Easter | 2013

This year we went to Grandma and Grandpa Stringham's to celebrate Easter. It was such a beautiful day and it felt so good to be out in the warm sunshine. The older kids had a lot of fun this year hiding all the easter eggs for the younger kids. Even though it's sad to see some of them outgrowing these fun traditions, it was fun to see them excited to make it fun for their younger cousins!

Our designated Easter Bunnies this year; Tommy, Ethan, and Audrey

Matthew 28: 5-6

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is arisen.

July 4th

We had such a fun time celebrating the 4th of July this year. We woke up early to attend our church 4th of July breakfast and bike rodeo, then we headed home to clean up and make lots of food. Later in the afternoon it was time for our annual neighborhood 4th of July parade, and then we had a bbq with Grandma & Grandpa Kidd, Grandma & Grandpa Stringham, the Mendnehalls, Brian and the kids, the Dillons, the Wiggins, and even Jason's cousin from Scotland was here visiting. After eating way too much, we headed down to the cul-de-sac for our crazy fun fireworks show. I love that we have such fun traditions to look forward to each year.

This year Ethan was able to participate in the flag ceremony. Just love these boys in their scout uniforms.

The kids always look forward to decorating their bikes for the bike rodeo. This year there were a lot more kids than in the past. Craaazzzy! I felt like I was risking my life just to jump in to snap a few pictures.

Ethan riding a friend's little bike. It was quite hilarious.

David, of course, loved the little obstical course some of the young men put up. It was a highlight for most of the kids.

Annual neighborhood bike parade! This year it was fun to have Jenna and Catie join us... and just look at that bright blue sky. Wowzers. Don't often see that around here on the fourth.

Some girl time in the backyard on the trampoline.

Holy cow! Cute. CUTE.

Little Matthew out watching all the kids on during the bike parade.

Loved having Jason's cousin, Kenneth, visiting from Scotland.

Finally... time for FIREWORKS. We never can wait until it's completely dark around here. All of the neighbors are already gathering around lighting things off pretty early. We like to call it our pre fireworks show and it lasts just as long as the main show. All those boys are probably blowing things up for about five hours or more. It seems to never get old to them. Ethan and Malcolm are now always in the thick of things.

The Mendenhall boys all snuggled up ready for the show.

Our neighbor, John, is probably one of the biggest kids out there!

Memorial Day | 2011

The kids really enjoyed visiting the Tahoma National Cemetary on Memorial Day. It was awesome driving in and seeing the entire drive lined with large American flags, as well as, every single grave with it's own flag. Such a humbling view. We also brought flowers to put on Grandpa's grave and it was fun to tell my kids stories of Grandpa as we drove home. I think we will make this a yearly tradition!

We live in such a wonderful country and I am so thankful for all those who have given their lives on our behalf. I am also thankful that we have a day to remind us of all those who have lost their lives. I am humbled by their sacrifice.

Neighborhood Egg Hunt

Last Saturday we had our 6th annual neighborhood egg hunt and we had the most amazing, beautiful, sunny day!! It was awesome. The entire street was swarming with kids with overflowing Easter baskets and everyone was able to find a golden egg and retrieve their special prize. This year Ethan was too old for the egg hunt, but my neighbor thought it would be fun to do a flashlight egg hunt at night for all the older kids. Let's just say we are in not hurting in the way or chocolate and sugar at the Kidd home.

Audrey, David, and some friends had fun coloring eggs this year and they did such a good job. They turned out so cute, but unfortunately we never got to eat them since our regrigerator broke and everything went bad. Boo!

I saw this funny clip on a friend's facebook page and it made me laugh. Who are all of these people that are getting so offended by the use of the word Easter egg?

Preschool Egg Hunt

Yesterday David had his preschool egg hunt and unlike last year, the weather actually cooperated. It was beautiful and sunny one minute, and the next minute it was cloudy and windy, and then back to sun. None of us complained because we were all just happy that it didn't rain! David had lots of fun and he just loves Mrs. Cloud so much. I can't believe that this year is already almost over.

David showing off the egg crown he made.

Posing for a quick picture before the egg hunt.

It was fun having the egg hunt at the park this year. There were lots of fun places to hide all the eggs. David especially liked searching over by the wooded area.

He didn't have time to stop and show me his eggs, but was kind enough to show them off as he ran by!

My favorite shot of the day. David had to take a time out from his search to make sure that his pants were buttoned up.
 

After the egg hunt, the class decorated an Easter cookie. The wind was blowing so hard that we were afraid all the plates were going to blow away. David took his decorating quite seriously.

The class ended with a bunny story in the grass. Oh my word... how cute are all their little faces taking this story so very seriously.

Well... it's official. That was my last preschool egg hunt ever. I'm so happy it turned out so well and after we were finished we headed over to the park to play for a bit. It would have been perfect if it hadn't been so stinkin' cold!