Easter Joy!

Saturday.

We got the exciting news that my cousin, Trevor, and his wife, Renae, delivered a baby BOY!

We are so thrilled for them and big sister, Ella!

After inheriting his dad's nickname of "Mooser Moose", 

today, he finally got a real name.

Cohen Jacob Spangler.

He's adorable.

(No picture but you can trust me on that one.)

Braxton started out his Saturday by greeting his brother.

I then took the boys to the Community Center for the 

"Easter Egg Hunt".

Which was more of an egg dash, 

no hunting, 

it was obvious where the eggs were.

 In less then a couple minutes, 

the basket was full.

 Thankfully, there was lots of inflatable balls and balloons to play with.

This boy loves them.

They also had an Easter Bunny there.

But it's not THE Easter Bunny.

Just ask Jaymeson.

He saw the man's arm.

Nice.

In the afternoon, we ventured out to meet the Dunham's.

The boys took a pic with another Easter Bunny at the mall 

and rode the train.

Jaymeson, Will and Sam waiting for departure.

There they go.

And we enjoyed their great company for dinner at Fuddrucker's.

Sammy opening his bday gift. His birthday was in January. Better late then never!

I did mention a visit with the Easter Bunny.

And a picture was taken.

Max, at 9, was a trooper. 

He told his parents on the way to meet us that
he is a little too old for the Easter Bunny. 

But he sat there too.
And don't forget small children are scared of such big creatures.

 Amazingly, we got a picture with all 5 boys!

Note the bottom says,

"Easter Joy!"

CLASSIC!

Hope everyone had a fun Saturday too!

Fire!

Don't worry, 

they're all pretend at our house.

My boys have been busy.

A big "thank you" to my friend, Moni, 

for sending Jaymeson his new firefighting gear for his birthday.

The boys can now fight the fires together.

Brother!  We need your help! Hurry!

Here I come!

Pretend play.

They love it.

I love watching them.

Where does the time go?

Yikes! 

It's been awhile, we've been busy.

Marcus was gone for a week in March so I was busy "single parenting" the boys.

 The major milestone the week he was gone was bringing Jaymeson to Kindergarten orientation!

Can't believe it!

We are learning the ropes of  "open enrollment".

Meaning, you can attend other schools in your district but it's based on a lottery system.  

So no guarantee that your kid will get into the preferred school.

Basically, it's a HUGE headache and heightened stress knowing that it's out of your control.

Not good.

So we were extremely disappointed that Jaymeson didn't get into the magnet school we were hoping for, but were relieved when we got the letter saying he was accepted into our first choice public school.  

Initially, he did not get into the Kindergarten Extra program, but we received a call last Friday that an opening became available, so today, he is now registered for that too.  

That means FULL DAY kindergarten!

And money out of our pockets.

(Yes, you have to pay for a full day of public education!)

On to other current events..

We were glad to be the pit stop for my parents in March as they traveled to and from Florida.  

They spent a long weekend enjoying the sun, a Twins pre-season game and great company with my Aunt Connie and Uncle Joe.  

Please say an extra prayer for Joe as he continues the battle with metastasized prostate cancer.  He's a fighter!

Braxton got his snuggles in with Nana.

and what good is a Papa if you cant "Hop on Pop"?!

 And, of course, we've been busy playing...

Here's the choo-choo train.  (I think Layla got de-railed.)

and it's never too early to learn computer skills.

I also learned some VERY exciting news!

News that I was sworn not to tell anyone else.

But, finally, after keeping the mouth sealed for what felt like forever.  

(It was less than 2 weeks.)

I was proud to reveal that I am going to be an auntie!!

Thank you Brother and sis-in-law!

Little Demery will be here late September!

Speaking of babies,

I was also busy preparing for and celebrating the upcoming arrival of Baby Girl Wilkinson.

My dear friend, Kaley, is expecting in May!

Here's the Mama-to-be holding the Sock Bouquet that I made for her shower.

I would also like to mention another special baby.  

My friend, Jilanne, is also pregnant and expecting a little girl!

My heart has been wrapped around her precious cargo,

she has learned that little Kaiya has a congenital heart defect called Hpoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Take a minute and send your thoughts and prayers to this little peanut and her family.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/traynor

And the last news that I have to share, 

and I hope this brings us up to speed.

April 9th rolled around and I now have a 5 year old!

How did that happen? 

I know I will continue to say that through out the years, 

but seriously, 

How did that happen?

Opening gifts before heading to MOA.

 We had a busy and fun day at Mall of America's Amusement Park.

Per Jaymeson's request, he rode the train to MOA.  

Marcus and he met up with Grandpa and got on board the public transit system.

We spent the afternoon on the rides and then dinner at Kokamo's with lots of family.

Jaymeson and Grace had a blast!

Drenched after the log ride. His dad was equally as wet. HA!

Did you notice the hair style?

It's a mohawk.

He's cool.

Grandpa with the boys.

Now that's a candle!

Happy Birthday!

We ended the day with Jaymeson saying it was, "The best birthday ever!"

Can't beat that!