science center and international fountain

Layla and I went with some friends down to seattle for the day. We spent most of the time at the science center.

Then Lorane introduced us to the international fountain. How did I not know about this place?? In all of our explorations of seattle we have never come upon this. It was a lot of fun on a warm day. I will definitely be back here with all of my kids.

nature vs. nurture

I sometimes feel like our family is a living case study of genetics and the whole nurture vs. nature debate. With two sets of biological siblings, we have noted some interesting similarities and differences between the two sets.

One set of siblings has always been early risers. The other set will sleep in.

One set will eat anything and everything. The other set is extremely picky.

One set is super athletic, coordinated, and physical. The other set is a bit calmer and has to put in a lot of effort on the gross motor play and movement.

One set is imaginative and creative. The other set tends to be more realistic and logical.

It's pretty interesting to watch some of the things they inherently do.

Then we had a visit with Layla and Perry's biological sister. While personalities are different, it is fascinating to see similar mannerisms and note a little health issue that all three children have. And it was pretty funny when Layla told them the name of her doll (Olivia) and it happens to be the same name that her bio sister uses to name her dolls! Pretty funny coincidence, or something.

ensign ranch, part 3

It was the ultimate way to enjoy our last year of spring break at the ranch-- making up a dance and a putting together a little music video.



It was probably the first and last time for me and Lorane to be referred to as "dance teacher". But it sure was a blast.

I didn't get this one in time to add to the music video, and the quality isn't so great, but it must be documented that we even danced down by the lake with life jackets on.



And you better believe that we also danced it out in the dark at our glow party.

Let me back up and explain our little glow party. I was in charge of a group activity Thursday night. We divided the kids into teams and they were given a list of tasks to complete around the lodge area. They had to do things like sing "I'm a Little Teapot", balance a ping pong ball on a paddle as they walked around the room, touch a car with a license plate that had an "I", count the doors in the lodge, drink a cup of milk using licorice straws, etc.

When each team completed the tasks, they were given an envelope with a puzzle. They put the puzzle together to reveal the location of the prizes. Each kid got a baggie of glowsticks and candy.

Then we turned off the lights, blasted the music, and threw around glowing balloons (you can see the balloons in one of the pictures above. we just put a glowstick inside each balloon) while we danced and played.

Friday night was pretty awesome, too. We played minute to win it games.

To remember the week, here is one more video with the clips that didn't make the fight song video.



We have loved this tradition to come to ensign for the past four years. We have made such wonderful memories here. We were all a little sad that this was our last time here. But, I guess, we are on to new spring break adventures next year!