Lucky for Jeff he didn't have to haul his wheelbarrow full of rocks down and across the street to dump them on an empty lot!
It still boggles my mind as to how we celebrate the 4th of July and then a couple of weeks later we do it all over again for the 24th of July. At least we get double use out of those cute red/white/blue shirts huh?
We celebrated Pioneer Day with the annual "Dana Family Celebration". We all gathered at Aunt Carol's house and ate tons of yummy food, socialized, and had so much fun.
And we all had a fun mini trek down Aunt Carol's street:
Thanks Carol for hosting a fun event we look forward to each year!
Today was the big party for Little Miss Sofia! If you know Sofie at all, you know that "candy" should be her middle name. She loves anything sweet and sugary (much like her mother), so a "candy" party seemed fitting.
We had 20 little shoppers in the "Shoppe" today. They started out with making their own pizzas for lunch.
Then they moved on to making their very own custom candy bracelets.
We played some games, sang some songs - especially the "Happy Birthday" one to Sofie.
The cake turned out fun. I made it very "sweet" just for her! The candles were sent to her by Auntie Di. The flame is the same color as the candle - it was cool to see them glowing their various colors! Thanks Di!
She loved opening her presents, and spent the entire afternoon/evening playing with her fun new toys and crafts. I was, however, happy to hear the answer to one specific question. "Sofie, what was your favorite birthday present?" Her answer - CANDY! I suppose it was quite perfect for her. She had to brush her teeth 3 times tonight, because she kept getting into the candy after she'd been sent to bed.
What do you do with all the candy in the jars you ask? Well you send it home with the guests - of course! Each child packed their very own "goodie bag" of treats to take home.
They each received a fabric "candy bag" with candy lip gloss, candy stickers, candy hair clips (girls), candy notebooks and mini pens.
As usual, a huge shout out to Jane, for her fabulous photography of the event. What would I ever do without her?
It was a great day - and pretty nice weather to boot! I have a LOT of catching up to do with this blog - but it will have to wait a couple of more days.
the children were delighted
Bella and her friend conjured up a plan to leave a note for the Easter Bunny requesting an egg hunt all over the house. She was, however, disappointed to hear that the Easter Bunny could not write her a note back. I had to explain that unlike Santa, or the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny is an animal, and how on earth could he write with those giant paws? She didn't care the next morning when she and her siblings had 50 candy-filled eggs to find. Thanks Jeff, just what the kids need. More candy. Couldn't you fill them with trail mix?
After church we enjoyed a fabulous dinner and dessert with Grandma Susan, Jane, Aaron & kids.
We hope you all had a great Easter weekend, filled with family, friends, and a remembrance of the reason for the holiday. 
Loved putting together their valentines for their friends at school.
The girls got little Barbie MP3 players - which they LOVE!
We had our usual heart shaped pizza - the kids really were dressed and ready between breakfast and dinner, I just happened to take photos after baths that night.
It was so much fun!
Santa had been here. And what does daddy say? "Go back to bed, it's too early." Bella was about ready to burst into tears, so I had to quickly inform him that on school days we're LEAVING at 7:30, it's not too early, and most families of little kids are up at 6:00 a.m. 
They were so happy to see the treasures they'd asked for. A "littlest pet shop" stuffed animal (you can play on the internet) for Bella, and a "puppy with pink ears" for Sofie.
Reed didn't care about the big gifts sitting unwrapped in plain sight. He went straight for the wrapped gifts. This would be why there weren't any under the tree until last night!
Sofie loved her new sleeping bag, and Bella got a bike.
Bella is sure that Santa fills the stockings, because Mommy and Daddy
They always get toothbrushes and toothpaste in their stockings. This year they were all "Tooth Tunes". Bella & Sofie have brushed their teeth at least 3 times today, they love them so much!
Then they had their big surprise upstairs - they can't believe it!
A fun bouncer to put in the basement and jump ALL winter long!
The gifts were fun to open. Adorable matching jammies for the girls from Auntie Di - love those cupcakes!
Every time Reed unwrapped a book, he would take it over to daddy and have him read it. He took his time opening presents, but had a ball.
Sofie loves her new baby, complete with a car seat. She hasn't put it down all day.
Bella tried out her new cupcake maker on dessert tonight. She frosted cupcakes for all the kids.
Reed loves his new ASU hat
It was such a fun morning, and relaxing day. 
