My angel

Connor is a very sweet and thoughtful preteen. While Eric was away on business in Australia for the week, Connor paid special attention to my needs, like making sure I was drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, helping organizing the house, or helping more with Pearce. Countless examples. But the thing that made me get all choked up was while I would get Pearce ready for bed, Connor would turned down my bed, find extra pillows, fill up my water bottle and leave a note on my pillow every night. He is such a sweetie. I am a lucky Momma!

One of Connor's notes.

Australia

Eric was able to make another trip to Australia for work. He arrived on ANZAC day, which is essentially Australia's 4th of July. He arrived from Hawaii at midnight, and then had a friend pick him up five hours later so he could attend the ANZAC dawn service in the nation's capital, Canberra. Here are several pics of his trip.

Australian War Memorial in Canberra just after sunup

Poppies on their Wall of Remembrance.

Dome inside the Hall of Memory

Eric said the whole service was among the most reverent and sacred national holiday celebrations he'd ever attended.

Atop Mount Ainslie, overlooking Canberra below. Several months back, we were very close to moving to Canberra for a few years. I've never been, but Eric says we'd have loved it.

ANZAC parade. Being the capital, Canberra hosts the nation's main ANZAC parade and events.

Later in the day, Eric's friend took him to a rugby match. Russel Crowe's visiting South Sidney Rabbitoh's came back in stunning fashion to defeat the Canberra Raiders. Hey NFL: pads are for sissies

Later in the week, Eric was able to spend a few days in Sydney. I've never been there either, but he insists it would be one of my favorite cities. He loves it.

Eric stayed right across from the Opera House. Lucky punk.

Kids play

Connor, going to be thirteen in a couple of months, is a constant reminder that kids will grow up faster than you can catch them. And so playing with our kids is our top priority. Luckily I have a hubby who can juggle work, church callings, personal projects, and still give 100 percent to us. Could a girl ask for anything more. This is one of many fun days we spend with our boys.

Feeding the Sea Turtles.

Pearce and Eric pulling moss of the rocks to feed the turtles.


Connor, also collecting moss.








Goofy Golfing.

Easter

Easter weekend is finally here and I am starting to feel like I am pregnant with morning sickness all day and night. Fun times!

Tutu and Papa Phillips kicked off Easter with a surprise.

Kelsey was in Hawaii for Easter with her school choir. The day before Easter we took Kelsey and the boys to the beach and tried to dye eggs but the near- hurricane winds made it impossible so we decided to go home and dyed the eggs there.

Pearce and Connor dyeing away

We get old, but dyeing doesn't

Kelsey, Pearce and Connor. Wow. Real cheerful faces.

This is the first year Pearce could apply some of his recently acquired art skills. He put them to good work, but Connor remained the master, turning several chicken fetuses into works of art.

Easter Morning.

Pearce and Connor find their Easter Baskets


The big Easter egg hunt

Bunny pancakes

One very happy boy.

Enjoying the fruits from the Easter Bunny.

All in all, it was our best Easter in Hawaii. Mainly because the Easter Bunny actually had a place to hide our eggs. In years past, the Easter Bunny had to use parks or beaches, which meant we had to compete with vagrants and bums, who were in it more for the nutrition than the fun (and consequently were a lot more motivated). Thanks Easter Bunny.

My Birthday

My sweet Eric, Connor and Pearce gave me a birthday to remember. I am a lucky girl. And that cake tasted as good as it looked.

Nine weeks pregnant and a year older!