April flowers

I have always heard that the more kids you have, the less documented subsequent children's childhoods are. In my experience, however, that rule stands on its head. Amber's childhood is the most documented of all three children, even though she's the last! It's amazing how much more prevalent photo-taking became the minute I got a smartphone. I got my first smartphone the night before Amber was born, so I guess that explains it.

After some heavy-duty grocery shopping at WinCo on Friday (April 27th), Amber and I drove over to the temple to see the flowers. It was rather a hot afternoon, in the low 80's and brightly sunny. We admired all of the beautiful blooms and I managed to keep Amber from picking/stomping/hugging the flowers (although she did pat them with a firm hand). Then we did our traditional temple walk around the sidewalk looping the temple. When I say "temple walk" what I mean is Amber sprinted around the outside of the temple, squealing gleefully while I power-walked in her wake and tried not to call after her too loudly. She paused every few minutes and peeked over her shoulder saucily, waiting until I was almost caught up with her before dashing off again with more giggles and squeals.

Amber's destination was the fountain on the far side of the temple. After she had admired it sufficiently and touched the water plenty of times, I dragged her away whereupon she emitted a series of high-pitched shrieks. Then she slipped away from me and played balance beam along the front border of the flower beds. I was torn between amusement and concern that my wild child was a bit too much for the reverent temple grounds. Even if Amber's reverence is rambunctious, I am glad that she loves to go to the temple.

 Running ahead.

Still running. 

Reaching into the water 

 This girl wanted IN that fountain. I caught her with both shoes and one sock removed, preparing for a swim. She was not happy when I made her put her shoes back on.

 She alllllmost picked me a bouquet, but I caught her in the nick of time.

 Temple flower selfie fail. It was so bright I couldn't see my phone screen, so I didn't know I had already gotten a good picture earlier. I tried this one right before heading to the car and it makes me laugh! Amber was reaching towards those pretty flowers and I was trying to restrain all of her limbs one-handed while aiming the camera with my other hand.

 I love seeing my kids run towards the temple. (even if she escaped from me while we were going to the car)

 Walking the straight and narrow.