Rocket Stove

I saw this rocket stove on Pinterest today and Logan and I decided we would try to make one. We had all the ingredients for the job anyway.

The stove took about an hour to gather everything and make, not too bad. We had to test it out. I got the Dutch oven out and we tested it with an egg. I had a small piece of wood the kids had been playing with, it was part of a fence or something. It was small, about 1x3x12, and I chopped it up into about 10-12 thin pieces with the hatchet.

I was pleasantly surprised how well it worked! We cooked an egg in a short amount of time. I was so excited about it that I wanted to try the one I purchased about 4 years ago and never used. It took more wood than the first smaller one and much longer to get hot. Since I had the Dutch oven out I decided to make some dinner in it. All in all, I almost preferred the home made version over the store bought.

Not too bad for zero money spent.

Week In Idaho

I went with my Bestie to Idaho Falls last week to help her sister who just had a baby. It was a good trip, I got to switch things up a bit, thanks to my MIL Ruth who came out to be with my kiddos! We got a lot of stuff done, made a lot of yummy dinners and, of course, hit Costa Vida a time or two. We took the kids up to Rexburg to BYU-I and the temple...first time ever being there. We got the baby's room looking great and even painted her fireplace! That's right, if you're having a baby you may want to consider hiring us.

I snapped a few photos of this new little guy, this one was my favorite. I had great time holding this super sweet babe, seriously he was great!

Easter

The kids looked so cute this morning I had to take some shots. The trees at church are so beautiful now!

Happy Easter!

Saturday

We had a fun sunny day yesterday, a water fight, Easter egg hunt and dinner with friends.

Game

Big Russ and I Got to enjoy going to the Blazers game on Friday night. We had awesome seats thanks to the Nike basketball season tickets. We had fun showing the kids that we were on TV when we got home.

Multnomah Falls

Friday we hiked up to multnomah falls with the kids. When we got to the top we ate our lunch by the river, so peaceful up there. On the way down jenna had a wipeout and got a big (trying not to be too graphic) OWIE on her knee! She was brave and didn't even cry. It was still a good day.

Beach

Thursday we went to the beach with Heidi and the kids. Turned out to be a pretty nice day! Kids go drenched, not sure how they can stand it since the water is so dang cold! The tide kept coming in and we had to move our spot a couple times. Another good day!

Spring Break

We went to the zoo Wednesday, it was good and busy but not too busy. Believe it or not it was russ' first time to go! Afterward we went downtown to a burger place and then got some ice cream. We worked all that off when we went to play tennis with Heidi at PCC. Good day!

Jaida's long legs

Spring

We took advantage of the great weather Saturday and worked in the yard, I forgot to take a before picture, so this one will have to do. Although we are sore today it was a great team effort and well worth the aches and sore muscles today.

Kindy-Garten

I took Bubby to the school Thursday for kindergarten orientation. He was a bit nervous that I wasn't going to be with him during the whole time, but he went with the teachers none the less.

After coloring, reading and checking out the kindy rooms he got to ride on the bus! After our meeting we met them when they came off the bus. They were all smiles, and Logan was so excited.

School House Rock

 The school put on the first ever (that we've been going to this school, 6 years) play with the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders. They did a few songs from School House Rock.

I can't tell you how much we enjoyed this show, it was so sweet, very fun and peppy! I was sad when it was over, really I could have stayed and watched another hour of it.

Of course, Jaida was right in her element, doing what she loves and we were so proud of her and all the kids who did such a great job!

Can't wait for next year...and maybe Jenna will be able to get in on it.

Jaida Turns Eleven!

 Jaida had her birthday party a day later than her actual birthday because she had the School House Rock play that day. She wanted a SPA birthday theme, so we went with it. 

I think this cake is what inspired the theme, I had pinned it on Pinterest a while ago and she loved it.

We ate lunch then made an oatmeal mask, foot scrub and did our own mani-pedi's. I must say, it was the quietest birthday party I've ever been to! We had soothing music playing in the background and only a few girls over, made it pretty easy to manage.

 We celebrated with Framily Sunday night, so really we had a Jaida birthday weekend with two cakes and lots of friends! We are so blessed to have Jaida, she is very caring and helpful to everyone she knows. We love you, Jaida!

Street

The kids have been busy playing outside, we love our street!

Car Show

Big Russ and I went to the Portland car show with bubby a couple weeks ago. Russ was a kid in a candy shop and Bubs enjoyed it until he got tired of walking around. We all enjoyed seeing and sitting in the fun cars.