The fence, or the lack thereof

Thanks to the generous time donation of some family members (Thanks Eric, Coralee, Corey, Mom and Dad Wessman and Mom and Dad Paulsen!) we no longer have a fence. This is actually to make way for a new fence which we just purchased to be installed starting the week of April 5th. Now I look out my kitchen window and feel very exposed. It's especially true in the evenings and night. It's weird how much more enclosed I feel with the fence. The backyard neighbors' outside lights are bright now where before they seemed muted and far away.

Blizzard

I had to drive Sarah to school today because of an actual blizzard. I haven't driven her except one other time this whole school year. Sheesh Spring, when are you going to arrive!?

new Friend Magazine site

The Church has a great site for children now. We love it! I especially love how they play music, no words, that corresponds with the coloring pages and puzzles. You should check it out.

Activities

Starting March I've been doing activities with the girls every day. I mean actual planned things we can do or learn together. I had been doing this last year but I became lazy and a slacker and quit several months ago (like maybe 6 months :( ) Anyway, my new plan goes like this:
Monday: Spring cleaning chore we do together. This is actually fun since it's a chore we rarely do and we can do it together while listening to funky children's songs.
Tuesday: Arts and Crafts. I get most ideas of the internet or the family fun magazine
Wednesday: Learn about a modern-day prophet. This week was Pres. Monson. Ask us anything, we might remember the answer.
Thursday: Game day. I chose the game to avoid argument and also because there are some games I just don't like to play...period.
Friday: Field trip or felt story. If we do a felt story we tell the story with the felt and then dramatize it. Last week we did Noah's ark and thankfully we had enough stuffed animals to cover the living room ark. (See picture above.)
Saturday: Field trip or felt story. Some field trips have to be on Sat. like the gem festival at Spanish Fork fairgrounds March 21st.
Sunday: Something from the Friend Magazine. I can't believe how much stuff is in there. I hadn't looked at a friend since Sarah learned to read them to herself and they disappeared into the confines of her room as soon as they arrived. Since Emily reads too they now have to stay out on the magazine table and I was looking in them for ideas for Sunday. WOW! I've been missing out. Last Sunday we did this. page 13. (Walk by Faith)

We switched days around and did our field trip yesterday this week. We went to the BYU art museum where we had a blast visiting their exhibit on the "I Spy" guy Wick. It was super cool, I recommend it to anyone. Plus it's free. :) Later this month on the week we learn about Brigham Young we'll be coming to Salt Lake to see the Lion House.

This has been a good way for me to build more positive relationships with the girls rather than just being the mom that tells them to pick up their room. We have fun together and we have something to look forward to every day. (I survive by looking forward to something fun.)

A few more.

The Happiest Place on Earth...

Some of our favorites.

These were on Alan's computer until just now and so I didn't have access to them. Here are some favorites from the 1st day at Disneyland and a picture of the girls with their Great Grandparents Paulsen. Emily loved! the merry-go-round, especially this one with the pink dolphin.

Disneyland! part 3

Emily was in princess heaven of course. But we were surprised to hear that the trip to the ocean almost ranked higher than Disneyland. She had a hard time deciding which she liked better.

Disneyland! part 2

Here are some of our favorites of Sarah. Her favorite ride was splash mountain.

Disneyland!

Okay all you people (Shelly) you have been wanting pictures of Disneyland. Here you are. They were fun to take and fun to look at. First Alyssa.