B is Four and D is a Kindergartener!

 We went to Fargo over Labor Day weekend. The Ohlson's were so nice to want to celebrate a little early with Bennett for his birthday! He wanted so much to have Jude at his party so it worked out just perfectly. The kids were able to see "Planes" the new Pixar movie, play play play, eat cake, scones, enjoy each other and talk about how much they miss living by these friends the whole way home. It was a great time, as usual.

 Our Darla Anne started Kindergarten this week. She was VERY ready and excited. Gratefully there is a little girl named Carli in her class that also lives in our complex that she has gotten really close to. I know because of Carli the transition was even easier. God is so mindful. She was disappointed on Friday to realize that she didn't have school over the weekend, but on the other hand she is thrilled that she gets five whole days next week!

 Tate's first day of taking Darla to Kindergarten. He was the only one who cried when we dropped her off. "Dar-wa, need Dar-wa!"

 Here is my four year old Bennett the morning of his birthday! He got "smurf guns" (nerf) from Grandpa and Grandma Nelson.

He requested Snuffy's Malt Shoppe for dinner. Never seen him eat so fast and so much - I believe he said something to the likes of "This food is just so good I just can't stop eating it!!!"

 The only friend he wanted to have join us was Audrey Tree. Thanks for being our friend Tree's. We love you!

 Tate was happy also to be eating "sen sighs" (french fries)

Happy Birthday Bennett Clark! You are one of the happiest, most content, willing to share and love four year olds I know. You were super excited to get legos, nerf guns, and a Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle. I love watching you create, imagine and play with all of your "specials". You make my life happy. Thanks for letting me be not just your mom, but your friend. I love my Bennett.

about 4,400 miles later

Minneapolis, MN

 Salt Lake/Centerville

 Manti, UT

 Hebgen Lake, MT

 Salt Lake City, UT

 Flaming Gorge, UT

 Hebgen Lake, MT

 Salt Lake/Centerville, UT

 Minneapolis, MN

Long time in the car? Yes. Every single second? Worth it. Time flies when you are having fun? HECK YES! I always come back from our time out west SO grateful and humbled by the love and support we have. I love watching my kids play with their cousins. I love being with siblings. I love how complete it all feels. I was able to attend two Temple weddings while there and left both with a stronger testimony of the sealing power. Families truly are forever through Heavenly Fathers plan. He is so full of love and mercy to give us all such a gift and promise such as an eternal family. Family is what matters most. No matter what.

let summer begin

 Darla loved loved loved her preschool this year. This is her teacher Ms Krista on her last day! I am so grateful for good people who love teaching and children and created such a great environment for Darla to thrive. She bawled and bawled that night because it was over. She is going to be great in Kindergarten this fall. She will be going to Brimhall Elementary half day.

 Her preschool had a little party at a splash pad to celebrate the end of the year. It was may be 60 and my kids were brave but freezing.

 Our local free zoo has a little amusement park connected to it and the kids were happy they were big enough to go on the pirate ship ride. Bennett loved it. Darla got a little sea sick.

 Tate was also super happy to be able to ride in the cars with his siblings.

Family Picture at Como Zoo taken by a guy who was handing out Gorilla collector cards. Little rushed but wanted to catch the moment. We are off to UT on the 1st of July for about a month. Cannot wait to be with family!!! Erik will join us around the 12th. Also we are excited to be expecting baby number four! December 22nd is the due date so who knows, may be we will have a baby on Christmas! Wonderful life.

May

I have been trying to think of a title for this post. I can't think of one. Thought may be if I started writing something would come together. Not that a title is that big of a deal. Here we are almost done with May. Erik just finished teaching early morning Seminary for his second year, Darla just has a bit more preschool left and we get to celebrate our anniversary on the 30th. Then of course June flies by because we are outside every day and things seem a little more relaxed and then we will be on our way to UT. Crazy.
My brother Jon and his wife moved to Rochester, MN so it has been great to be with them. I never thought I would have family close to us out here. The kids are in heaven when Jon and Amy are around.
Not much to update - just wanted to at least post something in the month of May.