Our little monkey

It appears that Laurel hasn't reached her limit of heights yet. Just the other day we discovered her on the top of a book case. She seemed quite proud of herself. Laurel has also learned how to climb to the top of the bunk beds in her room. Then on another day when we had moved a bookcase into the living room, she decided she needed to climb that too before we got books on it. It promptly fell over on her and Samantha. No injuries resulted, but we are beginning to wonder if we have even one room in our house that is safe for Laurel to be left alone in. (Anyone have a padded room they could loan us?)

When Laurel isn't climbing on something, she loves to just "hang around".

on the chin up bar in our hallway


from Adam's bunk bed

Farewell to a great woman

While in Arizona, I (Cathy) got the news that my Grandmother O'Dwyer had passed away. It wasn't too surprising, but nonetheless sad at the thought she was really gone from this life. The last few years she had been declining physically and mentally, so in a way, the Grandmother I knew was already "gone". However, I knew I really wanted to be at her funeral. Because my parents were in town when we were, it worked out conveniently for me to drive back to Colorado with them, and then fly home from there after the funeral. Derek was an angel to make the long drive back home with all the kids on his own. And then take care of them for another 2 days until I got back. It meant a lot to me to be able to attend the funeral. It was wonderful to see so many aunts and uncles and cousins, some I hadn't seen in a very long time. It was like a huge reunion, as we came together to celebrate the life of a wonderful woman. I had always know how great my grandmother was, but I learned so much more about her as family members shared stories and memories that they had experienced with her. I really wished Derek and our children could have been there with me to feel of the special spirit that was present. It is wonderful to know the blessings of the plan of salvation. I look forward to seeing my grandmother again someday.My Grandma Dorothy (or Dodo as many called her)

Cathy with parents and siblings at the gravesite in Fruita, Colorado

A wedding

The day finally arrived to participate in Rachel's wedding. Derek and Cathy enjoyed their special ceremony in the Mesa temple, and then we went with the children to the reception and took lots of pictures! Rachel and Corey were a handsome and happy couple. Once the reception got under way, we spent the evening visiting and enjoy cookies and milk (instead of traditional wedding cake). We had a fun time. At times like this, Derek likes to ask Cathy if she will marry him again. Her response is, "No, I've already married you, but I'll take another honeymoon!"

Samantha waiting for the party to start

Adam thought it was fun to wear a suit

cousin Sarah and Hannah

Derek and Cathy

Playing in Arizona

We spent a fun week visiting family in Mesa, Arizona. Our intent in coming during this time was to attend the wedding of Derek's youngest sister, Rachel. But until the wedding day, we had plenty to keep us busy. We enjoyed Easter weekend as we participated in a large family gathering that included an easter egg hunt and birthday dinner/BBQ. The kids had a great time playing with lots of cousins. They loved going on the eater egg hunt and eating up all their candy. Later that night, our three oldest went to spend the night at some cousins home. On Easter Sunday we spent most of the day with Derek's brother, Joe, and his family.

During the week we spent time at Grandma and Grandpa Taylor's home playing and relaxing. With Derek's sister, Beka, and her boys, we went to a fun park that had a carousel and train ride. By Tuesday, we were joined by Grandma and Grandpa O'Dwyer, who were also visiting. We had plenty of time to play and visit. The older kids loved Grandpa's new motorized razor scooter. We also went to a fun indoor amusement park, Fiddler on the Roof high school play, and Adam enjoyed a fun birthday treat at an indoor go-Kart racing facility. While we were having all this fun, Derek had flown back home to work for a few days, but got back in time to take Adam to race go-karts. We also enjoyed spending time with cousins any time they were available. It was a great week!

Mackenzie and Laurel

Adam

Cathy, Samantha and Mackenzie before train ride

Laurel and Jamie at easter egg hunt

Samantha hunting for easter eggs

Laurel at the park

Laurel having fun learning how to get easter eggs

cousin Sarah and Hannah

cousin Sidney and Jamie

Laurel enjoyed the trampoline at times, but also this slide

cousin Mary and Mackenzie

Birthdays

April is a big month for birthdays in our family. Jamie celebrated her 6th birthday and Adam celebrated his 10th.
We had a fun birthday dinner at home for Jamie before we left on a trip for Arizona. Then two days later, Jamie and Adam were part of a big birthday dinner at the Taylor's. A few days after that was Adam's actual birthday and he enjoyed some cards and a gift. A real special treat for him though, was to go drive Go Karts at F1 race factory with his dad and Grandpa O'Dwyer. He was finally old enough to do that and had a great time!


She got new clothes for her 18" doll















Showing her new bike wheels, basket and helmet











Derek and Adam at the indoor race track

Violin Concert

Mackenzie and Hannah had a violin concert. This was Mackenzie's first playing violin. There was just her and another boy in her class. So far they have only plucked, but are now learning to use the bow.

Hannah's group is all girls and they had fun with their songs. They have some fiddle music lovers in their group, so they attempted a fiddle song this time and it was fun.