S'mores, Expander, Color Run & Temple Activity

Tyler and I have been experiencing some calling changes at church, not sure if I wrote about this yet, but Tyler is no longer YM's president. However, he is now the Scout Master so not much has changed on that front. He still has Wednesday night activities and Camp Outs. I have *finally* been released as Primary Secretary and starting this Sunday Tyler and I will be teaching Steven's Primary Class (yup Tyler has 2 callings now). Still in primary but I am excited to be back on the teaching end of things. I sort of went a really crazy planning this Sunday's lesson, probably won't come prepared with story props and a hand out every week but it was pretty fun for this week. I am also hoping that maybe us having some time with Steven in a different setting will be a good thing for our relationship.

The weather this past Sunday was full of sunshine and perfect for s'more making. It's fun having a fire pit in our yard so that we can build fires and eat some s'mores whenever we feel like it. It was a perfect night that made me so excited for summer to officially hit here.

Monday my mom and I walked to Dodge Park. It's a bit further than our one in Milford but not too far. I also saw the trail that we can walk to go to the library. It will be fun to walk to the park and the library in the summer. That combined with our beach, should make for some good summer activities.

Tuesday I had to take Grams to the airport so she could go back to AZ. This made me very sad and the house has felt like it's missing a piece ever since she left. I am grateful that I only have to wait one more month before I get to see her again. Our trip to Legoland can't come fast enough! 

To alleviate the sadness of Grams leaving I met a friend at Arby's for lunch. Curly fries and roast beef sandwiches were definitely the highlight of my Tuesday. It's nice to have a friend that loves Arby's as much as I do. Her daughter, Lucie, always cracks me up because she literally drinks the Arby's Sauce. Even though the kids didn't get kid's meals an employee was nice enough to give us a toy. The toy was the game Uno so we had some fun playing it before we left.

Tuesday night I took Lucy to Five and Below while Tyler took everyone else to basketball. Lucy was desperate to spend some money that her Poppy Hatch had given her. She ended up picking out a mermaid stuffie. Another doll to add to her massive collection.

Wednesday we had Penny's friend Brooks over. They get along so well, I really love their friendship. Then that afternoon we met a friend at the library. Our girls kept going to opposite areas of the library so I didn't get to socialize too much with my friend but Penny still had fun. She loves the touch screen table they have- she especially loves the game on it where she "clean up a beach" by swiping garbage into the proper cans. There's even poop that has to be swiped into the trash. So funny what will entertain a kid.

Thursday morning I had my last Primary Meeting. I debated going since I have been released, even if not officially from the pulpit, but I ended up going. I will miss the time spent with the ladies in the presidency but I will not miss the meetings so much. Trying to figure out who to place where and dealing with teacher drama- I'm good with being done with that. Especially since the drama has increased since we have started combining activity days with the other ward.  

Thursday afternoon Steven got his expander put in his mouth. Oh my goodness has this created drama. He is struggling with eating and every time he tries to eat he freaks out because it gets stuck under the expander and he claims he will never be able to eat anything again. He can be so DRAMATIC. I understand that it's not comfortable, but it's not going anywhere any time soon he has to learn how to deal with it. I really hope we can survive this transition period. In the meantime he is constantly asking when his glasses will come in. He is still excited for those but I wonder how he will really feel about adjusting to those when they come.

Friday was the first day in awhile that I had literally no plans (well besides picking up groceries). I took advantage of the blank day, got some things done around the house, played some games with Penny, pushed her on the swing and I even took a nap with Penny. It was literally just what the doctor ordered. 

In my laziness I did not go to the Color Run that the boys had at school that day but I had some nice friends who took pictures for me. The boys came home just as colored and were immediately ordered to shower. Pretty sure they had a blast.

That night Tyler went on a Scout Camp Out and I made him take Steven with him. It was a pretty long hike and he had to wear a hiking pack the whole way but Tyler said he did good. It's funny how whiny Steven can be at home but not so much with outdoorsy things- I'm pretty sure that's his element.

Saturday morning, I had one final primary activity to help out with. With Tyler and Steven out camping, it was just me and the other 3. Unfortunately this activity was not the best one for me to have as my last- it was a pretty big bust. We had it at the Stake Center and the Temple President and his wife were to come speak to us and then afterwards we were going to walk the Temple grounds, take pictures and have a picnic. Unfortunately we started badly with the Temple President being late and us trying desperately to kill time. By the time they got there the kids were super wiggly. After that we went to go walk the grounds, only to find that it was raining (not to mention it was cold outside). Everyone kind of dispersed and the whole point of being by the temple was wasted. I definitely feel like there were things we could've done better but alas, I will never have the chance to fix the things that went wrong. After cleaning up from it, the rain had abated some so me and the kids went for a little walk- only to have Penny throw a fit because I wanted her to take a pic with her Ben and Lucy. So yeah, not a great morning, but I did get a few fun pics. 

