Rachel's Magic Tree House Party

We finally were able to have Rachel's birthday party. After two postponements because we kept getting sick, we celebrated yesterday. Rachel and 14 of her friends pretended to be Jack and Annie from Frog Creek, PA from the Magic Tree House book series. Here's the fun:

The Magic Tree House

The girls started out in the "tree house" that Morgan le Fay (aka--Dad) constructed. We had blowing wind and flashing lights, then everything was still. Absolutely still. But only for a moment. . .

High Tide in Hawaii

The girls started out by making Leis. Then they played the "Limbo." We were amazed at how low some of the girls could go!

Mummies in the Morning

After returning to the tree house, the girls divided into two teams and wrapped Rachel's brothers up as mummies. They (Ben and Steven) were really good sports!

Dinosaurs before Dark

This was the loudest activity, by far. The girls had to "hatch" their dinosaur's egg by sitting on a balloon to get the plastic dinosaur hidden in the ballon. They were all a lot braver than I was!

Tigers at Twilight

The next activity the girls played was "Catch a Tiger by the Tail." It's similar to "Duck, Duck, Goose," except they said, "Lion, Lion. . .TIGER" and had to pull the tiger's tail that was hanging out the girl's pocket before she sat down.

The Knight at Dawn

Rachel really wanted a princess cake, so I made a princess castle cake to tie into the theme of the party. The girls especially liked all of the candy on the cake. Even though we had the candles on different levels of the cake, Rachel blew them all out in one breath! Hope your wish comes true!

Stage Fright on a Summer Night

We ran out of time to do "Stage Fright on a Summer Night" and have the girls pantomime and act like the gifts they were giving Rachel as she opened her presents. They had fun posing for pictures, though! She'll definitely have a fun time with all the fun gifts she received.

Pirates Past Noon

Finally, Steve sent the girls on a scavenger/treasure hunt where they had to collect items around the house or draw pictures of things like flowers and cars. When they had finished finding all of the items, they received their treasure boxes with candy and prizes, and we sent them home with their parents.

Then, everything was still. Absolutely still. . .

Ben Earns his Bear!

Last night at Cub Scout pack meeting, Ben received his Bear Award and 3 arrow points. Way to go, Ben! We're so proud of you!

Tin Grins are In!

We just wanted to show you a picture of Steven's new smile. He got braces on Monday. Lucky GUY!

Happy Birthday, Rachel!

Rachel's birthday is today. She is 7 years old! How time flies--it feels like she just joined our family. She started out the day with breakfast in bed, a favorite family tradition. She loved all her gifts, including a Yorkie doggy from Grandpa and Grandma Packer, a Puppy in My Pocket playset, makeup set from Grandma and Grandpa Lacey, her very own blow dryer, and some gymnastics outfits. (She's starting at Roach Gymnastics next week! She's sooo excited.)

She was supposed to have a "Magic Tree House" birthday party with a bunch of her friends today after school, but Steve, Steven, Ben, and I all have the flu. Even Leia, the dog, got sick today! So we're rescheduling for Monday--so look for pictures then.

We LOVE our Rachel!!! Have a wonderful birthday!

Spring Break

Last week we loaded up the van and went to Salt Lake for Spring Break. It was a long journey, but we had a fun time. Here are a few highlights:

We stopped in Boise on the way and on the way back to reintroduce the kids to their second cousins, my cousin, Stephanie's, kids. Her husband, Ryan, and kids, Davis (12), Parker (9), and Maddie (6) were very wonderful hosts!

We arrived in Salt Lake just in time for Steve and Steven to attend the priesthood session of General Conference.

We stayed 4 nights with our long-time friends, Eric and Minnette, in Saratoga Springs. Our kids had a blast playing with their kids, Lauren (9), Devon (7), Jordan (4) (sorry, no picture),

and Ally (21 months.) Steve and I had so much fun staying up late every night chatting and playing Ticket to Ride (choo-choo!) We were so sad to leave--we love their family!!!

Other highlights were watching Sunday conference and enjoying a yummy brunch at Aunt Joanne and Uncle Rich's house. Later on Sunday we went to my Grandma Lacey's house and treated her to lasagna dinner. Monday, Steve took the boys to Provo and did a little brainwashing--BYU--Go Cougs! (Rachel wasn't feeling well in the morning, so she and I stayed home.) The boys are saving all their pennies now so they can go there--some day! (We are so excited that BYU's coming to play UW--Steve bought our tickets for the big game yesterday!!!)

That night we went to my Aunt Mary Lou and Uncle Joel's house where Mary Lou had made dinner--Grandma Andrew's Tuna Casserole--the ultimate in comfort food! Then Joel was the entertainment of the evening. He works at an industrial diamond manufacturer. The boys were intrigued in the diamond-making process, and he even gave them some of the diamond rejects to take home.

Tuesday we visited our old neighborhood in Sandy. Steven even got to see his best friend, Curtis, while we were there!After lunch, we toured Temple Square including the visitors' centers, Tabernacle, Conference Center, Church History Museum, and Beehive House. That night, Steve and I went out to dinner and to Thanksgiving Point with Eric and Minnette while my sister, Shannon, watched all 8 kids! Thanks Shannon!
Here's a picture of Cutie-pie Shannon who is holding Sophie who is wearing an outfit Shannon sewed. Notice in Sophie's hand is Grandpa Lacey's "Poop Duck!"

Wednesday, we headed back home, stopping in Pocatello, ID to visit Grandma Packer,Heather, Barry, Quinton, Jeni,

Mackayla (8), Johnathon (6), Shari, Josh, and Triston. We only wish we could have stayed to visit longer, but it was so fun to see everyone. We are so grateful to the hospitality of everyone we visited and invite all our family and friends to let us return the favor when you come to Washington!