So it begins....

In July 2013, we were asked to meet with President Maughan in the Stake Presidency. We didn't know him well. He was in a different ward. He asked that we be part of a three couple team to head the creation of the Stake float for the Days of '47 parade. The idea was kind of overwhelming but doable as we weren't mainly in charge. I attended the float preview party and some other meetings with people that build floats for a living. We continued living a normal life with the idea of the float somewhere in the back of our minds. Then in November 2013, shortly after Scott broke his foot, President Maughan visited us again. He asked us to be in charge of the whole float project and the other couples would be minimally involved, if at all. This became a much bigger task for us! Scott accepted the call with enthusiasm and I reminded President Maughan we were still considering moving. He said "ok" and we forged ahead. Things started to really weigh on our minds about this now. We had to have a design submitted for approval by March 1st. We got to work and this is what we came up with:

This is our second rendering of the concept:

Thanks to Ann Kofoed, our ideas became visible. Now comes the harder work...

Our Easter Best

Love the bowtie!

Egg Hunt and More...

I love our tradition of coloring Easter eggs at Grandma's in preparation for Saturday's hunt. This year we missed half more than half of the kids but did our best to color the DOZENs of eggs Grandma hard boiled. Watson's hair style is courtesy of Stratton in this picture. Stratton is his hero.

Watson was super excited to find more eggs than anyone else. Luckily, he didn't focus on that very long but just enjoyed running around with his favorite people, cousins. He and Stratton made a good time and worked well together.

The hunt for eggs is always a little tricky. The Easter bunny at Grandma's makes sure to mix in real eggs with candy filled plastic eggs. It's a little bit of a challenge to find them all but the kids do every year!

We always search for baskets inside Grandma's house. That bunny is tricky! Luckily, her house is small and the parents, kids, are persistent. 

Easter Sunday best, and vacation relaxation attire for the Hoopes' girls, captured on film.
Although I love these traditions that are fun, I do love to reflect on the miracle of the Savior's sacrifice and Atonement. Families couldn't BE if it weren't from Him. We couldn't be made whole if it weren't from Him. He is everything. I hope that remembering that always is a tradition I create with myself and my family.

Ahhhh, Spring!

It has been one heck of a whirlwind around here since February. Everything has been not normal with home improvements and house selling. But, Watson and I did squeeze in one Easter craft. We did marker watercolor easter eggs. They turned out colorful and fun. It was great to be just a little artistic together. Next year we will be back on track with some of our Easter activity traditions. But, look at that face...isn't he the cutest? Love him.

Easy on the Spring Break

We are super lucky to have Chandler come home every Spring Break. Usually we have plans to go here, there, or somewhere. Because of our selling the house and pending move, things were a bit quieter this year. So we visited the new house a few times...

And we went to the skate park to practice MAD biking skills. And the boys had a night out with dad bowling. Mostly, we stayed home, played games, watched movies, and Chandler spent time with his friends. It was a much needed and quiet break.

A Day at the Zoo

We arranged a day at the zoo with our friends Liz and Thor. It's always a good time to spend time together and learn about something new. The boys climbed on things like monkeys and Liz and I got to enjoy each other's company. We do miss the train at the zoo but always manage to ride the Carousal. We hope to see lions and tigers and bears the next time we visit!

Luck 'O the Irish

Watson, and every other kid in his preschool class, tried to capture a leprechaun. He had a little luck...The leprechaun rewarded his (and Dad's) creativity with some Gold! It was a fun day and a fun little project around our little house.

Eight Years in the Making

I decided it was time to get back on track, literally, this year. I haven't run farther than a 10k since Scott and I tied the knot. It was time for me to run a little more. So, I made a goal in January to run two half marathons this year. The first being the Canyonlands Half. That was my first Half marathon ever and it was time to try it again. Sure, things were crazy! We just got back from Disneyland, we've been remodeling the house, we put the house up for sale, things have been busy. But, my supportive husband helped me through the stress and I made it. It was a quick trip to Moab but a good thing for my mind, soul and body. I wasn't the fastest. But I wasn't the slowest either. I did it. It was hard. It felt really good.

Scott biked a bit while I ran.

The Happiest Place Ever!

This is us. At the airport. Waiting to get on a plane to take us to Cali-for-nia! Yay! We were all beyond excited to make a trip to Disneyland! Grandma came along this time to keep us on track. The plane ride went smoothly for all. Watson had a new mini figure and sticker book to stay occupied. 

What can you say about being in Disneyland? Pictures tell it all....so there are LOTS and LOTS of them. We had a great time. Little to no incidents of any sort. Everything was practically perfect in every way.

Watson's high point was being in Radiator Springs and meeting Mater. Low point was waiting for 25 minutes for Jedi Training to start but didn't get picked. Maybe next time...
Over all we had a fantastic time and can't wait to go back!