Olive Garden, Dates, Belle Isle

Monday was spent recovering from the baptism and helping the house recover too. Tuesday I ended up subbing for the morning. I was nervous because I was subbing for fourth grade and Steven told me the classes were switching for Science and Social Studies that day. All the fourth grade classes can be RoUgH but I used my prize box as bribery for the kids to listen and it worked like a charm. Well it worked for everyone except Steven. He had put his new book he had gotten from the book fair on top of the textbook we were reading and had them both in his lap- very tricky. 

Tuesday night the boys had their first Basketball Skills Class. Benny was very nervous about going because he said he wasn't good at basketball but afterwards he told me he was glad he had gone. I really like the coach- he is a good teacher. He is firm and enforces rules but also has good sense of humor. He has a bum knee though and I am surprised he was still standing at the end of it all- hopefully he makes it to the end of the class ;)

Wednesday Grams took Penny and I to lunch at the Olive Garden. It was so nice to just hang with them both and be fed delicious food. Even my bread hater Penny hogged down on the garlic bread. I had this moment during our nice lunch where I thought that maybe I could have just one more kid when Penny starts kindergarten- it's pretty fun to have a little sidekick. Well afterwards we went to the mall to play and Penny threw an epic tantrum when it was time to go. It felt like a sign that I should definitely NOT have anymore children. She literally screamed the entire way home. She kept screaming she was "done" and that we should go back. Ummm screaming definitely does not equate being done throwing a tantrum.

Wednesday night Steven was supposed to have a 3 mile hike for cub scouts but it was cancelled due to low temperatures and freezing rain. I was going to go with so I was glad that they cancelled and I didn't have to endure the weather. The temperatures have since warmed up and I am really hoping that they stay warm.

Thursday morning I picked up groceries- I have decided to go back to ordering groceries from the evil Walmart. Thankfully they were on time and no issues. After getting groceries we went and met a friend at the library for story time. Penny really seemed to love it. She would dance to the songs and then turn and look at me as if making sure that that was ok. She was pretty cute.

Thursday afternoon Tyler and Steven had an eye dr appointment and it turns out Steven legitimately has bad eyesight and will need glasses. I was a little worried he just wanted to go the eye dr because all his friends have glasses (he wants to be on the glasses team ;)). He has been very excited since that appointment about getting glasses and constantly asks when they will be ready. He says he just wants to be able to see again. I asked him why he didn't tell me sooner that he couldn't see. He said that he thought it was just normal to not be able to see things that are far away. He also informed me that he never wants contacts because he doesn't want to have to touch his eye. We'll see about that.

Thursday night Tyler and I got to go see "A Quiet Place." I love scary movies and get super excited anytime one comes out that is actually PG-13 and not some sort of gore show or satan show, ha ha! When we got there we actually had the theater to ourselves until right before it started and one other person came. The movie itself was so good, and made me jump quite a bit! Tyler and I also laughed about how it would be a good movie to teach our kids the importance of listening to your parents. There is a kid that doesn't listen and literally gets snatched up by a monster.

Friday morning was Doughnuts with Dad at Lucy's school. Lucy has been looking forward to this day for weeks and was so excited. I think it's pretty much the only reason she had been tolerating school. Unfortunately they ran out of doughnuts but fortunately they had brownies. Lucy was just happy to get sugar for breakfast and be with her dad.

Also Friday Penny and I took Grams to Belle Isle. We also were watching Penny's friend Eliza so she got to tag along with us. We stopped at the Belle Isle Aquarium first. Penny jumped from fish to fish but her friend could've stopped and stared at those fishes forever. Apparently Penny has a short attention span.

After the Aquarium we went to the Belle Isle Conservatory. I love looking at the different plants, so pretty, but I think everyone else was less enthused. There were also several field trip groups there so it did make for a more crowded space. 

When we finished at the Conservatory we took a lunch break. We had packed some stuff for the girls so they ate in the car, overlooking the lake and Canada. Then we went in to the Dossin Great Lakes Museum. The girls enjoyed running from thing to thing. When we had gone through the whole museum, it became strangely empty so the girls wanted to go through the museum again. Penny especially liked the binoculars and looking out over the lake.

Friday night Tyler and I were able to go to the temple. I am making a goal to try to get to the temple once a month. I love the peace I feel there and I need to be better about visiting it more frequently. 

Saturday Grams and I spent the morning shopping for things I need for hosting bunco next month. I am doing a Cinco De Mayo theme, so Mexican food and cactus themed prizes. It was pretty fun to be able to spend money guilt free since we all put money into the pot for Bunco night. 

