Grant man

Grant has been saying such meaningful, thoughtful prayers lately. Today he prayed that everyone would have enough money to get food and water so they didn't die. He has also prayed multiple times that everyone will learn about our church and God so they can be nice. 

He is also still Joshua's little side kick and super helper! Today they had some car repairs to complete in hopes of passing the inspection test for one more year! :) 

Cleaning and camp outs

Another day of Spring Break, with plenty of time to play with Dad!

Grant spent most of the day playing outside while I was helping pack up the bus for the  Thomas family and their next adventure to Michigan.

Grant was able to spend another night camping inside the tent.

Rockwell getting dressed up in his jammies and Grant's tie.

Books, playgrounds and stuffed animals

Spring break festivities are still underway at the Hoffmann home. We made a trip to the library for some new books and Dad was a good sport to read each time Ellory requested.

 

Grant enjoyed a super treat of watching a movie in his room in the tent! 

We showed Dad the latest little playground we discovered recently.

Ellory & Grant pausing to pick some flowers.

And no trip to Hobby Lobby is complete until we have done some fun window shopping and wish list making of all the stuffed animals we could have.

It's time like these that I would love to surprise them and tell them they could buy whatever they wanted. Perhaps that's what Grandparenthood is for...:) Love these kiddos!

Buckroe beach

We loaded up and drove to Buckroe Beach to enjoy some freezing water, wind and seagulls snatching our food packs. Happy Spring Break! :)

It was too cold for Rockwell and I to even change into our swimsuits. 

We did enjoy the lovely beach snacks though. 

Playing around on playground while Mom put together some lunch before heading back home.

 

Looks like we stayed just long enough to enjoy a nice nap on the ride home. Success! 

Spring break- bounce house and museum

We were gifted this awesome bounce house (thanks Carlsons!) just in time to kick off Spring Break Week! The weather was perfect and the kids had a great time being bounced around.

Grant helping out Rockwell and making weed wigs. :)

Downtown at the Children's Museum!

My budding artist!

 

On another note, Joshua was laid off from working at Abacus recently. Throughout the whirlwind of  questions, decisions to me made, new stresses to think about, etc. we know that somehow this is a blessing and have felt very peaceful that The Lord is in charge and is aware of us. So, for now we are soaking up the extra time we have with super dad at home. Everywhere we go, Grant proudly declares, My Dad has the day off work today! He has a good, positive perspective!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter 2016! In keeping with our Easter tradition of having egg hunts and goodie baskets the Saturday before Easter Sunday, the kids were delighted to wake up to some fun surprises. 

A trail of treats began at their bedroom doors and led them downstairs to baskets and more eggs to find outside.

Big brother Grant was very excited to show Ellory her surprises.

 

Rockwell was quick to catch on to the the discovery of opening the eggs and finding treats! :)  

He continues to be a master and knowing how and where to find food.

 

After our own Easter egg hunt, we ate breakfast and got dressed to join in the annual egg hunt at President and Sister Whytes house. They will be leaving in October to serve a mission in South Africa so this was the last hunt for a while. 

 

Ellory was the only kiddo to decorate and enjoy some sprinkles and frosting with her cupcake. I guess the boys were too busy playing.

 

 Rockwell was dancing and walking around with Hope. :)

Matt Toomey brought along his candy filled helicopter for the kids to chase after and collect more of the falling treats.

Then since two Easter Egg hunts wasn't quite enough for the day, we bounced over to our annual neighborhood one that we always seem to miss out on. A new family in the neighborhood hosted it in their yard and the kids were happy to be finding more treats that they didn't need. :)

Rockwell loved touching the patient dog

Grant was very excited to have his face painted

For Primary on Easter Sunday, they invited the Nursery kids in and did a special program of Palm Sunday and the Crucifixion and Resurrection. Grant was a nice brother to make a spot for Ellory to sit next to him. 

Our Happy, silly Family!

Happy Easter 2016!

Trouble- part 3

Dear Rockwell, 

Your curiosity and determined attitude are quite the winning combination for obtaining your goal. This week you used the water squirter to knock off the box of screws on the top ledge of the stairs. You joyfully watched as they musically tumbled down the stairs one by one.

you know how to find food when you want it. today you used the ladle to knock down the plate filled with a toaster strudel that was waiting on the counter for grant. you made sure to keep your weapon of choice close at hand to fend off any predators.

and then you always know to check the table for anyone's leftovers and enjoy finishing them off.

while 90% you are always on the go, you do take time to sit down with some books and relax.

 

love, 

your adoring mom