Easter was so much fun this year. We celebrated a day early so the cousins could be together. My nephew Michael cracked us all up. He decided the color white offended him so he wanted nothing to do with dying eggs. 
All dolled up . . .
Easter Sunday back in Virginia:
Check out the tongue on this beast! One of our last days in NC we went on a safari. It was so incredible! We rode on a wagon while all sorts of animals approached and we got to feed them. It was such a neat experience for the kids. Who knew that someone in NC would decide that it was a perfect place for a safari?
We were lucky and got to see Peter Breinholt while were visiting. Michelle orchestrated the whole thing. It was funny, when Michelle originally asked if we wanted to go, I couldn't for the life of me figure out who he was. I recognized his name but that was it (I blame my meds :)). Anyway, as soon as the concert started I felt like I was 19 and back at BYU. I instantly recognized the music. We somehow scored front row seats. It was really cool for Spencer to see the guy playing the fiddle. I bought two CD's after the show and we listen to them constantly. Every time we get in the car Ella asks to hear "her" song (You Wear Flowers), Spencer's favorite song is "What About." It was a fun night.
It seriously has taken me WAY too long to post these pics. I love this one of the kids. Ella was chasing the two boys threatening to lick both of them. I love that as she catches Michael and licks him, he also has his tongue out.
Our first day in NC we went outlet shopping which we adults loved, but the kids hated. We had promised them that the next day would be about them. The first activity they wanted to do was play tennis. 
I think most of the frustration stemmed from the fact that they couldn't play as well as they did in their mind. Braxten was the only one who stayed happy most of the time -
I did get one smiling picture -
Isn't she sweet! Maddi is so fun to take pictures of because she actually looks at the camera and smiles!
Luckily, Aunt Michelle saved the day by bringing bread so we could all go feed the ducks. The kids LOVED doing this and ate a lot of the bread themselves - so hunger probably played a part in the earlier grouchiness:
That night we took the kids to the mall to visit the Easter Bunny. Ella took one look at the bunny and decided she wanted no part of it (can't say that I blame her!). Here's a pic with everyone else:
The kids and I spent Spring Break this year at Scott and Michelle's house in North Carolina (Lance's brother). If you are ever lucky enough to get an invitation there definitely make sure you go - or do what I did and invite yourself! My MIL was also visiting at the time so it was nice for the kids (and me!) to get a chance to see her this year. Lance had to work so I made the trip solo. My kids have reached the age where traveling in the car is actually almost enjoyable. They were so excited to see their cousins. When we got home Spencer told Lance to start looking for jobs in NC because he needs to live next to Michael.
Anyway . . . the next couple of posts are going to highlight some fun stuff we did while we were there.
A couple of weeks ago I went on a fabulous date around the world all in one night!
I had noticed that Spencer really needed some time alone with me so I set up a date night with him. He was completely mortified that I kept calling it a date so of course I had to loudly say it often. I am such a good mom. We started the evening by going out to dinner together. The restaurant we wanted to go to was closed because of a power outage so we drove around until we found another. We went to a wonderful little Italian place. Spencer completely floored me by ordering spaghetti and meatballs instead of pizza. It was so much fun to sit and spend time with just him. I love his quirky sense of humor and observations.
After dinner we went to the Stake YW/YM Multicultural Night. Each ward was responsible for one country. They have a competition to see who can do the best job. They put together displays on the country, games kids could play on the spot, food, and at the end of the night had to do a skit representing the country. It was months and months of work but it was well worth it. Spencer and I had a blast!
Here are some pics from the night. Spencer is standing in front of part of the Thailand exhibit. The rest are of the YW and YM from my ward.
Elder Ballard must read my blog (just kidding)! He quoted the quote from Anna Quindlen that is on my sidebar. I really liked his remarks. Not sure if I'm in the "young mother" category since I've hit my 30's but this definitely was one of my favorite talks this conference.
