Dustin's 30!!

Ok Dustin turned 30 awhile ago but again here we are! Jess and Carter and Samuel came and celebrated with us which was sure a treat! 

Here was my attempt at a very large Baked Alaska. I will conquer the ice cream cake some day!

Gifts!!! 

It was a pleasant but simple Birthday. Dustin didn't want to go too crazy. We had gourmet omelets and played games and just enjoyed good company!! Happy Birthday babe!

Shepherd Reunion

So we really are behind but better late than never right?!? March 23rd - 30th there was a family reunion at Rehobath Beach in Delaware.  Some had to come and go throughout the week but Conner and I took on the whole week and it was great!

Here Conner is catching up on some light reading. 

Conner kept standing in front of the fireplace to "perform". 

Conner told Victoria stories for about 20 minutes and she was so good to sit and listen!! 

He LOVES the beach! Mom lets him play in the sand and there is water! His favorite!! And unlimited spaces to run! 

In the water with Grandma.

Chillin with Uncle David

S is ready for some beach football!! 

Again can't get enough of the beach!

"Touchdown!!"

Look at that cute family!! Yes it was pretty cold!! We only ever got our feet wet. Well most of us......

Dad's idea....

Coloring with Grandma!! 

This guy was tired after all that running around!!

K was cold and so Conner lent her his stuff. 

Conner dove in head first into the sand a lot. 

Cousins!!

These three are a total of 4 months apart!

Trying to get a cousin photo.....

Not very successful....

Until there was just one left! 

Family!!! 

It was also Dustin's Birthday in two days so we opened some early presents. 

Then we went to check out the Cherry blossoms....which weren't there....they were late this year!

So fun! We loved seeing all my family and what a treat since many came from so far away! 

Spring in Paradise!

Again a bit late but this year we feel pretty proud of our yard. This is the first year either of us have ever attempted such a feat and I have to admit I was terrified. I am a killer of plants and to take on such an undertaking as an entire yard was almost a death sentence. But I must note that the Japanese Maple did die and was replaced, but besides that, thus far we have been successful!! 

Conner loves to help us water. 

Conner agrees the yard is pretty fun!! 

The past few months

Things of course have been busy lately and I have totally let my blogging fall by the wayside. I blame it on the half marathon training! But here is my very fast attempt to catch up. Just a few updates (some of which I will get to eventually in a post....): 

1. Conner is officially in nursery and generally does very well. He has a hard time because it is smack dab in the middle of nap time. Poor leaders. But most of the time he is fine and just loves to play. Even though he has a problem with turning the lights off!!

2. We have been working a ton on the house and I will take pictures and do a post shortly on that. 

3. We went to Utah and I ran my half marathon and we spent time with family which was SO fun! 

4. Dustin took the summer off of school and is now going part time work and full time school working towards his masters. We wish him luck!

5. We have had tons of family and friends in town which has been a blast! My sister and her husband came for a visit and my sister-in-law and my in-laws joined us again for some fabulous fun! I just wish we took more pictures!! 

And of course here are some of our adventures!

Conner loves to play with dried black beans and use them to "cook". He does still eat a few but he's getting much better!

Visiting the goats at the local farm. He kept trying to give them grass and then would freak out when they tried to eat it. 

Loving the new swing at Grandma and Grandpa's. 

Taking in the airplanes at the Air and Space Museum. He LOVED it and just wanted to run everywhere. And he fell asleep within getting back in the stroller in about 60 seconds. He loves his Aunt Sarah and Uncle Ben!

Trying on Daddy's shoes one morning. 

He is going to be a pro in the kitchen by the time he's 3 at this rate! 

Mommy and Conner weren't feeling well so we took a little nap. 

In between sessions at April General Conference.