Wrapping Up Easter

And to finally wrap up Easter, I love this picture of the girls doing a little bunny painting that they got in their Easter baskets. It is so typical of their personalities (Kate on the left, Olivia on the right). Kate literally scooped paint onto her bunny and Olivia had the littlest dip. 

^the girls helped me make some Easter rolls...they didn't turn out that great, but we had a great time in the kitchen together. I have to remind myself the mess afterwards is worth the memory!

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is quickly becoming my favorite day of the year. I love that people are trying to make it as important in their family as Christmas is. I really want to keep building Easter traditions so we anticipate it and celebrate as much as we do Christmas. The girls and I talked a lot about the Resurrection the week leading up to Easter Sunday and, if anything, I just hope they could feel how special the day was, even if they couldn't completely understand what happened.

 ^Kate exclaiming "cute baby!", Olivia hating the sun, and Madelyn staring up at her sweet daddy. Pretty typical around here :)

 ^her crossed ankles? I die

After church, we headed to G&G Simons' house for a cousin Easter egg hunt and Easter dinner:

 ^the three newest babies!

"Shining through all of the confusion of philosophy, so-called higher criticism, and negative theology will come the witness of the Holy Spirit that Jesus is in very deed the Son of God, born in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world resurrected from the grave, the Lord who shall come to reign as King of kings. It is your opportunity so to know. It is your obligation so to find out." -Gordon B. Hinckley

I know He lives!

Easter with the Beans

We stopped by G&G Bean's house Saturday for dinner! Grandma led the girls on an Easter basket hunt with yarn...so cute and entertaining. They had to go from room to room until they were eventually led upstairs to their baskets. They semi got the concept, but it was a blast none the less!

 ^a quick stop to say hi to Maya

 ^minimal candy and lots of toys...we must be related :)

And to finish it off, Robbie took these pictures of the girls in their sunglasses that I can't stop laughing at:

Bowen Easter Egg Hunt 2017

I keep saying this, but what a difference a year makes! The girls loved the Easter egg hunt this year and understood a lot more than last year. I can still take their candy away without them realizing, though ;) It was the perfect sunny day and always such a treat to be with family.

First Trip to the Park

We took our first trip to the park (just me and the girls) two weeks ago and the girls have asked to go every day since. I see a lot of park visits in our future this summer! The slide is their favorite and they're pretty independent. It's amazing what difference a year makes. They can do so much more on their own now compared to last year and it makes going to the park so doable. 

"Read, Mom?"

Olivia figured out a way for me to still read to her while I'm feeding Madelyn and I think it's the sweetest thing. She'll bring a book over to me, open it, and just look up at me like this until I start reading:

Then she'll turn the pages as I read. It's a pretty good system we have going on and I will always love how much she adores her books!

BYU Traditions Ball 2017

On Saturday night, we dressed up all fancy and drove down to the Traditions Ball. It was my fourth time going (second time with Robbie) and I love the memories here and at BYU in general. I got to give Curtis Isaak a big hug and saw a few old friends. And need I mention the brownies? Best night.

^Yes, that is a baby. At the Traditions Ball. In his footie pajamas.

I have to put a plug in for handsome Robbie who looks amazing in these photos. He had just finished a 3 month weight loss challenge where he lost just over 50 pounds and won the challenge. Proudest wife right here!!!

The Triplets

These three were born 5 days apart and it was so fun to see them together! Madelyn could NOT get enough. Sweet, sweet babies!

Richard & Emily in Utah

Richard and Emily came to Utah the first week of April and we finally got to meet their twinners!! We have FaceTimed with them a bunch the past 6 months, but there's nothing like face to face. As we sat down for lunch Saturday afternoon, Richard announced that he found a job in Provo and that they're moving back to Utah! We've waited a long time for this and we. can't. wait.

We spent Saturday morning in Lindon "watching" General Conference (most of the time was spent snuggling these two and watching everyone get to know each other). Oh my heart.

^Such a sweet picture of Kate praying by grandpa!

 ^Singing around the piano Sunday night after dinner.

 ^Hand 'n Foot with Grandma Bean Wednesday night

^Double date with Richard and Emily Friday night. Brick Oven and ice cream sundaes. So much love for these two.

Starting Solids with Maddie

Madelyn started solids a few weeks ago! She is super interested in food and grabs (lunges is probably a better word) at everything we are eating. She has never taken to a bottle or binky, so even a few weeks later she hardly gets any food down and just gags and coughs instead. The food literally just sits there in her mouth until it naturally works its way back and she gags on it. It's kind of the worst. I'm hoping that over time and with continued exposure she'll catch on! She's the most darling 6 month old in all the land.