Canyon Rim Dance Competition

This weekend Rachel & I got a chance to have a little girls getaway!!  Her competitive dance team had a competition in Twin Falls, which is about 2 hrs away from where we live.  Since we had to be there so early Saturday morning, we decided to spend the night on Friday.  We were going to make it a family trip, but Ethan ended up having to have a baseball game that day, so Josh stayed home with the boys :).

We stopped by to see the Snake River Canyon....so beautiful!!

It was really nice just spending some time with my favorite little girl!  We relaxed at the hotel, enjoyed the pool, went shopping at Target, and had girl talk.  I really do love being around her!  I tell Josh all the time that God knew I needed a girly girl to stay sane with all these boys.....and He sure gave us a girly girl!  It really makes me look forward to seeing how our relationship will continue to grow as she gets older.

When we arrived we decided to rest a little before going out....Rachel laid down on the bed and said "Mom, I am in paradise!"

She was tired after the trip.....so sweet!

After a little rest and dinner, she was ready for the pool :)

The next day, we woke up early, ate breakfast, and headed to the competition.  She competed in 2 dances and they did an outstanding job!  They won 3rd highest score overall, a Superior rating for both routines, & Overall Most Creative Dance Routine....I was very proud of her!

Rolled and ready to go!

Rachel and her friends getting ready to perform

Here they GO!

"Waking Up is Hard to Do"

Waiting to perform " Think Pink"

Award Time!!!

Rachel & the MOM Dance Company

All the dance teams that were competing in the Novice & Intermediate Groups

Rachel's dance teachers gave the girls a pink flamingo with a note saying "Thanks for all your hard work!"  Rachel said it was the best gift ever!!!

Ethan turns 9!!!

My Boy

Author: Amanda Rodriguez

When I learned that you were coming I was sure that you would be,
the most wonderful and precious child that I would ever see.
I was fearful, but excited, I was anxious, but prepared,
to hold you in my arms and show you just how much I cared.
And when the day finally came, my heart was filled with joy,
to see that you were made for me, my perfect little boy.
Now as the years are passing, you surprise me everyday,
by showing me that I can love you in so many different ways.

I think the older I get the faster time flies by!  It is hard for me to believe that Ethan turned 9 yesterday! He had such a great day! It all started with his favorite breakfast:  Turkey Bacon & Rolls!

After that we had to do school, but he received so many phone calls to wish him a happy birthday!  It really made his day.  One of his favorites was Josh's Uncle Steve.  He always calls on all of our kids birthday's and plays them Happy Birthday on the piano.  So sweet!

Later, in the afternoon, it was time to celebrate.  Ethan got to choose where we were going to eat, so we went to Red Robin...and it was SO YUMMY!!!  He also brought one of his best friends here, Ethan Gephardt.  They all were so good.  As a matter of fact, a couple came by our table just to tell how impressed they were with how well our children were behaving....very proud Mommy moment!  However, my favorite part was when the waitresses and waiters came to sing Happy Birthday to Ethan...he was SO embarassed :)

The Birthday Boy!

Ethan & Ethan :)

Not only do I love Michael's cheesy grin...but take a look at the burger Josh ordered!! It was HUGE!!!

Hehehe...Ethan just realized he was getting ready to be sung to!

He did enjoy the dessert though!

After dinner we took the entire crew to see the movie "RIO"...it was such a cute movie!!! 

Ethan, we are so proud to be your parents and are enjoying watching you become a young man.  You bring us so much joy and we LOVE you very much!!!!

Smiles,

Michelel :)

Michelle

To end the night we went

Happy Easter!!

Our morning started out with the kids waking up to their Easter baskets. We have two services at the church we currently attend, so Josh had already left for the morning ( he plays the bass guitar for the praise team).  It was just me and kids, so you will have to excuse the bedhead....they didn't want to wait to get their hair combed to open everything..lol

Setting up the night before...even Daisy got a treat from the Easter Bunny!

Caleb & Michael's Baskets

Rachel & Ethan's...

Rachel left the cutest note and pictures for the Easter Bunny ( I made this a little bigger so you could read the note)

Daisy enjoying her Easter Treat :)

 Rachel reading the letter the Easter Bunny left her :)

Ethan was still half asleep opening up all his stuff..lol

Getting some lovin' from Daisy

Caleb & Michael both got Thomas the Trains...they were super excited!

Can't leave out the Chocolate Bunnies!

 A couple of years ago, we started getting the kids their bathing suits and accessories as their big gift for Easter and they look forward to it every year.  They were so excited today that they just had to model them...except for Ethan, he was still sleepy !

Michael showing off his muscles

Caleb was very insistent that I get a picture of his flip flops...lol

After enjoying all of their goodies, it was time to get everyone ready for church!

I love Rachel's expression in this picture. It's like she's thinking.."Boys, ughh!"

So we had to take one of her by herself :)

We really had a great service and a wonderful, relaxing day together as a family!!

Happy Easter!!

Michelle