chris.reese.girls1.2.3.4

Each of the girls ended up with two Easter dresses this year...one from the bunny...one from Grandma Dalley. She is an amazing seamstress. I wish I learned to sew in my adolescent years because now I'm worthless. Gosh, they're stickin' cute...not to mention the girls who are wearing them.

We were lucky to see the University of Utah girls soccer finish their Spring season in Portland this past weekend. My amazingly talented sister, Erin, returned this Spring after tearing her ACL last summer missing all of the past Fall season. See THIS post and THIS post for previous games we attended her freshman year. Seriously, my sister has recovered and is still a freakin' rock star. They played two games, losing the first, winning the second...and Erin scored the two goals of the winning game: A header off a corner kick, and then a nice breakaway score off a great pass (I obviously don't belong on SportsCenter with that play-by-play). Our fam even got a little blurb in the UofU press release HERE ...we were quite the contingent of fans! We LOVED being together and letting the cousins play for a few days. My brother and his wife were patient and amazing hosts to allow us all to stay. The Dalleys love to party and we stayed up late chatting most nights. Thanks to mom and ...

While it certainly didn't feel like Easter, we enjoyed the weekend and stayed busy with fun festivities. Chris was gone most of Saturday helping with some service projects, so even though I had "saved" the major Easter activities to do together over the weekend, we still ended up doing them without him...sugar cookies and frosting, dying eggs, practicing hunting for eggs, etc. The Easter Bunny brought lots of candy, which I confiscated this afternoon and will dole out at my leisure...I reserve this right as a mom! He also brought some nice summer dresses and sandals. I'm sure the Bunny was being optimistic about the weather. I gave Paige the choice on what to wear and she opted for the summer outfit despite the rain. And of course, it goes without saying that it's near impossible to get a picture of both girls smiling and looking at the camera. (For all my CRHS friends...I'm sure you'll enjoy the shirt Paige is wearing!!)

Between the chaos of our medical life --- we've been averaging 3 appointments a week for the last month --- I've pawned my children off more times than I'd like to admit. This last week I pawned them off on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday...and thank you to my wonderful friends for taking them in. Saturday we were to attend a wedding and I just couldn't stand the thought of leaving them again, so Chris and I divided and conquered. I took Paige as my date to the wedding and Chris took Brynn to run errands. Paige LOVED this wedding! It was a sit-down dinner with fancy champagne glasses, cloth napkins, catered dinner, and no kids....well, she was the only one! We had a great time and I only had to pull my iPod out for one episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse during some of the speaking. She even caught one of the bouquets and was THRILLED to tell her daddy. It's great the flowers are silk because she's practically sleeping with them. I know it will be too soo...

Brynn's personality is blossoming as of late. We can sit and giggle at her for hours on end. I keep reminding myself that at the end of the day enjoying my children is more important than housework! Here are some fun "new" things... New sleeping pose...she pushes herself up until she's against a pillow or the bumper. This is very reminiscent of Paige when she was little. Standing tall! And her new favorite thing...blowing bubbles/spitting/making noise!

We love visitors!! Even with our small house we were able to accommodate my brother's family: Bryce, Becca, Ty and Caden along with Becca's twin sister, Laura - who wanted to make a trip to the Emerald City while visiting from Georgia. The sun came out just in time!! We visited Pike Place Market, ate Ivar's on the pier, rode a ferry, and made a drive-by the Space Needle (that's all you need, right?!). After the Priesthood session on Saturday we abandoned the kids and went to a late dinner at Benehana's. We watched Conference on Sunday, but caught limited parts here and there due to the kids. I had a few projects for them: coloring, play-doh, etc....but that can only occupy them for part of the four hours. Our tradition for conference is to just EAT. We had a big breakfast with sticky buns, eggs and bacon, and then homemade bread, and homemade pico de gallo and quacamole. We were sad to see them leave in the afternoon, but had a great time! We are headed to their h...

Have you heard...Chris has a new job?!! He was feeling frustrated for a number of reasons and started to look into the Controller Position with MTR Western . Chris saw it as a challenging position and has enjoyed his four weeks on the new job thus far. I was indifferent to the change...I just wanted Chris to find something more rewarding and enjoyable. I am grateful for his foresight, which I can now see as a spiritual nudging. Just days after Chris gave his notice at Allyis, they proceeded with a large employee downsize and we just recently heard they passed along pay cuts to all employees. Phew! Plus...Chris is a hop, skip and a jump away from Pike Place Market (literally), which means I get fresh flowers when he thinks about it. Last week I got my first bouquet of bright flowers, which arrived in perfect timing for Book Club and then bloomed for Easter. It's all about me, right?! :)

It's been FOUR days of sun...four glorious days. And this morning on my morning run, the clouds and dreariness didn't seem quite so depressing.

So, I believe I am officially private now. I feel like I should divulge something super secret now...nah. For those that were curious, Chris started a new job a few weeks ago (this deserves a post in and of itself...I'll make a note) and upon getting to know his employees was shocked at the details they knew about him and his family. Apparently, they were hunting around Google and found my blog...whoops. It was a little weird for Chris, and since he is the one that has to bring home the bacon, I'll let him have a say on this ONE thing! And in breaking news...we've had three, count it, THREE days of sun in Seattle!! It's been a much needed break. Monday was even 70 degrees and Paige got a little pink on her face. It will be raining tomorrow, but at least we've had a brief reminder of what warmth feels like! And it was great timing for a visit from my brother and his fam (another post coming...). Is anyone reading this now...probably not, but oh well!!

Anyone want to come over for the end of an era? I'm planning to watch the final showing of ER LIVE (which I never do) and cry my eyes out while saying goodbye to one of my favorite shows. Anyone interested in joining me?