A day in the life of the Spence family

Some weeks we don't have much going on, at least not much to blog about. But I thought, why not show some of the day to day things. Those are good to remember too. 

In the morning Nate and I like to exercise. He goes early, and then I can go for a walk by myself until he goes to work, or I go to the YMCA and use the child care there. When I get home from walks this is what I find many times: Nate with the girls watching Good Morning America with eggs and toast in their laps. Yes, Amber is often half dressed.

And this is one of my favorite things to find, especially when I am not asking one of the boys to do it. I love having readers to share in that important job.

With Nate's orthopedic residency he has to travel to Portland, Seattle or Eugene on some weekends to do classes. Makes things a little crazy around here especially when it is soccer season and Nate is the coach. I was sort of forced to step up to be the assistant coach so that the team would have a coach when Nate is out of town. I was not happy about this. At all. I already feel a little overwhelmed with my kiddos, so hanging out with 10 seven year old boys a couple nights a week and on the weekend isn't really how I want to spend my time. It has been fine, I guess. I am growing to like the boys more and more each time we are together. It is pretty cute how they repeat exactly what I am yelling from the sidelines to their team mates out on the field.

This weekend Tanner stayed the night with Joel so they could get to an early soccer game on Saturday, and of course they stayed up too late and woke up too early, so this was Tanner early in the evening. Grateful to have Paul and Paula with kids in the same sports, so we can juggle kids around to get them where they need to be. 

Preschool field trip

Ashlyn's preschool went to tour the Jacksonville Fire Department. Even thought it was mostly girls, they were still into it.

Walking through a truck.

 And trying on a coat.

One Sunday Afternoon

The cleaning bug has bit Ashlyn. She loves to clean. Her room is always organized. If she knows kids are coming over she will put the baby gate up so that no one makes a mess in her room. 

Recently she has wanted to do the dishes. It has been nice. I hope she at least influences Amber. The boys are a lost cause. 

 Then there is this side of Ashlyn. She wanted to "decorate" Nate and Amber while they took a nap. She put all kinds of random things on them while they slept.  It wasn't quite as fun to clean up.

ABC song

Both of the girls wanted to sing the alphabet song for me. 

Down time

Tanner was sick a while ago. He can't hide it when he isn't feeling well. Just looks sad, doesn't he.

When he was feeling better we had friends over. I don't know my parents raised us in the country, we had no play dates, ever. We have them ALL the time.

The girls had a pajama tea party with a friend in the back yard. 

 Ashlyn was gone one afternoon, so Amber and I went for a walk/ride down the street to see a friend.

We went to the park with cousins, but this was the only picture I managed to take that day. Dallin always finds a tree to climb.

Easter Afternoon at the Moala's

We had a big family get together with my cousin's family. They have a big yard that was perfect for an easter egg hunt.  

Sisters

Tracie, Me and Kris

Coloring eggs.

Prepping food

 The hunt 

 The aftermath

 

Easter Morning

 The kids love a good treasure hunt, so I found some creative mom blogger who created one, and I used it. :) There were clues that lead them around the house to find a little easter toy.

I like how this scavenger hunt emphasizes why we celebrate Easter.

Dallin got an R2 D2 Bop It! game, and Tanner got a Perplex maze. The girls were with me when I was picking stuff out, so they had the surprise ruined. Amber wanted a little vacuum cleaner and Ashlyn wanted a nail dryer with nail polish and stickers.  I hate all the cheap toys that usually go in Easter Baskets that just break or clutter the house til I secretly throw them away.

They had little treat eggs along the way. Those Peeps have way too much color in them.  

After church we dyed some Easter eggs. We purchase eggs from our Bishop's family who have lots of chickens. We found the dying brown eggs created some lovely colors. 

 

Lashes

So, I have been wanting to get lash extensions for a while and when I saw a Groupon for it, I jumped on it. Here is a before and after. Are they a little much? I can't decide. 

It is amazing what some long lashes will do for your eyes.

No mascara required! It is wonderful.