Sand Hollow

On our trip down this time we were determined to do some things that we have never done before. We had discussed going to Zions but it was really hot. So we decided to go to Sand Hollow! What a beautiful decision! The kids had so much fun. We got a spot by a picnic table and set up for the day. The water was 55- a little cold but the kids loved it. They could walk pretty far out. The spent the time making sand castles and swimming. Tag loved eating the sand. The weather was perfect and we could have stayed there all day! This will definitely become something we will do on our trips down south. Next time we will bring enough food and supplies to stay there all day! *Within minutes of being in the car, three out of the five fell asleep! The fun day had worn them out!

Spring Break in the SG

Have I mentioned how grateful I am that we have a place down in St. George? It is so nice to be able to get away and enjoy some much needed family time. Joey was able to take a few days off of work so we left on Tuesday night. We had a little crying and a throw up incident but made it down by 10:30pm. We woke up the next day and the fun began. Joey took the kids to play tennis and then some pool time in the afternoon. Harlee and Tag were not feeling well so I took them to the instacare. They both had ear infections- poor kids! That night we got some treats from Swig and watched the Odd Life of Timothy Green as a family. Seriously LOVE family time. The next morning I went to the Instacare and found out I had strep throat. Not fun but thankful for antibiotics. That day we spent more time at the pool and to Pizza Factory for dinner. Friday we went hiking in Leeds with the Jones's. It was such a fun time. Luke was so brave and jumped off the cliff into the water. I love his no fear attitude! We grabbed Cafe Rio on the way home and then went to the pool. Saturday we decided to spend the day at Sand Hollow- my favorite time. Due to the million pics I took of the day, I will give that it's own post. We came home, grabbed dinner, and then went again to the pool. Cleaned Sunday morning and enjoyed a ride home listening to conference. What a wonderful trip! I feel so blessed that we have this special place we can go and make memories as a family! We are going to go again for Memorial Day and that cannot come soon enough.

Grandma and Granpa's Farewell

On April 8th, Grandma and Grandpa Childs will enter the MTC to prepare for their mission in St. George. We just know that they are going to touch so many people while they serve for the next 18 months. I just don't know how I will do it without them! Yesterday we had their farewell. They both gave amazing talks. Grandpa commented on how grateful he will be to have Darolyne as his companion! Joey got a little choked up and Harlee was quick to give him a tissue. So thankful for the Spirit that was felt during the meeting. After the meeting we went back to their house for lunch and an Easter egg hunt. What a wonderful day!

Easter Morning

The Easter Bunny made an appearance at the Childs again this year! The kids were so excited to wake up and their baskets full of stuff! Harlee had left carrots and a little ranch for him. We discovered that the EB is not a big fan of the dressing! After some cinnamon rolls we got the kids in their Easter outfits. In typical Gray style, he refused to be a part of the picture. But in all honesty, no one was really excited about the pictures. We celebrated the rest of the day with Joey's family for Grandpa and Grandma's missionary farewell. I will post those pictures next! I am so grateful for this special Easter day. I think of how much I love Joey and our children. I could not imagine a day without them. Because of my Savior's sacrifice, with good choices I will not have to. I love the opportunity to reflect on his selfless act and unconditional love that He has for me. I am beyond grateful...

Easter Egg Hunt

Yesterday we had my side of the family over for an Easter Egg Hunt. We enjoyed pizza before sending the kids out to find thier eggs. They had so much fun and Harlee was the lucky one to find the $5 egg! I just love that our kids have so many cousins to grow up around. It was such a fun day!

Luke's egg drop

So it was 10pm on Wednesday night when Luke remembered he had to get his egg ready for the egg drop. The plan was that they were going to drop raw eggs off the roof of the school and they did not want them to break. So Luke's job was to come up with a plan that would keep the egg from breaking while inside of a box. We decided to wrap the egg in bubble wrap as well as filling the box with bubble wrap. It worked like a charm!! Luke's egg was safe from the big fall. If only he would have kept the wrap on when he decided to shoot baskets with it! What a fun idea! Luke has really had some great experiences this year. I am grateful for his teacher Mrs. Mangum and all that she does to get Luke excited about learning!

Pizza Lover

Well he fits in with the rest of the Childs clan! He was given the green light to eat whatever we did and he does not mess around. He tried pizza tonight for the first time. He almost ate a whole piece as well as a piece of crazy bread! I am sure as these kids grow up I will have to buy much more than two pizzas to feed us all! Love this messy face!

One Year Checkup

Yesterday Tag had his one year check-up with Dr. Stampfl! Aside from the three shots he did a great job. Here are his stats: Weight: 23.3 lbs which is 50% Height: 31 3/4 inches which is 75% and his head was off the charts- not surprising! He is right on where he is suppose to be with his development and teething at a very advanced rate. He already has eight teeth and is working on two molars! He can now eat whatever we have. Over the next few months he should say five words and start walking! Dr. D did confirm my fears however about his neck. He is still tilting. We go tomorrow back up to Primary Children's for his post botox check-up. His physical therapist Mary and Dr. Stampfl both feel like another round of botox might be the answer. So not what I wanted to hear but we will do whatever is necessary to get him to not tilt any more. They both feel that with the botox he would be in the right position to walk. With enough practice walking straight, they hope it would become a habit. I will have to update after I know more tomorrow. Just love this boy!!

Some of my favorite moments...

On Saturday I was cleaning up the kitchen, Tag was crawling around, and all the kids were laughing together. I looked up to see what was going on and they were all playing Super Mario brothers together. I LOVE these moments. I love to see that maybe it was not crazy to have them all so close together. They are growing up and enjoy spending time with eachother. Of course the happiness only lasted a short while before the bickering began, but I sure enjoyed it while it lasted!

Girl Time

At the elementary school they were having their first annual school play. They had gotten a sneak peak at an assembly and both Harlee and Luke really wanted to go. Luke had gone with Riley on Friday night so Harlee asked if we could go. So we decided to go to the matinee on Saturday. The play left a lot to be desired but I could not have enjoyed it more with my Harlee. She is such a loving little girl. She loved to sit on my lap and give me hugs. I am loving this now because I know as she begins to hate me during those teenage years the hugs will be few and far between. I am so grateful for her and for all the time we get to spend doing girl things!

Mimi's Birthday Lunch

My Mom's birthday is on Tuesday and we decided to forego the normal family dinner and celebrate at PF Changs for lunch. We also decided to just have all of her kids take her so we could enjoy a little bit quieter, less chaotic meal! We missed Tara but all of the others were able to make it. It was so fun to get together and talk about the fun times we had growing up together. I even heard a story of when Jenna and I held Cory down and made him try mustard! I so don't remember this! Sorry Cor! My Mom said this would be another tradition! Such a fun day.