While we were shopping Tyler took the kids with him to search out a camping spot for his Boy Scouts. 

Saturday afternoon we had a going away for our friends the Douglass's. I really wish people would stop moving away from us! The weather was wonderful and the party was outside so it was a really nice afternoon. I just wish the reason for the party was different.

Ben's Baptism and Things

Last week was a busy week and I am now properly pooped. I wish I could say I am recovering today but really I am just trying to catch up on things. 

On Tuesday I went and registered the kids in their new school district. I got to bring their birth certificates, immunization records and things to the District Office and get them scanned in. I figured while I was at the District Office I would ask about subbing for their district. I am still on the fence about subbing next year but decided I might as well ask while I was there. Well, this asking ended with me getting an impromptu interview. It was super awkward, and I was certainly grateful that I was wearing jeans and not leggings and that I my hair was not still wet from my shower. Penny got to eat graham crackers and color while the guy asked me why I want to sub. I gave a cliche answer and I guess he checked the box that I had been interviewed. So I think I am now ok to sub in the district, I don't know. It was all very weird.

On Wednesday we picked up Grams from the Airport and she showered us with goodies. The kids all got new jammies so we had to take a picture of them wearing them. They are all super happy to have her and request daily to sleep over in her room.  

Thursday the temperatures hit the 70's so we had to take advantage of that. After school we picked up pizza and went to the Milford Park. The boys found a random group of kids to play a game with and it was so nice to see them having fun doing something that wasn't video games. The girls stuck together most of the time and I got these fun pictures of them climbing a tree. I really, really want these warm temperature to come and STAY.

Friday night Poppy Hatch flew in and he stopped by before heading to his hotel. Grams Hatch ended up not coming because Keshia hadn't had her baby yet and she didn't want to risk missing it. When Poppy arrived, Penny immediately took a liking to him which was surprising because she is usually so shy. When I asked her why she liked him she told me it was because he was so fun. I'm glad they bonded together quickly since he was only here for short period of time.

Saturday the boys spent the morning finishing up their Pinewood Derby cars and then we went to the Pinewood Derby that afternoon. Tyler is always so last minute about helping the boys do their cars and it always stresses me out. But at least they got done and the cars worked. They weren't the fastest but they weren't last place either- Steven got 5th place and Ben got 9th. Ben didn't seem to mind, he was just super happy that he had made a Pikachu car (he is so obsessed with Pokemon now). Steven, on the other hand was super bummed that he didn't win anything- probably because he has won prizes at all the ones he's been to- and he refused to smile for the pictures afterwards. I hope this encourages him to try a little harder and not be so last minute next year. It's hard to believe that next year will be his last year at the Pinewood Derby.

The Pinewood Derby ended at 3pm and the baptism was at 4pm. It made for such a long day. I hope to never have to do that again. I was a little stressed with things because the person we were combining with was very particular about things and she wanted to have a nice display of treats when I was just fine to serve them in the serving area. It was her last kid to get baptized so I think that partially explains the difference in expectations. She even wanted a color scheme, which she only told me about the day before so I had to go buy new cupcake liners *sigh* In the end though, it was a really nice baptism. Poppy Hatch gave a really nice talk on the importance of baptism and Piper's Aunt gave a good talk on the Holy Ghost and how it guided her when she had lost Piper once. One of the counselors in the Primary Presidency also got up to welcome them to the ward. Serving with her, I know how nervous she gets so it made me feel extra special to have her get up there. She bore such a good testimony and there was such a good strong spirit throughout the whole program. The only crummy part was that the water in the font was icy cold (due to some poor planning on my hubby's part) and Ben had a meltdown about getting in it (crying and refusing to get in). Thankfully he was able to bear through and he gave a good old spit and shake when he got lifted out. I am sure Ben will never forget his baptism ;)

After the baptism we went to Little Daddy's in West Bloomfield for dinner. Tyler loves this place- it has Greek and American food. I think the food is good but the place itself smells a little funny. Since the kids had hogged down doughnuts and cupcakes at the baptism they didn't eat much but us adults were definitely hungry after a long afternoon. We got lots of compliments at the restaurant about what a good looking family we were. Tyler thinks they must be trained to give compliments because we got so many.

The restaurant is super close to the Detroit Temple so we made a stop there since the Grandparents had never seen it. It was an extremely cold day so I tortured the kids by taking a lot of pictures- when they complained I got in their faces and took more pictures, they super appreciated that ;)

Sunday we planned to only go to sacrament meeting so we could spend some time with Tyler's dad before he left early Monday morning. Well we got lucky because they ended up cancelling the last two hours of church so we didn't have to feel guilty about ditching. I'm not entirely sure why they cancelled, the roads were a little icy that morning but not bad after sacrament. But there were A LOT of people gone so maybe they cancelled for low attendance?

