One mega mish-mash, hodge-podge

I am so, so, SO behind.  So in an attempt to be caught up, I am doing one gigantic post.  So let's see if we can wade through these...

PINEWOOD DERBY!!

Russell had his very first pinewood derby in scouts last month.  He loved making the car with dad and was so excited to race it.  He decided to model his car after Speed Racer's mach 5.  He was extra excited to come away with a first place prize.  I think next year we'll have a little less of daddy making the car and a little more of Russell making the car...

EASTER!

A big, gigantic thank you so much to Grammi for being our easter bunny this year.  The kids were so spoiled and loved every minute of it!  It's sad they can't know who everything really came from since they're all still believers around here!!

I think I'm probably asking the kids for no splashing of the egg dye...  

This year we hit the jackpot with the easter egg hunt we went to.  We'll be regulars there for sure!  Before the hunt they had a helicopter come and drop the eggs on the field.  It was cool to watch!  And there were 40,000 eggs, so there was no mad rush to get eggs... plenty for everyone.  Extra even!

A CASUALTY

Last month we had our first broken bone.  Although I am shocked that it has taken this long, really.  There is no exciting story behind it...only wrestling in the front room, which is a regular occurrence!

OUR RACE!

This year for my half-marathon my sis came to run it with me!  It was so fun to do something so rewarding with her.  And as always, we LOVE having Aunt Ginny come.  We seriously love her visits.

Here's part of our fan club. (Little Russell was at his soccer game, and big Russell was the photographer.)

The night after the race, we got to Skype with Abigail.  Here's Gin and I sporting our twin shirts and talking with Ab.  (P.S. to the rest of my fam out there, I would love to skype with any of you, too!)

I thought I'd give Gin and myself an incentive to race for.  So we had a delicious dinner of lasagna, asparagus, and rolls and this death by chocolate cake.  I had this fantastic idea to have a moist chocolate cake with chocolate truffle and whole Lindt white chocolate truffle filling, frosted with chocolate frosting and ganache, and coated with mini chocolate chips.  It turned out to be a little on the rich side (haha).  Who knew I could actually make something TOO rich, even for me?  It was still good and worth running for!!

 I love how the kids know and love their Auntie.  I wish they could know all of Russell's and my family.  Hopefully that time will be coming!!

UTAH VISIT!

Thanks to my sweet sister who flew me out to Utah, I was so lucky to be able to go to six of my beautiful nieces' dance recital.  I could not have imagined up a more perfect visit.  I loved every minute of it!

Miss Emeline

 Miss Addison

Miss Anamalia

Miss Elenoa Lose

Miss Lesieli 

Miss Evaloni

Cousins and sisters: Emeline, Addison, and Anamalia

The paparazzi

I LOVED spending time with my mom and sisters.  (We missed you Connie and Cassie!!)

The dance moms and kids (plus sweet Tori and Mr. Covelli).  I couldn't get enough of baby Covelli.  He is seriously too much!  And if I'm ever around Tori, Candy and James, you better watch out.  Because all she has to do is look at me, and I want to give her anything she wants!!

My favorite hobby is baking/cooking.  And I had such fun making cookie bouquets for each of the dancers.  

KEYAN'S BIRTHDAY!

I cannot do a Keyan birthday post without posting this picture.  I will always be grateful to these paramedics for making it to the house so quickly and helping Keyan to be born safely!  

Keyan chose Chuck E. Cheese for his birthday outing.

Keyan asked for binoculars (??? no idea where that came from) for his birthday.  Thank you, Grammi!!

He also asked for a spiderman cake.

He is keeping close watch over his brand new Millenium Falcon while blowing out his candles. :-)

A COUPLE RANDOMS

A cake I made for a dinner at a friend's house.

Sweet Halle-girl