Lucky 13

Eliah had a birthday today. Can't believe he's 13. As I often say, he was simply the best baby! And he's a pretty awesome TEENAGER now. Here are some shots from his family party tonight. We started the night out with stylist guru Debbie tweaking Ya's haircut. Now he's ultra hot. In fact, he was so warm he decided to (partially) disrobe for the birthday cake ritual. After that he put on a muscle shirt and opened presents galore with the help of his trusty assistant Lincoln. Thank you, everyone, for coming or calling and just plain supporting our boy.

Wicked!

The reason Grandpa and Bonnie were in town: Wicked is playing at the Capitol Theater in SLC. Here are the kids seated just before the performance. What a wonderful day. I loved, loved, loved the play! Thank you so much, Grandpa! We love you.

Super Heroes

Scout, Ana and Lincoln off to save the world.

Spaz!

Ana was Grandpa's partner during a crazy game of Spaz. She was a champ!

A Slice of Sisterly Affection

My sweetest-sister-ever Natalie made my day when she surprised me with a whole pie from Roseville's famous cafe, A Slice of Goodness. Dad and Bonnie carted it on to the plane and brought it clear to Katie's house for our family gathering. I was taken completely off-guard and brought to tears when I realized what she had done for me. We all shared the magic of Caramel Apple Pie. (Daryl proclaimed it the best apple pie he'd ever tasted.) I even had a little left over to take home. Thank you, Natalie. I'll never forget it. (Thanks to Stephen for these pics.)

Camera's Missing!

. . . but we had a nice Easter, I think. The Walter kids out here each had rather strange and nontraditional Easter meals. We had curry chicken. I think Katie had mac n cheese with her kids. (Dave was working.) And Steve and Debbie had cold cereal. None of us was in a holiday groove. Weird, huh?! Oh well. I promise we're not mad at each other or anything! :)

Katie and kids joined our family for dessert late in the day. I attempted to make Mamoo's angel food cake, but it was literally half the height of hers. I'll keep working on that recipe. Is it an altitude thing? Anyone? Or is it just that I don't have the Magical Mamoo touch (more likely)?

My kids just started a 5-day spring break (including the weekend). What a joke! Anyway, I'll try to think of something fun for them to do besides weeding the front yard.