Callie is 9!!!!!

I really can't believe she is 9. This girl is crazy strong willed, kind to all, girlie in every way, an amazing big sis, hardworking, a lover and fighter at the same time, attitude but sweet, talented and a friend to everyone. She is successful in school and very competitive.

Poor Callie celebrated her birthday right at the same time our country started quarantine and social distancing for a few weeks. We had a Krazy Air party planned for her that obviously had to be cancelled. She was very understanding and seemed ok with postponing her party. But that said I still think she had a pretty good birthday. we got to take her best friend to the mall hit up Build-A-Bear, eat at the food court, per Callie's request visit the pet store, and ride around the mall in style.

Her actual birthday was on Sunday so we celebrated as a family and I set up a painting station for us to paint and watch a movie. She is so fun to craft with I had a great time sipping orange juice and painting with her.

Spring Break

Spring Break is always a juggling act. Trying to keep the kids entertained and happy with out exhausting all my energy and resources. Our family dynamic is shifting we are out of the naptimes, and diapers phase. Occasionally I mourn losing that phase it passed so fast! But mostly I really enjoy where we are at. My kids are my friends (most days haha especially days I don't make them practice the piano) and we go on adventures together, baking, hiking, and now with my two oldest we get to go to the temple and that's REALLY one of my favorites. This week for spring break was full of friend time, paddle boarding, temple trip and the Faler Family Reunion at the cabin. It was a fantastic week. 

Paddle boarding with April was interesting. She was terrified of falling in and all day long told me she didn't want to go. I talked her into it and promised she would not fall in. She hung out on my paddleboard and sat still so as not to rock the board. Thankfully I was able to keep my promise and she didn't fall in. I was impressed with how well all the kids did. Paddling can be a little tricky, it's a little taxing, involves balancing, and coordination with steering your board. Thankfully it was a BEAUTIFUL day and not very breezy (it's easier to steer with out the wind working against you). The water was freezing but for us girls we were perfectly comfortable just hanging out on our boards. The boys however didn't seem to mind the freezing lake water and enjoying wrestling and throwing a football around with one another in and out of the lake. 

One of the days I let both boys pick a friend to join us on bike riding/rollerblading and scooters at Tempe Town Lake. I rented a couple scooters for Mason and his friend Emerson we had a blast. (Callie was at a friends house while we did this)

Mason has made some really good friends at school. They go to the temple Saturday mornings at 5:30am. I picked a carful of kids up and went to the temple. Afterwards I brought them home for breakfast and shuttled them all home. I loved getting to know each of these kids a little better and I'm so grateful Mason has good friends.

Faler Family Reunion was so nice and relaxing. My kids were in heaven playing with cousins, building forts and playing cards. I got to go for a jog with my little bro (that is always a highlight for me), late night card games and movies for the adults and we even got some snow on our last day there! It was very nice. Too bad the whole family couldn't make it. It's difficult to coordinate family schedules when you're dealing with a dozen different school or work schedules and activities.