How much do you love me?

This morning Jack and I were visiting in the kitchen. I am so sick over my kids (in a good way, I'm obsessed with their cuteness). Anyway, I spontaneously grabbed Jack and hugged him tightly. He already reaches my armpits practically, so I have to take advantage and get as many hugs and kisses as I possibly can. Our conversation is as follows:

Me: "I love you to the moon and back!" (I was being a cheeseball, I know.)

Me again: "How much do you love me?"

Jack: "Um, I love you, like- medium."

Our trip to Utah

This past week we visited Utah. We had a great time. For an entire week, I was off the hook when it came to preparing meals, entertaining my kids, doing laundry, and cleaning. My wonderful Mom did it all for me. Here are some highlights from the trip:

My parents own a horse named Josie and the boys LOVE to "feed" her as well as ride her.

Here's Jack riding Josie with Grandpa Shahan.

In case you're wondering why there aren't any photos of me on Josie, there's two reasons. 1. Josie has A LOT of energy and isn't fully broken. 2. I had a terrifying, horse-back riding experience when I was 17 years old and living in Argentina. You'd think since my Father is an amazing jockey and calf-roper, that I'd have it in me. Nope, sorry to disappoint. But I think the horse blood runs stronger in my older sisters. Anyway, the scary Argentine experience could be it's own post so I'll spare the details.

On a new note, we visited the coolest dinosaur museum! Here we are the the IMAX theatre in the museum, looking like idiots with our 3D glasses on. (If only the theatre had sold popcorn and M&Ms!) Lucy checked out before it even began.

The boys favorite part of the museum was the hands-on area (surprise, surprise.) My Mom, Lucy, and I took off to Cafe Rio while Adam stayed at the museum for a long time. I hope the boys realize how good they have it, when their Dad chooses their interests over Cafe Rio. Here they are playing in the sand and digging for dinosaur bones. Owen had a meltdown when it was time to leave. Sorry Owen, but people do need to eat as well as play.

We also visited Adam's siblings in Utah. Adam's older sister Marcole (a.k.a. Aunt Coco) is a dream aunt. Not only does she spoil them rotten with her love and undivided attention, but she also bought them each their own bubble gun. Here is Lucy . . . with someone else's bubble wand. Doesn't she look guilty, yet so incredibly cute too?

Some other fun things we did, were visit BYU Campus, Temple Square, the Bean Museum (just north of campus- it's free and has TONS of stuffed animals, from bison to lions. Thanks for the tip Jess!) We also visited some of our dearest friends from law school, the Willoughbys. And I'm kicking myself for not getting a picture with them! I also went shopping with my Mom a few times, and Adam got to go golfing with my Dad. And ofcourse, we never visit Utah without eating at Tucanos- a Brazilian restaurant where Adam is in pure bliss. It was a great vacation! Sorry this wasn't the most exciting post, but I do have to archive the memories.

JACK

Jack has recently made some interesting comments:
One evening, as he and Owen were playing, he said in a very serious tone, "Owen, a gasser is like dust that smells like poop."
Another night, as I was putting him to bed, he said, "I don't like going to bed. It's my favorite thing that I DON'T like to do."

Jack LOVES being photographed. Here here is about to plunge down our stairs in a card-board box . . . for the millionth time. We love our Jack!!!

Owenisms, Lucyisms, and Jackisms

Adam and his parents were watching a basketball game this weekend. When they asked Owen if he was for the "red" team or the "white" team, he answered very matter-of-factly,

"Well, I'm for the coach actually."

I am proud to announce to the world that my daughter does speak English and is no longer limited to "alien talk" as I like to call it. Adam taught her to say "circle." It sounds more like, "cir-ca" when she says it. Not the most exciting word, I know- but I'm thrilled!!! (Her vocabulary now includes: Mama, Dada, and cir-ca.)

Jack is so excited that a Walgreens is being built near our house. He is fascinated each time we drive by and see the progression that has been made. When he was younger, he always got confused and called it, "Green Walls." I wish I'd never corrected him.

