Willy Wonka

So, we got back from Nauvoo and our week got hectic. Abby has been working on the play Willy Wonka since January. This was her first time in a play and she got a speaking part as Phineous Trout the reporter. To make more parts for more kids they made more than one reporter.

Abby's friend Jade, who is Tim and Barbara Irwin's daughter. Tim is Robb's college roommate. They both got to be Oompa Loompas together because Abby's part was small.

We had dress rehearsal on Monday and then the play was Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. She was so good and the play was great. I have put pictures of her below.

Nauvoo

We got back from Nauvoo on Monday. Except for the cold weather and the wind we had a great time.

The wedding was beutiful and so was the bride and groom.

Pictures were a challenge in the wind and cold.

The reception was fun and so was dinner after.

Warm days

It has been warm enough at least two days in the last month to go out to play. Here are some pictures of Brady finally getting to ride his bike that he got for Christmas. There are also pictures of Casey on his scooter and the kids at the park while Abby was in play practice.

Brady's birthday

Brady turned five on March 20th. We as good parents were gone on a trip to Nauvoo. Luckily, he was with some of our kids and my brother and sister in law. But, before we went we celebrated two days early. All he wanted was to go with his best buddy Dexter to Chuck E Cheese.

It was fun. Grandma and Grandpa Garner were in town so they came and brought Karina and Elise.

Chuck E Cheese is fun and lots of cash.

We played games and had cake. It was a Star Wars cake. We also opened gifts.

The kids had a blast and Casey ran around yelling "More money dad."

What the kids want to be...

When Abby was little she would say she wanted to be a Vet, or a Dentist, or a teacher. Now she wants to be an actress, especially on Broadway.

When Grace was little she would say she wanted to be a doctor. The last year of preschool, her teacher made a video and asked all the kids what they wanted to be. She said on camera she wanted to be a cowgirl (I am not sure where that came from). Now she wants to be a singer. Watch out American Idol!

Brady told me he wanted to be a police officer or a firefighter. Then the other day he came to me and said he had changed his mind, now he wants to be a Pilot.

Casey can't tell us yet but from what he likes he will be a train engineer (thanks Thomas) or a stunt driver watch out for him on his scooter.

Abby's Music Birthday Party

So- on the Saturday after Abby's birthday we had a little music party. We made invitations that looked like Cd's. And, we had 11 girls to our house.

We played games like Name That Tune.

We also played a game like charades with music and dance moves.

And, the girls made up performances with Cd's I asked them to bring from home.

Snacks were fun. I made an Ipod cake I found on the web.

And, Abby opened gifts. I think she had a pretty good birthday this year.

Abby's 10th Birthday

Well, my baby has turned double digits.

On her birthday, February 28, we just had a fun family day. We surprised her with breakfast before school. I made her a special silly birthday lunch. And, we went to dinner at IHOP as a family. I also made her a simple chocolate cake.

She had fun opening presents with her sister and brothers also.

Kids do the funniest things

My children love IHOP. They love funny face pancakes and going on their birthdays. The store gives free ice cream sundaes and sing a silly song to the birthday person. Casey loves it so much he recognizes the building and will say, "Mommy, pancakes", when we drive by. On Monday, we were driving to Salt Lake for a dentist appointment and Casey saw on of the signs on the side of the road that leads you to were different restaurants are located. On the sign was the word IHOP and Casey yells from the back seat, "MOM- PANCAKES!" I look around for an IHOP building but all there was was this little sign. My son is so smart.