Well, it’s a little late, but I couldn’t resist posting these pictures.

This video shows Oliver blowing out his candles. Sometimes those candles are so tricky to blow out . . .

It was a bit too cold for swimming, but I gave it a shot anyway.

Over Memorial Day weekend we decided to drive to Lake Michigan. There are lots of beaches to choose from, so we went with the closest – Silver Beach. It was just over 2 hours from our house. The weather was beautiful, the sand was perfect, and we had a great time.

Moo, Baa, La La La! There are all kinds of free family activities set up for the grad students by the Rackhem school each year. Recently we went to one of these at the Dominoes petting farm just outside of town. There were LOTS of animals including peacocks, buffalo, guinea pigs, lamas, sheep, goats, and donkeys. Nabby liked the rabbits and baby ducks. Oliver liked the pony and tractor. It is Dominoes farm as in Dominoes Pizza so they even served us a pizza lunch at the end. So much fun! I loved the baby rabbits. (Don’t you miss them Kevin?)

Happy Mother’s Day Grandma Kotter and Grandma James! Abby and Oliver wanted to let you know how much they love you and tell you how much they wish that you were here right now. Kay and I are also so grateful for you. You are wonderful mothers and great examples to us. Thank you for all that you have done! We love you.

Hey Dad!

Nabby celebrated your birthday today by trying to put rubberbands on her toes and Oliver celebrated by playing with Nabby in the swing out back (it’s the only way he can push her without a time out). I was originally hoping to get film of them hiking up the stair case with heavy backpacks and sitting on Jason’s bike with help, but these turned out more cute and I’m sure you’ll love them. Did anyone make mississippi mud for you?! I miss finding that in the freezer each year. Love you!

(Give each video a couple clicks. It doesn’t matter how fast. That just seems to help them work better)

Jas will be done with classes next week! I doubt I’m as excited as him for finals to be over, but I’m REALLY excited to see him more. He’s my best friend and I miss him. (baby step to April 28th!!) The kids miss him too, but they might have to fend for themselves. I won’t hesitate to get a babysitter as often as I can. Kidding. I guess I can share him…a little. Here’s photos of us around the house hanging out with Dad. Life is always better when he’s home.

… that I forgot to post before.

These are great photos of our snowman and elephant in the backyard and Nabby with a cold. The snow from this particular storm was so deep and so warm (warm for snow I mean) that it was a blast to play in. You can see from the elephant trunk how sticky it was. We had a great time. I hope it’s like this next year- though I hear this was a really mild winter (temp wise) for Ann Arbor. Click on them for captions.

Or Grandma WAS here that is. Oliver and Nabby (and their parents too) were in heaven for a week last March when Kendal, Grandma and Grandpa Kotter flew into town.

We had SO much fun. Thanks a million times Grandma and Grandpa for such a great spring break! We love and miss you!

This year Easter was wonderful even with Oliver throwing up Friday night three times. He’s doing better and my cold is almost gone too. Yeah!
Conference was fantastic and we feel deeply blessed for the advice and instruction from our prophet and apostles. I really enjoyed Sister Beck’s Saturday talk.
We colored eggs and hid them in the back yard for Oliver to hunt Saturday. That was uber cute. Nabby ate like an elephant all weekend. That doesn’t have much to do with easter except that we had a lot of good food in the house for the holiday. She ate everything from cabbage to roast beef, to carrot cake and she’s still getting four cups of whole milk a day. Maybe she’ll catch up to Holly one of these days.
There are captions for the photos when you click on them.