Easter

I've never really been into the whole idea of the Easter Bunny. I simply could not muster up enough imagination as a child, to picture a bunny delivering Easter baskets full of goodies. So the Easter Bunny is pretty much non-existant in our house. Nonetheless, one of my dearest friends (Danna) called me up during the week. Her kids were wanting to visit the Easter Bunny at the mall. Both of our husbands were out of town, and so we depend on each other to keep our sanity while being single Moms. So I loaded up my kids and headed to the mall.


I was too lazy to take Owen and Lucy out of their strollers, so I beckoned the "Easter Bunny" to leave his garden wonderland. I think my kids look pretty darn cute with their bunny ears on, don't you?

On Saturday our ward primary held it annual Easter Egg Hunt. Adam had to give Owen a bit of a prep talk since last year he barely managed to get a few eggs. Owen's response was, "I- I- I'm going to be rocket fast!"

On Sunday Adam's parents had us over for an amazing meal. I totally regret not taking a picture because my mother-in-law always makes holidays so special. The table was completely decked out in bunny-galore. We feasted on a REAL Honey Baked Ham, Mormon potatoes, corn, rolls, green salad, fruit with dip, and LOTS of Easter Candy. We then had Family Home Evening to remind us about the true meaning of Easter. It was a beautiful Holiday.

St. Patrick's Day

The morning started out with me expressing to my children, over breakfast, how vitally important it is to wear green on St. Patrick's Day. I threatened them that other people might pinch them if they don't. (Thank goodness their pajamas happen to be green!)

I tried the best I could to explain our Irish heritage, but I think that went through one ear, and out the other. I searched all over for a shamrock cookie cutter and could NOT find one. No matter. They had more fun making airplanes, sailboats, hearts, and stars. Just as long as they were green. (J.F.Y.I, Lucy was wearing a green hoodie but it had to be removed during the kneading of the dough.)

My mother is an amazing cook and she always made the traditional Irish meal on St. Patricks day: corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. My husband doesn't care for this meal too much. So I never go through the effort of making it. Yet I always end up missing it and feeling very un-festive. I'm determined that from now on I'll make it, even if I'm the only person in my family who eats it.
I am so fortunate that one of my dearest friends treats every holiday like it's Christmas. I was pouting at church on Sunday, the day before, feeling completely sorry for myself, and she instantly invited us over for dinner on St. Patrick's Day.
On the drive to their house, Lucy put on my sunglasses- upside down I might add. She is such a diva! She LOVES sunglasses and actually keeps them on. I really need to get her some shades.

The meal was absolutely amazing. I never expect anything less when I eat at the Romney household. Every bite completely hit the spot. I think I made a comment after each bite I took because it was soooooooo yummy! Here are the men and some of the kids, wearing their festive leprachaun ears.

Owen and his buddy Seth had the distinguished honor of eating at the kid's table.

Jessica even made Irish Soda Bread, which was sooooo fantastic. I had no idea it was so delicious. It was almost sweet with a muffin-like texture. I had to have a picture in remembrance of the bread. I think I might have eaten the entire bowl.

I wish I could just depend on Jessica for every minor holiday- wouldn't that be great?!? All the fun and memories without the work, how wonderful. I did bring two liters of green soda I might add.

Davy Jones

Jack and Owen have a Davy Jones pirate figurine that they love (thanks to Aunt Coco!). Last night, after I put them to bed, I noticed that it was laying at the foot of Owen's bottom, bunk bed. But I didn't pay any more attention to it.

Adam went in to check on the boys about 30 minutes later, and found Jack clutching and hugging it tightly- as if it were a teddy bear.

About two hours later, Adam went to check on the boys again. By this time, it had made its way back to Owen's bottom bunk, and was resting peacefully in his special blanket. They must have taken turns with Davy Jones. I'm sure they slept peacefully with visions of pirates in their heads.