our cherry tree

The first year we lived in this house, there were a ton of birds that swooped in and ate all the cherries. Last year, we didn't get very many cherries, and the birds got all but about 10. This year, we have loads and loads of cherries. We have to give credit to one of our neighbors who is a tree expert that came down and helped Dave trim our fruit trees. The birds have gotten some, but not too many. The kids have had a lot of fun, especially Audrey, climbing in the tree picking the cherries. I keep wondering why the birds haven't eaten more. I finally came to the conclusion that maybe since they don't have worms in them, the birds don't like them as much. Not enough protein.
One day last week Audrey said she REALLY wanted to open a cherry stand to sell the cherries. She begged and begged. Just before I was about to get really mad at her for pestering me so much, I thought, what would it hurt? She can sit out there at her table and I can work in the yard. So I said yes. She got it all set up, we put up some signs and the umbrella for shade. She sold quart sized bags for $2 and gallon bags for $5. She ended up selling $30 that day and $30 the next. She was so happy! Maddi and Audrey sat at the table calling out "Cherries, $2, Fresh Picked!" It was soooo cute! Kimee got up in the tree and picked more cherries while they were at the stand. The next day, we put up the ladder another notch so we could reach more cherries.
This week, we could see the cherries we didn't pick last week had turned dark. And because it rained so much, they got really big and juicy. This time, we picked and picked and brought them in for us to use. Kimee pitted a TON. Here hands were stained red for a while:) We put some bags in the freezer and then I made: cherry limeade, cherry shortbread cookies, cherry pie filling (and the cheesecake to put it on), chocolate chip cherry ice cream.

Easter Weekend

We had such a wonderful Easter weekend. On Saturday, Dave got to go golfing with some work friends and the girls and I headed out for an adventure. We went to the "brown park" that Maddi loves so much for an Easter egg hunt. We got there early so we could play for a little while first.
At the end, we saw some friends from our ward who told us about another Easter egg hunt not far away that started at 11am. So we went up to that park and played for a while before it started. We got coupons for free ice creams cones and drinks at both of them. Afterwards, we headed to Macey's to get some groceries. They had a vendor out front selling bbq ribs, so we got a full rack, stopped at Sonic for our free Cherry Limeades and headed home. Dad got home just after us and we chowed down on our delicious ribs.

After lunch, the girls and Dad did Easter egg coloring and decorating. Afterwards, we went for a swim. Then the girls spent a lot time playing with their egg characters. It was so cute!

We had on our list for the day to go for a bike ride, but Kimee and Dad were too tired. So Maddi, Audrey, and I rode our bikes up to the "green park". Some of the terrain was a little scary for Maddi, so she had to walk her bike for part of the time. But we did it and had fun. I called my friend MaryJane and talked the whole time we were there. So I didn't even have to tell the kids it was time to go- they came and got me! We got home in time for dinner and a movie (and eating Easter candy we got that day.) What a full and fun Saturday.

On Sunday, we had a living room full of eggs left from the Easter bunny. The girls got matching dresses and we headed off to church (early I might add). The primary children, with me conducting, sang He Sent His Son. My singing time went wonderful and then I snuck into RS for the last 15 min. It was wonderful! At home, we had lunch on a blanket in the backyard and told what we learned at church. Then Kimee did an Easter lesson for us that she got at activity days. It was the one with the eggs. We each took turns reading the scriptures that went with each egg. It was really special.
The kids played for a while and then we got our fancy dinner ready. We ate in the dining room using Grandma P's china. Audrey asked that we go around the table saying things that we were thankful for about Easter. Then we did about Spring. It was really neat. I love my family!

December Events

Kimee had her winter orchestra concert on Dec. 6. Afterwards we had a chance to go to the Polar Express in Lindon. It is such a neat experience. First, the train takes you through some cutsey Christmas stuff and to the North Pole. There, the kids got to talk to Santa. Before moving on, he explains the meaning of Christmas. As you are leaving the North Pole, Santa asks everyone to sing Silent Night. The train then goes through a series of scenes and large pictures of the life of Christ. It is really reverent and special.

We got a lot of snow in December.

 Dec. 18

 Dec. 7

 Maddi had her Christmas program on Dec. 18.

The Christmas sing was extra special since Kimee was in the orchestra. They played a few songs at the beginning.

On Saturday, Dec. 21, we had a really fun family Christmas party at Pete's. Each family brought one type of Minute to Win It. We did everything from Oreos to cups to life savers. Then we played Christmas songs on the pipe bells. We love having time with our cousins and family!

Hike to G

For Fall Break this year, we stayed home and tried to get caught up on stuff around the house. Dave took Kimee and Audrey on a hike up to the G on Sat. Oct. 12. It was a really cool experience for all of them.

Kimee and Audrey both used the experience for their PTA reflection entry. Kimee did an essay and photography and Audrey did photography.

All Audrey

Audrey's teacher Miss Baugh got married in September. We drove up to SL for her reception. It was really cool. There was a s'more buffet and root beer in bottles that caught us off guard:)

Audrey left the most adorable note for Dad giving detailed instructions on how to make a smoothie using the wheat grass that grew from seeds she had planted.

One morning, Audrey heard a noise in the downstairs kitchen. We discovered a mouse in the dishwasher. Dad set a trap and we caught it the next day.

Audrey with her bestie Madalyn. Oct. 3, 2nd Grade Fall Field Trip

Haircuts

For most people this is not considered an event, but for my girls, they only get their hair cut by a professional once a year. Wendy makes them look and feel so pretty. It's a special event.
For a few years now, we have had a tradition of getting their hair cut on or near their birthday. So we set an appointment with Wendy for July 23 for both Kimee and Audrey.

Mom and Maddi got their back to school cuts on Aug. 13. Maddi had to be patient while mom was getting her hair done. She finished eating her hamburger, and then played with mom's phone:)