Strawberry Picking '14

The berries are in full bloom here in sunny NC, so last Saturday between soccer games we ran over to Gillis Hill and started pickin'. It was great. They had a wagon drive us out to their furthest patches and let the kids go wild. It took only 30 minutes to gather three crates of strawberries to take home and enjoy. We made a dozen jars of jam, then used the rest for strawberry shortcakes and yummy smoothies. Now they're all gone and the kiddos are begging for more. We may just have to make one (or two, or three) more stops to this awesome farm.

Realized And Reminded

The month of April has flown by and I've realized many things. Not so much realized, but more of a deeper understanding of things. For instance, I love to bake. That's not new, however, I was thinking this month that maybe one day I'll open a little bakery of my very own?! Who knows! Might be fun, uh? Then, I dropped Haley off at her "Kindergarten, Here I Come" day. I was reminded how very quickly she has grown up. Four out of five in school will leave me for the first time ever to entertain our remaining three year old all by myself. An exciting, but nerve racking thought. These two little gals play all day long together! I don't think Azure is going to accept me in her sister's place, especially since she has already informed me that I don't make the animal sounds as good as Haley. Next, our caterpillars hatched into beautiful butterflies and I was reminded what an awesome process that is for kids to watch take place. We had many beautiful evenings to enjoy flag tag. For the first time we decided to teach Azure the actual game and rules. It was so funny to watch her reactions and she realized for the first time what it's like for someone to steal her flags. Finally, we had LOTS of play dates at home and around town, and were reminded once again how very lucky we are for the many wonderful friends we have met here in NC.

Parties And Parks

Steven had a big birthday last week, but he's STILL in his 30's! We celebrated with fun presents and yummy treats. BYU cuff links and personalized M&M's with eye balls on them were among a few of the kids favorite present picks. We have also been taking immense advantage of the Spring weather hitting our area. Many trips to the park and flying kites, although our best kite got a little out of hand last week and ended up two streets over in a tall tree. The kids and I mourned this loss for quite a few days and hoped that somehow the kite would make his way out of the branches. Thus far, no such luck. With such great weather we had to make a trip to the best park around, which is about an hour away in a neighboring town. A few hours running around in "Camelot" and the majority of our kiddos return home tired and ready for bed.

Spring Recital '14

The eldest three kiddos did an amazing job at their spring recital last weekend. They worked really hard for many weeks to perfect each of their assigned pieces. We have been so lucky to find the best piano teacher ever. He's a great and fair teacher, but expects a lot from them because he knows what they are capable of, and thus, they rise to those expectations. It's awesome. Great job Ballard kiddos for a terrific afternoon of beautiful music.

March Holidays

Many great holidays have taken place over the last few weeks that we just couldn't allow to pass without celebrating. First, of course, National Pi Day. The pies themselves can probably explain their flavors, but for the record we enjoyed Oreo, Peach, and Key Lime. They were delicious! :) Shortly following Pi Day came St. Patrick's Day. We don't follow to closely with the whole, "wear green or I'll pinch you" deal. Mainly because now it's again most schools policies. Since pinching was nixed we had to come up with the next best way to celebrate, so green dinner and lots of yummy treats was the solution.