The Beard

Spencer has always had a great beard. It is nice and thick. And, my favorite (maybe?), it's red. I have always thought it's great and have been an advocate of his growing it out. He did "No Shave November" once (twice) in school and it was fun. Once he can get past the initial itchy stage, it's all good. This most recent beard began last November — the week of Thanksgiving. Chris (and probably Jane) would not recognize Spencer without his beard!

Occasionally Spencer will say something about shaving. The kids and I regularly vote him down. 

We found this picture with Spencer of the  first week he did not shave. That was taken November 2013. There were trims between these pictures, so this is not all the growth he had. 

When it was this long Spencer said he had random people stopping him to compliment him on how nice it looked. And it did. He still oils it every day. Spencer has since found a length he feels is more suited to him. It looks really great. 

Random fun at home

I am making the same case over and over again for recording everything more regularly. All of the pictures I take would be in much better context if I did. There are a lot of things presently that I would like to record, but I am making sure I catch up first. Thankfully it is going pretty quickly!

Pretty sure Anne was watching Mary Poppins here. A big favorite!

We got this outfit for Jane from a friend. I love it and think she looks so cute! Jane loves it because she can take it off and just be down to a diaper. Her preferred wardrobe choice. 

Beautiful kids!

Andy got these glasses from his primary teacher as a reward for good behavior. They are hilarious! I think the effect with his crooked teeth is great. 

Andy drew John Adams for school. His speech bubble says "Incredible!" Ever since watching "1776" last summer with Bubbe (Granny?), the kids have loved the Revolutionary War era. John Adams is definitely the favorite! 

Jane is always wrapping things around her neck and shoulders. We have dubbed them her prayer shawls. 

Lilia and Anne have had crowns for a while. I finally made one for Jane. And one for her baby. 

This guy crawled right out of his potato sack!

Spencer turns 32!!

Spencer was off on his birthday so we decided to celebrate with lunch at Panera!

The birthday boy!

Oh, Jane. 

 

If memory serves, Spencer made his own cake this year. 

I am so grateful to be able to celebrate this amazing man. Spencer really doesn't like a fuss made over him. Ever. But I like to make a little fuss. And it really is little. Especially when I order his gift too late and he doesn't have anything to open on his birthday from me. Our parents are great at birthdays and always send things, so it's not like he didn't have anything!

I have said many times (and am sure I will many more) that I cannot imagine a better match for me than Spencer is. We are both so far from perfect, but so perfect for each other. I won't get all gushy here, but I love Spencer so much. And I am grateful he allows us to celebrate his birthday as a family!

Kid pictures!

San Antonio

Spencer went to San Antonio for a conference in early April. He was gone for a few days and we made sure to have a good time. Some of the pictures in "Littles ones" are from the few days Spencer was gone. These are from the Saturday that weekend (he got home Sunday). 

New swing at the park!

Chris was there, too!

In the car waiting for Culver's!

We had a picnic out front for dinner (have I ever mentioned how much I love, love, love our yard?!) and had some fun playing around. 

I was showing Lilia how to do a cartwheel. I've still got it!

Wheelbarrow rides!

These of Lilia jumping are some of my favorite!

Janie's hair after bath time. She has some of the best curls. 

And here is what Spencer sent. The conference was in a hotel right by the Alamo. He had a nice time. 

Yes, that is his beard. Well, it was. It has since been trimmed shorter. It was at this length that random people would stop and tell him they liked it. As well they should. It is amazing!

 

Treadmill

We bought a treadmill toward the end of last year from some friends in the ward (more on that later). The girls wanted their turn. 

It wasn't really on. 

Conference Weekend

I love General Conference weekend for many different reasons. One of them being the time we get to spend together as a family. This year between sessions on Saturday we took a bike ride to the park. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time!

This may have been Chris' inaugural ride in the trailer. I am not remembering right now. 

Little guy was plumb-tuckered out. I love that he is pretty good at sleeping places other than his bed. 

We took both trailers with us because we were pretty sure Anne would not want to ride her bike back home. The park is half a mile away. Not super far, but she gets tired. I am still wondering how much to push her. She can do lots but doesn't want to. We are working on it. 

Sunday morning friends. 

And breakfast! We have had crepes for Conference Saturday breakfast for some years now. Sunday mornings have been creamy caramel-pecan rolls. I make my normal bread dough for the rolls but use the topping and filling from the better homes and gardens cookbook. Delicious!

Between sessions on Sunday we took a walk down a trail close by. It goes down by the high school and under a bridge by a creek. 

The best bunch in the world!

The favorite activity at any destination with water is throwing stones. 

Not just for the kids. 

Chris, our silent observer. 

Jane, our vocal observer. 

Spencer found a bigger rock!

We are so grateful to have enjoyed such beautiful weather for not only conference weekend but also Easter weekend. Such a wonderful time to hear beautiful messages about our Savior and Redeemer.