Chillin' at the river

We went to Patapsco State Park on Saturday. Perfect for a hot, muggy day. We played in the shallow river and got a little sun. When I went to pull out my camera, it was out of batteries, so you're stuck with cell phone pics. Hey...not too shabby, right?
The kids went searching for shells and even found some little snails. I think they brought them back for Leia, our turtle, which means they're now resting quite nicely in her little turtle belly. Who knows...the way our goldfish have been growing, they could have become fish food, too.
Just thinking these white little kids will be so tan in a month.
We also skipped rocks. I didn't think I could do it, but after some coaching, Adam finally got me to skip a few...or like 30. Whatev. It's a little addicting.
Grant finally got in the water after about an hour of being passed between me and Adam. He's not a fan of getting wet.

The best part of Saturday for me was laying on a blanket in the grass with the sun beating down and taking a nap. It was the best feeling. Wish I could go there now. Maybe I'll have to use that for my next Centergy rest visualization. ahhhhh

crazy

Been a little busy around here. I knew April was going to be kind of crazy when I had every day on my calendar filled before the month even began. It doesn't help that Adam has been just as busy with his arabic class (making baklava and doing homework in a language that looks like complete gibberish to me).

What's been keeping me busy, you ask? The gym mostly. Aside from teaching Centergy and Groove, I'm going to start teaching Kick as well. It's a lot of information to keep in your head. It's fun, though. I LOVE IT! We're launching new stuff from now until the middle of May, so I'm practicing like a mad woman. Between gym stuff, teaching piano lessons, and being a chauffeur it's been kinda crazy.

Josh and Nona have had field trips this week. I went with Josh's class to see Seussical the Musical. So fun! I didn't get to go with Nona, but they got to go to a medical center and she brought home all kinds of cool stuff, including a finger cast.

So, if you haven't seen me for a while, it's not because I don't love you, it's because you aren't using that gym membership you're paying a fortune for!!! Stop in sometime. I'd love to see ya.

Team Brandi T-Shirts

I already miss Brandi's blog. So...this is what I've been doing in the meantime. Can you make a better one? We love you Brandi!!!

From Baby Blue to Black and Blue

Here's the Baby Blue
Here's the Black and Blue

I swear I don't beat my kids!!! No, this little shiner came from falling off the toilet. Grant was standing on the potty so he could spit his toothpaste out in the sink...and well, he missed. Lost his footing and twisted as he fell, hitting the corner of his eye on the edge of the very sharp counter. OUCH!

So, that's the story. He's already starting to look better. It's less purple and more yellow. mmm...pretty.

Easter Egg Hunt!

We went to an Easter Egg Hunt at a friend's house yesterday. It was one of the most organized activities I've been to in a long time and it was pulled together in about 24 hours. Awesome! We all came, mingled for a while, then all the kids were gathered into the tv room to watch Bolt, while the mommies (and Tristan) hid eggs. The rules were explicitely stated that each child would gather 12 eggs and then sit down. Amazingly enough, the kids followed the rules so even the little tikes got their fair share of eggs. After the 12 they were left to take in as many extras as they could carry. Then hotdogs were provided for the kids while us mommies ate real food, potluck style. It was delish! I could hardly drag myself from the table...and it was a big table.Say cheese...ok...um, eat candy!

Wow. Josh just keeps getting more and more handsome.

Should I explain the shiner now, or later?

Hey beautiful Nona!
Bryson..who needs 12 eggs when I can eat candy now?

We had so much fun and we stayed way too long. It was a beautiful day. The kids played outside. I hardly even knew they were there. I got to chat with friends and I even made a few new friends. That's what I call a great day!

General Conference Sunday

I love Conference, especially now that we can watch it at home on the internet. We set up the Laptop on the table and give the kids their conference packets and they get busy coloring and we get to listen and enjoy. We always make sure to have a ton of snacks.

Between sessions we took a little break outside to play America's favorite past time. That's right! The Bell's play baseball...and those kids are pretty darn good, too. We all took turns pitching, catching and hitting. It was really fun and 2 hours later, we were ready to sit down for the final session. Here are some pics.

Gotta love the hand.

Can you see the ball, above? It's dead center. Oh yeah...action shot.

Love those baby blues.

The Great Wolf Lodge

I haven't posted in a while because:
A) Adam's home and I have less time on the computer
B) I picked up another side job
C) I've been spending way too much time reading Brandi's Blog
D) I've been on vacation
E) all of the above

Yep...it's E, but C is a pretty darn close second. So, here's a quick update with pics to get you all caught up with the Bell Family.


We discovered The Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA last year. It was winter, we were cold and restless and we desperately wanted to find a great place to take the kids. The Lodge is a huge hotel custom made for kids of all ages. There is a ton to do and really if you don't want to do anything you can do that, too.

Above is a picture of Nona playing Magiquest. It's a wizarding game set up for kids. You buy a wand and a "game." Each game takes you down 4 different hallways in the lodge. To acheive the goal of being Master Magi, you have to point your wand at various things and make the magic happen. After you become a Master, you can go on adventures to save the fairies, rescue the princess, or defeat the dragon. Behind Nona is someone trying to slay the dragon. It's really fun. Adam and I even get into it. :)


Another cool thing is the rooms! We stayed in a kid cabin which consists of a queen bed, pullout couch and this cool little kid area that has a bunkbed and an additional bed complete with tv. I really wish that top area was closed off though. Baby G scared the crap out of me dancing around up there.

The best part of the Lodge is their indoor water park. They have water areas for everyone and all our kids had their favorites.

Josh- The water basketball pool and the lily pad hop
Viona- the tube slides (that had to be my favorite part too)
Bryson- the 2.5 foot high river that he swam around over and over again and the kiddie pool slides
Grant- the kiddie pool with it's various water contraptions, even though he was on an "I hate water" kick

There is also a giant wave pool, boogie boarding challenge, 2 giant spas. As our kids get older, I'm sure they'll start heading in that direction. There's also an arcade and teen room. Oh, and a spa and gym.

One of the great things about the trip is the packing. Swim suits and PJs. That's really all you need. I can't wait to go back.

Here's some cute pics.

Grant Bowling

Bryson reading his scriptures (very seriously) with the best outfit ever.