Taylor's Homecoming!

April was a busy month for us and we loved every minute! We started off with my Brother Taylor returning from his mission for real this time. He came home April 2nd, 2014 from serving in the Anchorage, Alaska Mission. It covered the whole state and a little bit of Canada. He loved every minute except for the part when a small part of his finger got chopped off while chopping wood (see the 2013 book). He ended up coming home for about 4 or 5 weeks in October to heal. He are so proud for your example Uncle Taylor!

Elder Van Bibber

 

First baptism.

 

Deep sea fishing.

Glacier.

 

A little finger wave.

Back at the mission and serving in the North Pole and working for Santa.

It's cold!! 

 

 

Northern Lights.

 

 Welcome Home Elder Van Bibber for good this time.

Returned with Honor and all remaining fingers.

Accident free for 222 days!

Mission accomplished.

 

 

 

 

Still able to play all his instruments, that is what he was worried about. What a guy.

We love you Taylor!

Spring Break

The last few days of March we headed to St. George for Spring Break and some warmer weather! We stayed with Carly (my sister), Jeff and Cousin Owen. Quinn was not able to go with us and I was not really ready to drive that far by myself with three kids so Grandma Van Bibber tagged along. We had a blast, enjoying every minute.

Friday evening we played at the park after our long ride.

 

Carly, Owen and soon to be little brother.

 

 Cousins!

 

Mia and I played on the blanket because she is still afraid of grass, swings and slides at this point.

 

Saturday we spent down town at the new Children's Museum. It was awesome. Then we had a picnic lunch, rode the carousel and played in the water.

 

 

Princess Emma on her Unicorn riding away from the dragon.

 

Own and James on the farm.

Post Master James.

 





 

Going shopping.

 

Mia was having too much fun and refused to look up.

 

Lunch - so typical - Emma is posing and James is hiding.

 

 

While waiting for the Carousel to reopen we took a break from the sun at the library.

The kids had fun looking at books coloring. Jeff and I played SORRY! I believe I won but just barely.

 

 

The Carousel.

Love this picture.

 

Water park!

Show us your muscles.

 

Sunday evening we walked around the beautiful St. George Temple.

 

Monday before our long drive we tried to tire out the kids by hiking around the red rocks.

Snack time.

 

We had a great time. Thank you Carly and Jeff for letting us bombard your house.

We love you!!

An outing with Grandma Lavender

On a nice day in March we grabbed Grandma Lavender and headed downtown to our favorite museum - The Church History Museum and their children's area. The kids enjoy building with the big blocks and cooking in the play kitchen.

This is one of their new favorites though - they get to paint one of the paintings that is hanging on the wall with these cool computer easels.

James turns 4!

Happy Birthday to our big boy!

  

James is still very loving and gives the best hugs. He still loves books, Star Wars are among his favorite right now. He is really getting into Star Wars toys and games. He would play Lego Star Wars on the Wii all day long if I would let him. James is also really getting into Legos and we are starting our collection. James still likes cars but those toys have take a bit of a back seat lately. James loves to be outside riding his bike and starting to ride is scooter. He is also very excited to start his first swimming lessons soon.

In the weeks leading up to his birthday I would ask him what kind of cake he would like and he kept saying he wanted a pink cake. I didn't really believe him but when we went to order it that is what he asked for and so that is what we got. I had them put on some Star Wars rings to make it a little more boyish.  

Birthday plate.

Birthday dinner - haystacks.

Present time.

Star Wars guys.

Cars.

Cake!

 

Celebrating with the Van Bibbers

 



 

James got some fun gifts from Grandma an Grandpa - a fake can of peanuts and some glasses.

 

That's a big box of Legos. That should keep him happy for a while.

 

 

Celebrating with the Lavenders

 



 

A coloring book, cars and legos!

Cake for all three March birthdays: Christian (16), Nicole (13) and James (4).