I tried to get Easter pictures

 Elijah's narration of this scene: Sybil, as you can see, is examining the tennis ball, looking into the future very awkwardly. Elijah, on the other hand, is hugging the dog.

 Claire's narration of this picture: Sybil is trying to jump off a chair, but she can't do it.

 Elijah: Iris is howling like a werewolf.

I gave up right around here.

Iris' narration: Elijah is dancing on the ground with Porfirio.

We had Stake Conference on Easter Sunday. Elijah and Claire sang with the choir and also had a solo.
Claire said that a woman came up to her after the meeting and said, "My back was hurting this morning but I'm so glad I came today because I felt the Spirit when you sang."

The area authority mentioned them a few times in his talk and also sent them this letter.

Dear Elijah and Claire,
It was my pleasure to preside over the recent conference in the Scottsdale Camelback Stake. The music that you sang on Sunday morning as a part of the prelude music was absolutely beautiful. I could tell that you were well prepared and that you had worked hard to sing praises to out Father in Heaven. Your voices and you countenances were both so uplifting.

I was touched by the performance of such a beautiful song. Your music helped to bring a wonderful sprit into the meeting and you touched my heart deeply. You are to be commended for your efforts and your talents. I know that your parents and all of us are so proud of both of you. May the Lord continue to bless you as you use your talents to glorify Him.

Warm Regards,
Elder Michael L Southward

Chiricahua

On Good Friday we drove to Chiricahua National Park. 

 We were in the car twice as long as we were hiking, but the sites made it worth it.

The park was full of hoodoos, or balancing rocks.

Chillin' by what was deemed "Dinosaur Pee Pond."

She was a pretty good hiker and threw a fit when she went back in the backpack. She was getting a little too close to the cliff for my comfort.

GG's Visit

We were so happy to have GG come visit us for a week and a half. 

She brought some king cakes and Mardi Gras with her.

 The day after she got here was field day.

 Claire was a little nervous. She had fasted a few weeks before to have a good field day. She came in 2nd for girls in the half mile run at about 4:02minutes. I came in 5th (of 6) a few seconds later.

That weekend, David and I went on a romantic getaway to Oceanside, CA. I was reminiscing with Marguerite about the first time I ever left her with a child while David and I went on vacation. Elijah was about 2 and I was pregnant with Claire. I left her a type-written instructions list that was at least 3 pages long. Probably the longest part was the section on "duties Elijah needs to perform by himself without help." I determined that Marguerite has progressed enough in her parenting skills so that I didn't feel the need to leave her with any kind of list this time. Ha ha.

We went to celebrate David's manliness= The Iron Man.

70.3 miles

 he makes a onesie look so hot

 It was about 24 hours sans children.

On the trip, David did something very illegal while driving. While I gaped, he said, "Baby, you can take the man out of Mexico but you can't take the Mexico out of the man."

Then we came back.

And this creature was there.

This is a picture of a trip we took with GG to IKEA. 

Someone thought we were at a topless bar.

 That weekend, we met at the train park with an old Gruwell friend and his girls.

Since I was gone for Aprils Fools Day, we had it a few days late with a spaghetti dinner and Brown E's for dessert. The kids had to use unusual utensils to eat, and the longer it took them, the stranger the utensils got. 

Our birthday celebration for Sybil was low key. It might have even hit a new low. The family was over for dinner. Sarah brought brownies and I decided to put a few candles in them before they were served.

Sybil didn't mind.

 On her actual birthday, Elijah carried her around on her throne. 

She was elated to talk to Grandparents on her birthday.

That night we went to see the Easter Pageant at the Mesa temple.

Cupcakes and candles

The girls petting a baby lamb before the performance.

We loved having GG stay with us. She made Easter egg decorations, candy popcorn, played games, sang songs, styled girls' hair, and came to the Easter concert where Elijah and Claire sang solos.
Elijah went with me to drop GG off at the airport since he had a doctor's visit that morning. He asked me why she couldn't live near us and was sad the whole way to school.
GG is awesome!!!

Sybil's Award

Today, Sybil ate the grossest thing I have ever seen any of my children eat (at least what my porous brain can remember).
You know how some public trashcans have sand around the outside rim where people can put out their cigarettes? She went to throw away a tissue in such a can, then took a handful of the black sand and probably cigarette ash, hopefully not tobacco or niccotien, and got it to her mouth before I could stop her. I tried to get it out, but she locked her jaw and giggled as the sand ground between her teeth.

Life lessons

If there's only one thing you learn from me,
let it be that everything tastes better with Goddess salad dressing.
Even popsicles.

Porfirio always waits impatiently for the child to drop or throw him something. I'd estimate he gets 80% of what I give her.
Since I didn't give Sybil the birthday interview and updating the world about her life can be summarized by the word: trouble, let me talk about a few of her favorite words:
Her first word was "bye," but has been used in a variety of ways, including "hello" and "goodbye."
Doe= shoe and se acabo
Goway= go away
Doo= "two." All numbers are doo.

Her favorite activity is climbing on the counter, turning on the sink, and flooding the kitchen.
And beating the dog.
The great thing about Sybil is that no matter how crazy she is, everyone loves her. In fact, her craziness makes certain people love her even more.
But other certain people could do without.

Etymology of "Child's Pose"

Once upon a time, there was a yogini who nightly locked his or her party-child in the room so that the child would go to sleep. The yogini's other child, the top-bunk dweller, always needed help opening the door since party-child fell asleep yearning for the world under the crack.

Hence was born PARTY-CHILD'S POSE.

which was later shortened to Child's Pose.

GG flew home today after a week and a half visiting us. We all took it hard, but especially Elijah who begged me to make living next to her happen. That boy has a tender heart.

GG updates to come...I would have loaded them today, but the Child Poser has feverishly forced me to lie next to her all the day long.

On my birthday

I solemnly swear

that I am up to no good

on my birthday

and most other days.