The McGraths: Spring is Here!

April has been full of many sunny days and beautiful weather. We have been loved getting outside and enjoying the sun! It's so nice to have it back and for the days to be getting longer. Nyles has especially been enjoying taking walks, going to parks, playing in the dirt or a sandbox. I love seeing the flowers and trees blooming. It reminds me that there is sunshine after the rain and new beginnings for all of us.

Wednesday, April 2^nd—I took my final for my first CFP course. Though it was a 3 hour test I was able to pass it w/ a 98%. I have to pass each section w/ a 70%; one down, five more to go. We start our second section tomorrow. I'm definitely learning a lot and have really been enjoying the classes so far.

Nyles new shoes. He sure loves shoes these days.

I think because it usually means we're going outside for a walk or something.

Thursday, April 3^rd—Steve got done w/ class early and we watched the movie “Frozen” together after Nyles went to bed. I definitely enjoyed it a little more this time. The first time we saw it in theaters w/ Nyles. He lasted about half way, and then got a little rambunctious. Steve and I took turns being w/ him (mostly Steve though), so this time we caught more and enjoyed it a little more as well. It’s a cute show.

Friday, April 4^th—Steve went over to the Thomas’ to play his game Munchkin w/ the boys and Laura Minson and Melissa Thomas came over to visit w/ me. We chatted, played a game of dominoes, and had some popcorn. We all moved into our branch about the same time (4 ½ years ago) and have been friends since. Ironically we all got married the same year also. The boys had a great time playing their game and we had a good time visiting w/ each other.

Nyles playing outside at Dave/Joann's house.

He likes the dirt and sticks. Such a boy ;)

Satuday, April 5^th—we watched General Conference at home. Nyles was kind enough to take his naps during all sessions of conference, on Sunday too. In between conference we went over to the Living Planet Aqaurium. Ironically we saw Jared and the girls there. We talked w/ them for a while then parted our ways. Sounds like the girls wanted to go see it for a while; I’m glad they were able to go.

Steve and Nyles at the Living Aquarium

Sunday, April 6^th—I made crepes for breakfast, then after the first session we took lunch up to Dave/Joann. Joann had her other shoulder operated on the week before so we’ve been trying to help out anyway we can. Steve has been going over to help her since Dave had to go back to work after a couple days. It was nice to see them and have lunch together. We headed home when the afternoon session started so we could put Nyles down for a nap.

Nyles being silly and getting some Cheetos. Joann in the back icing her shoulder. That is Steve's ice machine he got when he had his knee surgery 2 1/2 years ago. Joann was able to use it last time also, so I think it's been a good investment. Though I don't think we actually paid for it, our insurance did. ;)

Blackened Chicken w/ Avocodo dressing over rice

Nyles practicing on his egg hunting skills

Tuesday, April 8th--It was such a nice day Nyles and I took a walk to the playground after work.

He loves it there, especially since it's "his size"!

Thursday, April 10^th—Steve didn't have class so I stayed at work until 5pm instead of 4pm like normally on Tuesdays/Thursdays. After Steve met me at the train station. We went and got a few groceries then went out to eat at Red Robin. It was fun spending time w/ Nyles and Steve.

Nyles loves playing "driver" in the car, while parked of course.

Nyles playing w/ water at Dave/Joann's house

Friday, April 11^th—Carrie met Steve up at Gateway and let Lynsie and Nyles play in the fountains. Then when I got off work we played a little longer until they had to go. It was fun and the weather was beautiful. I’m sure we’ll have to try it again as it continues to get warmer.

Nyles and Lynsie going up the stair at Gateway

Just sitting on the ledge

Saturday, April 12^th—Steve drove up w/ Dave to the cabin to see what the snow levels were at. Nyles and I played at home and cleaned. It was funny; Nyles pulled out the movie “Grumpy Old Men” and said “Grandpa!” He then took the case and sat down on his little chair and kept saying “Grandpa” over and over. So either the guy has a resemblance to Dave/Grant or all old men are ‘grandpa.’

Still some snow up there

Nyles thought the door was a great place to color w/ his crayons

Playing in the sandbox

After Steve got back we decided to go on a hike up to Little Bell Reservoir. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. Nyles really loved being in the backpack; He didn't complain once. I think he loved the view! We’re excited to be able to enjoy nature more this upcoming Summer.

We're on our way!

Look at the view!

We made it!

Family picture :)

Nyles is discovering his tongue. And yes he has a black eye.

He fell two days in a row and bonked it both times. Poor little guy. He's tough though, no complaints.

Nyles thinks all bodies of water have fish in them, so he kept saying "fish, fish."

Cute little Nyles getting some water.

He thought it was funny to bonk the water bottle against Steve's head.

That night Dave and Joann came over for pizza and a movie. Since Nyles already purchased the movie "Gravity" for us, we figured others should enjoy it as well to get our moneys worth. Joann wanted to have a change in scenery as well, so hopefully it helped.

Sunday, April 13th—I taught the RS lesson at church. I was supposed to teach lesson #5 but ironically I used last year’s manual of Lorenzo Snow instead of this year’s manual which is Joseph Fielding Smith. I taught the lesson about “The Grand Destiny of the Faithful” which was about inherited all that God has. It’s best summarized with this statement “As man now is, God once was: As God now is, man may be.” Through study and prayer I felt I was able to teach the lesson well and in a way that the sister would understand and relate to. I’m thankful for the Spirit in directing my teaching, even though I was technically using the wrong manual. The good news is I’ll definitely know which manual to use going forward. As I was finishing up my lesson it started snowing/hailing. It made for an interesting short drive home and getting Nyles inside. I made him a grilled cheese sandwich then got him down for his nap.

Nyles likes to wear this backpack, even though it's the same size as he is

Just drinking some water w/ his backpack on

Looks like a turtle w/ it on ;)

After church we had our home teachers over, and then went out to Rose’s for dinner w/ Pauline and her family as well. We visited a while then had an Easter Egg hunt in her basement. It was fun and Nyles especially had a good time playing w/ “new” toys.

Steve helping Nyles hunt for the eggs

Nyles and Sophia hunting

Charlotte finding an egg

Cousins: Charlotte, Sophia, Ava, Nyles, Ali and Summer

Nyles likes the jelly beans :)

Looking through the candy

Yesterday I cleaned out the porch so Nyles could go out and play. He's been loving have a "new" place to play. He thinks its so fun! He has to take his toys out there and try it out.