It's the most wonderful time of the year... for Tolman.

You all know what I'm talking about... the AUTO EXPO!  This year we got to go to the 7th Biggest Auto Expo in the US in Minneapolis.  Tol loved it because he got to get in most of the luxury cars, which is a luxury because you can't get in them in Utah's Auto show.

Lot's of pics of Tol in his prime:

 Addi tried to enjoy herself, too.

We got a hotel in the cities and made a weekend out of it.  I drove the kids up on Friday morning and went to the expo that day.  Dave drove up and met us after work that evening for dinner and swimming.  The next day Dave took Tol to the Expo while Addi and I spent our day shopping at Costco and Mall of America. 

The EXPOS are over.  The countdown to next year's show begins...

Those Sneaky Little Leprechauns!

 We had the SNEAKIEST little Leprechauns visit out house on ST. PATTY'S DAY this year!

 

 

 

 

 At least they left us treats!

  We're setting out traps next year FOR SURE!

COZYlicious

Addi made herself a snuggly bed for herself on the ironing board.

Doesn't she look super COZYlicious?

Shhhhh...

Japan holds a special place in our hearts.

Dave served an LDS mission in Japan.  

He served in the southern-most island, Fukuoka;

it was not directly hit, but the people there are effected by the after math of this disaster.

Please help in any way you can.

I'd like to propose a toast...

"Mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again."

I found this on a friends' blog tonight.  It is my new mantra.  LOVE IT!

Helper Mom minus the RED SWEATS

I volunteered in Addi's preschool class on PAJAMA DAY where I made pancakes for everyone and was able to stay and PLAY!
Addi was ALL about the pics.

A few days later I went on the  QUARRY HILL field trip with Tolman's Kindergarten class.
Tol was NOT about the pics until it was almost time to head home.

I shouldn't admit to this, but when I was in grade school and my mom was the "helper mom" in my class, I had strict instructions she had to follow.  Number 1 on the list was that she could NOT- under ANY circumstances- wear her red sweats to my school.  Can you say embarrassing?!  The 'red sweats' were SO traumatizing to me!  I was a vain little girl who had an image to maintain. 

Maybe my kids are nicer & more humble than I was at their age, but I still try to look my best when I go to their schools to help out in the classroom.  Let's just say THAT is a huge sacrifice of love on my part because I seriously live in my sweats out here!

Sorry I was a jerk, Mom.  You were a babe no matter what!... and still are.