Ben got his driver's license this week! He can officially drive himself places! He got his license on Thursday, and we didn't see him again until Sunday morning. Just kidding! We saw him for a few minutes in between adventures such as going running with his friends, going to work, hanging out at so and so's house--you get the picture. He wasn't sure what the big deal about having a license was, but now he is loving the freedom!

This week Kolby planted two apple trees for me in my backyard! Yay Kolby! Then . . . it snowed. Boo snow! But the apple trees are fine and I am super excited to have them grow and shade my backyard and give me apples and have grandchildren climb their branches.

I have been trying to think of something outside that would hold my active, adventurous grandson, Micah's attention. Celebrating Ben last week made me remember how much he loved the Little Tikes red car. So, Kevin and I bought one for the grandkids to use. Savannah and Megan put it together and it has been a hit!

Micah looks just like Ben in there!

On Saturday, the fam got to together to play softball. It was a beautiful day and Beth and I played at the playground with Avery, Lyla, and Evelyn!

Today (Sunday), after dinner we went outside and the kids rode on the driveway and we sat in a circle and talked and played a game. What a fun day and what a great family I have!

Lyla and Avery like the car, too!

 This week Ben turned 16!! What a great kid he is! We are so impressed with the young man that he is. He is kind. He is hard-working. He listens. He thinks deep. He betters the people's lives who know him. He is just amazing! Everyone came over on Thursday evening to help us celebrate. (We were only missing Chey who was on a trip for her spring break). The weather was terrific so we ate outside. Kevin grilled hamburgers so we talked and ate. Ben opened presents, we sang to him, and ate cheesecake! Afterwards everybody played ga-ga ball. It was a great party for a great kid.

This week was also spring break! Chey also had spring break. On Tuesday Beth, Ben, Kevin, and I all had a free afternoon so we went to Coin Crazy. We went head-to-head at PacMan, PopaShot, and SkeeBall. Watch out! Then Chey and Tyler joined us and we played a game of bowling! We all had a really fun time.

That night Chey left with her friend Haley to visit her home in Washington state. They had a great time paddleboarding, doing touristy stuff, and even attending the professional ballet! We sure missed her, though!

Ben had a great time planning for his spring break. He ran every day with his friend, Ben. They also spent a day on the phone together while cleaning their rooms and then another day while Ben cleaned the bathroom. Ben had such a feeling of accomplishment from reorganizing the bathroom that he said it was his best day of spring break! He also got together with friends (guys and girls) a few different times for games. Of important note, on Saturday, he and Ben and Spencer went on a birthday run -- 16 miles for his 16th birthday. Crazy! Then they came to our house and made crepes (they were very good at it) and played ga-ga ball. One of their game nights was that night. He came home EXHAUSTED but still got up before church to prepare his lesson for priests quorom. What a guy!

We also had lots of chances to play with grandkids this week and we even bought an inflatable waterslide for summer play. So far, Avery really loves it and the jury is out for our other cute grandkids! Also, when they came over Saturday, Beth made crowns. So fun!

Last Sunday, for Easter dinner we ate outside at Grandma and Grandpa Gazdik's pavilion. It was a lovely day and so good to be with family! This Sunday after dinner we played a game of Jeopardy featuring trivia about Ben in honor of his birthday. Ben's team won! Ha ha! As it should.

We celebrated Easter yesterday by coloring eggs as a family! We thought we had worked around everyone's schedule as well as General Conference and then discovered that Ben had to work just an hour before. What? So everyone was there except for him. That was sad! But the rest was fun. Most of us gathered in the morning for French toast made by Kevin. Yum! Then we watched the first session of conference together. Afterwards, we had finger foods for lunch in honor of Passover dinner and then we colored eggs. Fun times! Avery and Lyla probably had the most fun and colored the most eggs. Evelyn went down for a nap. Oliver watched from the high chair and Micah inspected his and then smashed it which sent his mom into a fit of giggles! When we were done, Cali, Richmond, and Beth hid plastic eggs for Avery and Lyla to find. It was a beautiful day even if a bit cold!

Also, on Good Friday I have often made hot cross buns. I bowed out this year and Sarah surprised us by bringing over a fresh batch of her own making! They were super good! I love passing the baton!

Today was Evelyn's first birthday! What a sweet, happy little girl she is! We love her so much! Mariah had a party for her at her Grandma and Grandpa Carter's. We had homemade pizza! Megan made Evelyn a basketball cake and she opened presents. It was a ton of fun!

Bethany got to sing in the Salt Lake City Tabernacle on Saturday night! Kevin and I drove Naoma and Jim up with us and we had a nice dinner at Little America beforehand. The concert in the tabernacle was AMAZING! 3 choirs sang together with the organ and a live orchestra. We felt like we were surrounded by angels! Bethany looked beautiful and sang with emotion and grace. I love that she has held on to this thing in her life. It has brought her so many good things and brings blessings into our lives as well like the concert Saturday. It was incredible.

Benjamin ran the 400 in a meet on Friday and did great even though he wasn't feeling well. We took him out to eat afterward and that brought his spirits up! His newest plan for his future is to rededicate himself to Chinese and become a diplomat! I love him to have dreams! I wish all his dreams included living forever in Springville next to me, though! Ha ha!

Cheyenne is enjoying spending time with Tyler. She is sad that he is leaving the end of April for a job in Colorado for three months, but is enjoying the time now. She is busy still with school and work and sisters and friends, too!

Savannah is still being a terrific aunt! She is a great babysitter. She has also spent time with Peter and putting in time at work. She went with all the siblings to see McKay in concert on Saturday and he did a great job, as always!