The Month of March

The rain hasn't prohibited these girls from playing outside. 

The month of March zoomed right by!

Last Minute Work at the Odyssey of the Mind Competition

School: Leila participated in an extra curricular group this school year called Odyssey of the Mind- a problem solving club. After months of lunchtime and after school meetings the group got to present their material at the Northern California Competition. Although they did not win any of the ribbons, they did receive a rarely given teamwork award. When their presentation did not go as planned the team worked together beautifully and quietly without getting frustrated with one another. That was amazing to see.  In Amelia's class they are having March Madness. A race to see how many books they can read as a class in the month of March. At the end they get to dress up as a character from one of their favorite books. Amelia has chosen to be Dorothy. The girls continue to love school. Parent teacher conferences were this past month. One of my favorite things on Leila's progress report is that she is a quiet leader. On Amelia's is "Amelia is kind and gentle and a pleasure to have in class". We are so thankful to have a school with such a nurturing environment and involved teachers. The girls love school, but we are also looking forward to Spring Break!

Leila with her Team Members

Church: Soon after her baptism Leila joined the ward choir. She and Sam attend the practices every Sunday afternoon. Every time that they sing I shed a tear or two. Music is a way that I easily feel the Holy Spirit, so I am glad that Leila can participate with the music and hope that it can strengthen her testimony as she sings with the others in the choir. This month they sang Leila's favorite hymn, "Praise to the Man". This month we also enjoyed our ward's movie night at the church building with popcorn, treats, friends, and a big screen. This month our stake held a Relief Society 170 year Birthday Party. It inspired me to more actively participate in this wonderful society that has been around for 170 years.

Grandma Kay, Lucy and Joy on our bikeride along the river

The girls playing in the rain with their cousin, Todd. 

Family: We were so lucky to be able to spend time with Grandma Kay and that she was able to also take a trip to Utah for cousin Cole's Birthday. With grandma we went hiking, bikeriding on the biketrail as well as around the neighborhood, visited Ikea and Trader Joes and did lots of relaxing. It was so fun to have her here and the girls loved sharing their bedrooms with her. Speaking of birthdays, this month was also Grandpa Swenson's birthday, Uncle Matt's and cousin Todd's. Sam went to dinner and a King's game with Matt for his birthday and we also had cake with him and cupcakes for Todd's birthday. Earlier this month Todd got to stay with us all day while Amy and Eve were out of town. Joy missed Eve that day and asked me all day long where Eve was.  We will be so sad to see Matt and Amy leave in just a few months. Amelia lost her first tooth- she put her tooth fairy money right into out Cruise fund jar. Lucy is learning how to read and write. Joy is speaking more. Sam has started taking the train to work instead of battling traffic.

It's turkey mating season. On our bikeride with Grandma we got quite the show.
There were more than 15 male turkeys trying to impress the female. We stopped and watched for a while.

Day to Day Moments:

Joy, Lexi, and Lucy

Pancake Snowmen

Nail Painting with friends after school

Leila and Erica Ice Skating at Lea's birthday party

Joy at the lake.

Joy

Joy quacking with the ducks and hanging out with Dad.
Special times, special times.