to work. She was so funny! The teacher had her in the very front, but Gracie didn't know the dance, so she kept trying to look at the other girls. She was terrified to go on and wanted to go home, but she got out there and did it. I think you'll agree that she looked fabulous! Here she is with Elly before the recital. Elly couldn't relate to Gracie's stage fright!

In the car Gracie was still excited. She loved the makeup and gitter spray. Once we got there, she wasn't so happy any more.

Happy Easter

Gracie and I dressed like book characters during Read Across America week. She is Alice the Fairy and I am the little boy from the book Parts (if you haven't read this book, you should).

Garrison and Gabe liked meeting the Easter bunny at Gabe's school. Gracie said she thinks it is scary when people dress like animals (she also mentioned Chucky Cheese).

Gabe got to drive the tractor with Uncle Dan and cousin Gus. This was his favorite part of Easter!

Gracie and Garrison only got to pretend to drive, but they liked that too.



Thanks to Aunt Missy the kids got to play with the horses, fish, row a boat and drive tractors.

Gabe is very proud of his bluegill! He caught 2 fish.

Long time no write!

What a hectic couple of months Mark and I have had! His work has been crazy busy and I've had a bunch of extra stuff going on. Garrison had every illness in the book for a while, too. Now Spring is coming, we are all healthy, and life is slowing down, at least a little bit. Garrison had his 1st birthday, which has made Gabe ask several times a day when his birthday is (not til September!). Gracie is doing so well in school and loves being there. We did take time for a short mini-vacation to the Dells. The kids loved the water park and were very brave going down BIG water slides (not Garrison).

Gracie and Gabe at the Dells.

This was the day Gracie taught Garrison to ride these little scoot-a-long toys. He thought it was the funnest thing ever!

Gabe enjoying fondue on Valentine's Day

Gracie put together this stylish Valentine outfit for herself; zebra pants, purple high-heel boots, sequined heart shirt!

This is how I took Garrison outside to help take down Christmas decorations. Seemed like a great idea until he got the flu the other kids had had and threw up all over me!

Garrison is at such a fun age right now. He is almost always happy, more independent, sleeps well, and loves anything Gracie and Gabe are doing. Below is a picture of him enjoying the birthday cake!

The last day of school before Christmas vacation was canceled because of snow, a lot of snow! We were trapped at home and decided to make gingerbread houses out of supplies we had. Gracie and Gabe really had fun, but both ate more than went on the house!

Garrison and Gracie in Idaho at Grandma's house. It was VERY tough getting to Idaho (with an extra night's stay in Casper, WY), and when we got there Garrison got Roseola and was sick until the last day, but it was nice to see everyone. I won't be traveling alone again with children any time soon, I promise you that!

Kelsey and Gracie playing in the snow at Aunt Pauli's house.

Crew and Gracie hanging out at Chase's ball game.

Christmas pictures

Here is the proof of how challenging it is to get a decent holiday picture of 3 kids! Above we all look pretty good, until you realize Garrison ducked his head behind Santa's. Then below it was just insanity to think we could add a dog in and get a good shot.

Much better with 2 children and a snowman that can't move.

I think Garrison looks slightly like a lumberjack here.

Gabe Gustin, big game hunter.

Gracie and mom in our matching Purdy Panther shirts.

Not walking yet, but crawling and climbing all over the place.

This is Gabe's brown, fury alarm clock each morning. Gabe and Garrison are finally sleeping in the same bedroom and it is going very well. Mark and I are so happy to have our bedroom back to ourselves. No more creeping around trying not to wake the baby!

Gracie and Mariah all glammed up.

These are from right before Gabe's Preschool concert. He insisted on wearing the tie instead of the sweater I picked out. He was so excited about it and was a hoot to watch. His friend Cade (in the picture) didn't enjoy it so much, he cried through the whole thing!

2 of my men.