nice weather equals too much work

It appears that spring has finally arrived in Utah. The weather alternates between being yucky and awesome. When it's nice out we've been out in the back yard pulling weeds and transplanting strawberries and splashing in muddy water. (Okay, only Colin does that last one.) We're trying to get the yard ready to put in a fence, plant grass seed on the east and west sides, plant our garden, etc. Nate has put in a lot of work, and I try to help when the kids will let me. (Although, truth be told sometimes I'd much rather be out playing in the dirt than be in with whiney kids.) We're also thinking more about graduate school for Nate and what is going to be best for our family. I'll let you know once we make a decision. And it looks like Nate will be getting a new calling soon, so that's exciting too. Hmmm, what else is new...I'm going to start training for a marathon. JK. That's not happening. But I am getting excited for some of the fun 5ks this summer. That shows you just how athletic (read pathetic) I am—a 5k is a big deal to me. Colin is hilarious, as always. He cracks me up by "jumping like a horse" and singing songs all around the house. I'm getting things ready to start potty training him soon. We've got the potty and the fun underpants, now we just need some stickers, prizes, and motivation. Oh, and for Colin to decide that he really does want to use the potty. Kate is awesome too. She rolls all over the place—stomach to back, back to stomach, left shoulder, right shoulder—like a crazy woman. She smiles and laughs and chatters away. She loves having something to chew on, be it hand, plastic toy, cloth toy, or mom's arm. She's also had several fussy nights that have made me wonder if she is teething, but her mouth doesn't look like it. She also loves mom best of all, and that makes me happy. I have nothing else to say. On to the pictures.

A rare shot of both children happy at the same time.

I really like this dress on her.

Colin was singing to himself while he was playing with his potato heads. I took a video of him, but since I figured I wouldn't be able to post it, I also took a picture. He was singing I Am a Child of God. It's so sweet to listen to. I can't believe that he knows all the words!

Colin likes pushing the mop around the floor and telling me that he is sweeping. It's one of his new favorite games.

Nate told me that we are not raising a housekeeper, but I don't mind the help.

Kate is awesome. She looks so funny sometime when I take her picture.

Colin wanted a picture taken of him wearing a headband too.

Here's another shot from her little photo shoot.

Colin and I went to the park last Tuesday with some of the other families in our ward for Park Day. (Kate took a nap at home with my mom.) Colin preferred to talk to the moms instead of the kids his age. He makes me laugh.

The bridge was his favorite part.

Well, the bridge and the picnic tables. He kept climbing up there and telling me he was eating a picnic lunch. (We didn't actually have one.)

Kate refused to look at me during her bath. She does love the bath now. I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but she was kicking and splashing with joy.

I got right up in her face in order to demand her attention.

I tried taking some cute pictures of the kids together. It didn't go as planned. Here's the best one.

Colin doesn't mind smiling for the camera when he takes a bath. He's a huge ham.

Kate has discovered the sheep on her exersaucer. She loves to gnaw on it just like her brother did.

Happy silly Fat Face.

Colin bit Kate's leg the other day. I was not pleased. Kate was lying on the floor with Colin near her, and then she started crying. Nate checked her leg and found Colin's teeth marks on it. Grrr. The cows had a hay day with Colin after that.

Colin told me he wanted me to take a picture of him and Kate. Here is what happened. Colin tried to give Kate a kiss.

Then he just let go of her.

And then they both tried to get away from each other.