Mary's birthday, March 2014

Mary had a "butterfly birthday."

The girls went on a treasure hunt to find Mary's presents and discover the secret of how butterflies get their colors.

 Joyeux Anniversaire!

 

Diana painted our faces.

 
 Grandma and Grandpa Luke came for Sunday dinner.

 
They brought a very special music box.  This is one of Mary's prized possessions.

Happy birthday, dear Mary!

Grandma Mary, March 2014

We lost our dear Grandma Mary in March.

 We love her and miss her so much.  She has blessed our lives in so many ways.  We cherish the memories we have of her and know we will see her again--and in the meantime, I don't think she is very far away.  We are so grateful for Heavenly Father's plan that gives us our families forever.

Holding baby Mary:

Holding Anna:

Holding Austin:

Holding Sarah:

 
Christmas 2012:

February 2014

Before Dad left for Panama, he took Austin on a "hang out" to build a race car.

 We made peanut-butter groundhogs for Groundhog Day.

 Tyler grew some more.

Sarah fell asleep on the couch with "Peas."

The kids crafted up a storm.

 

  

 

 

 Sarah enjoyed her play group with neighborhood girls.

And we enjoyed hanging out with Dad when he got home from his trip.

 

 

 

 

 

 
The kids think "Heffalumps and Woozles" are hilarious and tried to snap pictures of their favorite parts.

David's Panama Trip, February 2014

David visited Panama in February.  He sent a picture of one of his lunches:

 He visited the Panama Canal.  The kids enjoyed learning about the locks and watching videos of ships passing through.

 
 
We looked forward to video chatting with David every day.
 
The Panama City temple:

 
 
 Church on Sunday:

 
On Valentine's Day, we had some Panamanian food in honor of Daddy: rice, beans, and plantains.

January 2014

After all of the Christmas excitement was over, we stayed home and relaxed most of January.

 

 

 
 Mary entertained Tyler with balloons.

 
 
 Tyler hung out while we got ready for Grandma Luke's surprise birthday party.


 He also tried out the saucer (a.k.a. "the alien").

 
 
 Tub time!