Graduations

Emily and David and Liz graduated from Weber and Utah State. 

Anna and I flew out to celebrate with them for the weekend. Flying with a 9 month old baby that doesn't like to sit still is always so much fun. We made it and had a great time.

Emily's graduation ceremony.

 Celebratory trip to the Spiral Jetty. 

I spy Auntie Em, and how cute are David, Liz, and Anna in her beanie!

 It was a long drive, but worth it in the end.

It just looks like a pile of rocks, but I promise it was cool. 

Gore's Visit

We are always excited to see cousins. The Gores came down for a visit over Spring break, and we had a really good time. 

Easter egg hunt

Games in Grandma and Grandpa Stathis' backyard.

The ever popular swings.

Sasha sharing her piano skills.

The human pyramid was hysterical.

I don't remember what game this one was -- it looks like ring-around-the-rosies -- I'm sure it was something much more fun. 

March Highlights

Lisa and Steve met us at Tyson's corner and watched the girls while I went to a baby shower. 

They spoiled them and let them pick out new Disney princess dolls from the Disney Store, and I realized how crazy the mall is on a Saturday. The parking lot was so crowded! 

David moved into a new office at work, and we helped him get situated. 

March is such a weird month with some warm spring like days with a few cold, snow days. 

Anna and I met Lisa for lunch, and Lisa shared her ear muffs. Anna looks so sweet in them. Well, let's be honest. Anna looks so sweet in anything. 

Fridays became Fun Fridays, and Leah's preschool friends would rotate play dates. Dress ups and playing family were favorites at our house.

More dreaming of summer days and trying on swimsuits wishing the cold weather away. 

Sarah and I had fun in the mornings while Anna napped and Leah was at preschool. 

Sarah loves doing puzzles so most days we would get a big stack out and do them all. Afterwards, she would usually color or we would read books.

Anna jumps right in playing with her sisters. She likes to play in the basement and be involved in whatever Leah and Sarah are doing.

Anna is also obsessed with "OPh", and she follows her around wherever Sophie goes. 

Cute in mommy's sunglasses.

More sister hug bed photo opts.

Leesylvania State Park

We took advantage of a warm Saturday and went to explore a state park in Woodbridge.

It was so nice to get out of our heavy coats and enjoy the sun and scenery. 

The girls could have collected seashells all day. 

We had a great time breaking up our regular Saturday routines and doing something different together. 

February Highlights

Lisa gave us haircuts. We always make an event of it.

Escaping from the cold weather with some pretend Summer play.

Sophie getting in on the TV show.

Anna looking adorable in the morning with crazy hair and toothless smile. She is so friendly and happy and outgoing. It's so fun!

Taking friends to church -- we love having all of the van seats filled up.

We decided to take a dinner time picture. 

Sarah came downstairs in this outfit, and I had to capture a paparazzi style shot.

An Ode to Noodles

We like to eat out the weekends, especially Saturday. 

It's nothing fancy. Usually Chipotle, Cafe Rio, Little Ceasers. You get the idea.

Sometimes, we make the mistake and ask the girls where they want to eat. 

They ALWAYS say Noodles. 

They could almost eat an entire bowl of the Mac and Cheese on their own.

February Snow

February brought a huge snowstorm that didn't disappoint!

Anna bundling up.

One. Two. Three. GO!

We built an awesome snow fort under the playground complete with a sofa and sink.

Can you see us?

Leah's 5th Birthday

Leah turned 5, and we loved celebrating. 

One of her birthday requests was to go shopping just with me. 

Leah loves to shop, and we had a great time. 

She carefully looks through the clothes to see if there is something she likes.

She finally settled on these shoes after very careful selection.  

Her friend's birthday party was a huge success! 

A successful frozen cake. Icy blue. 

David put on a great magician show. 

He had all the kids in disbelief with his disappearing ball trick and slicing an unopened banana. 

Lots of gifts

December Highlights

December is always magical. 

Setting up the decorations.

The girls dressed up as Mary one day as part of the advent calendar from Leah's preschool teacher. 

A sleepover at Lisa's house.

The first of many, many snowstorms. 

Anna is always smiling for the camera.

Preschool Christmas party making gingerbread houses.

Friend gift exchange.

All the little ladies of the house hanging out on the top bunk. 

 Christmas dresses.

Carrier and Stathis Gingerbread houses. Can you guess who's is who? 

Back row (L-R) Emily, Traci, and Leah

Front row: David, Lisa, and Sarah 

Leah found this visor and asked, "Mom, is this from when you worked at McDonalds?"

BTW: She is wearing her pajama pants as a shawl.

Washington D.C. Temple lights with Emily, Lisa, and Steve 

Christmas morning is always so fun. 

Three girls in a crib.

On our way to see Frozen. 

Cutie. Huge smile again.

Anna and Elsa.