After we got home, we ate lunch and then took the Grandparents to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum. Once again, it was crowded, there were like 3 birthday parties going on there and one birthday party group was super rowdy. I didn't enjoy the chaos but everyone else seemed to have a good time. Tyler and his dad got nerdy about all the cool exhibits. The kids did some of their favorites again and did some building (and destroying) at the end. Ben was especially working hard to make buildings but they kept getting knocked down by random passer-byers so he decided to just give in and destroy them at the end.

After the museum we went back to our house and said our good byes to Tyler's dad. He had a 5am flight so he needed to take off and get some rest before it. We were glad we got him, even if it was just for a little bit. Penny will sure miss her fun buddy. 

Spring Break

This week was Spring Break, only the weather made it feel more like a Winter Break. We literally woke up to snow- twice! This meant that we had to find ways to keep entertained INDOORS which is not how I feel Spring Break should be spent but tis life when you live in Michigan.

Tyler was off work Monday so we decided to go check out the one museum in metro Detroit that we hadn't been to yet. We went to the Hands on Museum in Ann Arbor. It was very reminiscent of the Michigan Science Center, lots of Science things for the kids to interact with. Since it was only $5 more to get a membership we went ahead and got one. I'm glad we can go back because it was SUPER crowded and I'd like to go at a time when it's less busy. 

Below Tyler and Lucy are staring into a machine with liquid magnets, it was pretty cool. Lucy is showing off her muscles after she lifted something super heavy with ropes.

Below are pictures of the bubble exhibit, the kids really liked this one. They got to make a bubble around themselves. Steven was really angry because I wasn't taking his picture. I videoed the bubble making but he popped it before I could take a picture. I felt there was no need to take a picture once the bubble was gone but obviously he felt otherwise- oh my mini teenager.

The kids also had fun playing with the fake cash register because of course, money! And Dad had fun trying to match his reflection with the bicycling skeleton. Sometimes I feel like I have 5 kids when I go out ;)

Two unique things to this museum were the ambulance that the kids could play around in and the water exhibit. Ben had fun pretending that he was dying on the stretcher and Penny had fun catching fish. 

We had brought food for the kids to eat at the Museum but we didn't have food for Tyler and me so afterwards we walked to Krazy Jim's Blimpy Burger and got ourselves some grown up food. The wait was long but the burgers were good and the kids enjoyed getting to hog down on french fries and soda. The only poopy thing was that they gave Tyler a hard time for saving seats- as if it would be better for us to have all 4 kids in a long line. 

After that fun we took the kids to Target so they could spend their "Conference Cash." Yes we bribe our kids so they will behave during Conference and as much as I hate paying them to do what they should do, it really made for a peaceful Conference. The boys got Pokemon cards because it has become a full blown obsession and the girls got Shopkins toys because they are still obsessed with them.

The rest of Spring Break we didn't do anything extraordinary. We had friends over Tuesday- lots of friends. The Mays, the Brandley's, the Hansen's. I learned that Steven isn't a very god friend. He had a hard time letting his friend take turns on Minecraft and then made his friend clean up a mess. We had to have a conversation about being a better friend but sometimes I feel like nothing is sinking in. I love that kid but he sure challenges me.

Wednesday we spent a few hours at the library and Lucy got her bangs cut- I can see her eyes again! 

Thursday we had friends over again and Friday we met some friends at The Commons. The kids love that place and had fun getting all their energy out. By the time we left they were all pooped-- and whiny. Here's a shot of Ben eating a "picnic" with his bestie at The Commons.

I also have been trying to get things ready for Ben's baptism next week. I borrowed a friend's fancy camera and attempted to take some nice pictures of Ben. He got really emotional about having to put his church clothes on when it wasn't Sunday and then the sunlight was in his eyes so I ended up taking some inside and some in a shady spot and this was the best I got. I definitely see why I usually pay someone to take nice pictures. Not the best but they will have to do. 

I am finding it hard to plan a baptism with another person (we are combining with another girl who had her birthday a couple days before Ben). The mom is super busy and she also has different feelings about how a baptism should be carried out.I feel like her planning is a little more kid centered than ordinance centered. And the fact that I am a control freak does not help at all. So I think things are coming together but it has definitely been a process.

Also this week we watched "Jurassic Park" and "Jurassic World" with the boys (when the girls were in bed). It was fun finally having the boys old enough to watch it with us and they actually didn't seem too scared. Apparently they had seen half of "Jurassic World" when they were in AZ so that could have been why. I had been looking forward to them watching it with me for the first time so I was disappointed that they had seen it without me. However, I still had fun telling the kids all the things that they could learn from the movies like- don't shine a light in a dinosaur's eye and you can't hide from a dinosaur in a bathroom. Lots of real good advice in those movies ;)