Baby brother

Our sweet Mary has been blessed with 3 brothers. She loves them all, but she has a special place in her heart for her baby brother. These 2 are BFF's. They are almost the same height even though they are 2 1/2 years apart. When we pick Mary up after 3 hours of pre-school, these two embrace like they haven't seen each other for days. This morning at breakfast I asked Luke to drink his milk but he didn't do it until Mary asked him to. They laugh at each others funnies. They hold hands when they walk. Mary helps him down the stairs. They both melt our hearts.

Easter Sunday

We celebrated Easter a week early this year. Luke loved finding eggs. It was so much fun to watch him run to the eggs and shout, "ahegg!" And then he discovered that the plastic eggs had candy in them! He was lovin' it!

At Easter dinner we did 'Easter crackers'. They are small decorated cylinders and you pull each end to crack it open. Inside there is a paper crown to wear, a small toy and a joke. The English have them usually at Christmas, but I found them for Easter this year too. They were a big hit with the kids!

Some of the spring flowers in our garden. I love love love this time of year!

The kids in their Easter duds for church.

Grandpa & Grandma Stepan's visit

Here are some of the highlights of our visit with Todd's parents:

I've always felt blessed that I have wonderful in-laws. They are a lot of fun and they bring a special spirit into our home when they come. Thanks for coming mom and dad. We love you!

Grandpa & Grandma Orton's visit

Here are some pictures from my parents visit:

It was great to spend time with my parents and have them in our home. We were grateful that my dad would come and celebrate his 60th birthday with us. We enjoyed eating English chocolate, custard and Frosties (Frosted Flakes). Thanks for coming mom and dad. We love you.

Baptism day

We have had a fantastic month. Michael turned 8 years old and was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Todd baptized him and it was a very special experience for all of us. I hope I never forget the joy and peace I felt as I watched my sweetie baptize our oldest son. I am so full of love for both of them. I'm grateful for Michael's decision to be baptized and I know that it is the first step on the right path in his life.

We are so grateful for our Michael. He is happy, clever, inquisitive, and a genuinely great kid. Every so often we catch a glimpse of the man he will become someday, and we feel blessed to be his parents.
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Both my parents and Todd's parents came to England for Michael's baptism. It was wonderful to have them both here for this special event in Michael's life.

I'll post pictures soon of our fun month with grandparents.