House O' Sullivans

February brought more snow and an official "Snow Day," allowing the kids an extra full day of fun (and labor). Here's Zeke, shoveling one of many neighbors' driveways after another big dump: Celebrating Kimberly's birthday at her new house in Lehi. A few of Lindy's preschool friends over at the Money's house. This photo perfectly encapsulates Lindy's personality. One of Hallee's many reminder notes, posted to remind Casey to wake her up early to study her weekly spelling words on the day of the test. (Notice the spelling.) We gutted the upstairs bathroom in February. Baby Sean had a habit of dumping bath water onto the floor and the 80s linoleum had started bubbling up AND it was just time. I sanded down the built-in vanity and have successfully refinished it.  It took many woman-hours of labor, but it turned out well.  Now for paint, tile, and some tub refinishing. This, like all other projects started at the Sullivan...

Last week the older kids were on spring break and I did something crazy . I took all five kids on a road trip for a week of camping without Casey, who we left in Salt Lake working his day job and "bishoping." It has come down to this.   The idea of going on an epic journey as a solo parent is on the very extreme edge of my comfort zone, but the need for an outdoor adventure was strong, so off we went. I looked for someplace that would be warm enough at night that little 2-year-old Sean wouldn't freeze and close enough that I wouldn't pass out driving there. Valley of Fire State Park, six hours away, 70s in the daytime and 50s at night, was the obvious choice and we'd never been there before. Score! We drove to Saint George right after church and established a new Salt Lake to SG driving record. Incredibly, it took us under 4 hours. Even more incredibly, we didn't have to stop even one time for any one of those 5 kids to use the bathroom. That nev...