Farewells and Farms

Well, a few weeks ago we said good bye to yet another Eide family missionary. This is Jakob, currently in the MTC but soon to depart for the Columbus, Ohio mission. My first thoughts and feelings are of sadness, another sign of our lives changing so much as all these kids continue to grow up and move on. This is my selfish side coming out, but of course ultimately I am so incredibly proud of these young men, and grateful for the example they set for my children. I have no right to boo- hoo over it though, as I think of my sister Lorna who is an absolute solid rock. Jakob is the second of two sons who she has sent out in the past 16 months. Two sons gone at the same time? I can not fathom it, not to mention that she has 3 more sons who will serve over the next few years, some who will overlap each other or leave as soon as the other one gets home. Maybe this is why the Lord blessed her with so many sons, because He knew she could handle it. Like I said, she is a Rock!

I know it's hard for Steph to see another cousin she is close to leave, but I know she is so proud of him too.

I don't think Alex looks too happy to see his "Jakey" go!

On to funner matters at hand... Alex's last preschool field trip of the year to Wheeler Farm. He had such a good time. He is sooo unlike his mother, loves to touch and pet the different animals. This baby goat kept trying to chew on Alex's sleeve, which Alex thought was hilarious.

Steph is out of school for the summer and came along.

I can not believe how fast this year of preschool has passed. I am not ready to see it end, but glad that Alex is excited at the prospect of beginning Kindergarten.

"All About My Mom"

At church, Alex "filled out" a questionaire about his mother in preparation for Mother's Day. I really got a kick out of some of his answers.

How old is your mom?  12
What is your mom's favorite color? green (he got this one right)
What is your most favorite meal that your mom cooks?  mac 'n cheese
What do you like to do with your mom?  play games
What is your mom's favorite thing to do? (this one really cracked me up...)  work  (Not!!)
What color of eyes does your mom have?  purple (interesting...)
What's your favorite thing about your mom?  good at playing games (He probably said this because I usually let him win!)

I was quite flattered that he thinks I look so youthful... or maybe he's just trying to butter me up!

Alex's Soccer

I'd like to introduce you to the latest and greatest soccer team to grace the Salt Lake Valley. These are... The Green Monsters! (I love the names that some of these little kids come up with. Last week we played the "Sparkle Snakes". That coach was obviously trying to appease both the girls and boys on the team.)

It's fun to see the progress Alex has made since playing for the first time last year. What a difference a year makes.

This is Alex scoring his first ever goal!!

He was so excited and so proud of himself. (As demonstrated in the above picture!)

In fact, he was so impressed with himself, as I was taking his picture he struck this pose completely impromptu with no coaching from me. The look on his face says it all... he wasn't trying to be silly either, he was dead serious with this expression which seems to say, "I am the bomb".

Hangin' Out Downtown

A few Saturdays ago we went downtown to the Church History Museum to check out a new interactive exhibit for kids.

Alex had a good time, they had some pretty cute stuff.

I had to get his picture in front of the gorgeous flowers. We also went across the street to check out the new City Creek shopping center. Wow, it was really impressive. I think Salt Lake City has hit the big time.

Easter 2012

The Easter Bunny must have pulled some strings at my work this year. I was supposed to work all night on Saturday, but since it was a slow night, I got to go home at 11 p.m. I was so grateful to be awake and well rested for Easter Sunday.

One of my favorite parts of Easter is looking for a new outfit for Alex. I thought he looked especially handsome this year in his new suit.

The "popcorn" popped just in time for Easter on the tree in our front yard. Gotta love this time of year.

Humility

The other day, Alex put on his little Easter headband he made in preschool, stood in front of the mirror and exclaimed, "AwwwWW! I am so adorable!" Perhaps not the most humble kid, but after four and a half years of everyone telling you so, I guess you are bound to believe it so I can't really hold it against him.

Alpha Phi

Steph joined a sorority this year, "Alpha Phi". She had been kind of unsure at first if she really wanted to stick with it, but eventually decided she was going to commit, and in the process has started to make some new friends and have some fun experiences. Last night she was initiated and is now officially an Alpha Phi sister. For the initiation they all had to be dressed in white. Steph looked really cute. Here she is throwing up a gang sign... just kidding, it's supposed to be the signs for the greek letters, alpha and phi.

Today we went to a nice banquet for the girls and their parents.

Steph and a few of her sisters.

I'm really glad that Steph is getting involved and trying to make the most of her college experience. Hopefully these are times that she will always cherish.