Kids in their Easter Clothes

We attempted to get 3 very tired children looking happy in a good picture. We found 1 good one out of 230 pictures. Here is our gem!!! Madilynn, Gavin, and Annika May 2009

We started in our living room on the couch.

Then we moved into the backyard....

Then we tried the tree. Not so good. Annika doesn't like the feel of damp grass.

Ok, so back in the house. Maybe?....

Well, we tried.

Visit from Grandma and Makayla

While Joe and I were in Canada my mom and my niece Makayla came from Utah to help out with our children. They had so much fun with grandma and Makayla. They don't get this opportunity very often. They enjoyed every minute and barely missed mom and dad while we were gone. I think Anni missed us a little!!! The first few pics are not the best quality. We took them with our older camera.

Makayla, Madi, and Gavin decorated this stump that is in our yard.

Starfish we found at Kopachuck State Park.

Makayla and her sand dollar. There are so many here we couldn't not step on them.

Grandma and Annika after a picnic lunch.

Madi and Makayla in the midst of all of those shells. So cute.

So hard to say goodbye to such a good friend.

Grandma, Makayla, Madilnn, and Gavin in our backyard.

... and 3 kids in a pear tree.
(Our pears are starting to look really nice. I can't wait to eat them.)

Makayla

Flowers and Greenery from Butchart Gardens

Butchart Gardens

Finally, pictures of our trip back in April. We went to Butchart Gardens on our anniversary. Here are a few from our trip. We took so many so here are some highlights. I will do another post of just flowers. The gardens are just gorgeous. We weren't even there for the rose blooms. I have only been there in the spring.

Joe entering the Japanese gardens.

The main house. This is now updated and turned into shops and dining.

Adrienne in front of the rose gardens. They were not in bloom while we were there. There were rose bushes and vines all over. I am sure it is quite spectacular.

It is so incredible to think that these gardens were a once a private residence. Joe and I really enjoyed ourselves there at the gardens. We walked around for hours. It is such a peaceful place. I am hoping one day I will have a beautiful garden of my own. If it is a 1/8 of what Butchart Gardens is I will be happy.