A slow picture week

 Cutie Alice.

 We really like this kid.

 And this one...usually.

 All dolled up, as usual.

 Me under every blanket we own. I've been cold a lot lately.

 First test of our new (used grill): delicious pineapple slices!

 Scout campout.

 Scout campout.

 Fortune.

 A toad they caught.

Traditionally, the Flake men all go to McDonald's before or after priesthood session. Well, our stake has pizza with priesthood session, so we decided to go out before the women's session:)

My 32nd Birthday, etc.

 (These pictures are in all kinds of weird order, including some I forgot from last week.)
 Here are the beautiful flowers I got for my birthday from Joel and Melanie. Well, actually, they sent them to Whitney at the hospital, but she couldn't get them home, so she gave them to me for my birthday. Sweet! (My kids have also LOVED playing with "It's a Boy" balloons all week!)

 Birthday dinner by Paul: breaded pork chops and sweet potatoes.

 Complete with cloth napkin folding!

 Birthday card from Paul, et al.

 Alice picked out these fake flowers for me at the dollar store.

 I think Grace had the original idea.

 The cookie/Reese's/brownie cupcakes turned out great!

 The next day (St. Patrick's Day) was a snow day!

 The girls played out in it for a while, but Paul and I were kind of over it.

 Happy St. Patty's to ya!

 Yesterday, I helped at the PTA Spring Fair at Grace's school by selling food.

 Paul kept the kids entertained with all the booths, crafts, games, fingernail painting, and face painting.

 Then we went to the temple to celebrate what would have been Grandma Flake's 100th birthday. Everyone in the big extended family was doing it too.

 We went on a nice family hike on the temple's nature trail. It kind of dead ends, but it was fun.

 Typical "Fruit Loops Hair" Gabrielsen.

 Alice has been reading these easy books. We decided Paul's hair looked a lot like the pig wig.

 She is so proud of herself when she reads! She loves to give a thumbs-up and say, "I'm doing it! I'm getting pretty good at it!"

 I made Whitney do one sad face during labor so people wouldn't think she was totally invincible.

 Alice begged for me to curl her hair one day.

 Alice is learning to write:)

 Pancakes for dinner = syrup everywhere!

 We played Scrabble with Derek. "I've got my I's on you." Har.

 A hike around Greenbelt Lake.

 Paul surprised me with a date to National Harbor. We went on a boat ride between National Harbor and Alexandria. Perfect!

 It was so fun!

 Cool boat and sunset.

 The fancy Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor is the biggest non-casino hotel in the East. It was awesome to walk around in!

 These kids love their mama!

 I bought Paul a used grill at a thrift store for his early birthday present.

The grill cover is the best part!

Baby Surprise! and Derek's Interview

 Cute Grace on one of our warm days this week.

 Silly Alice.

 Grace made bread at her in-school field trip. She was so proud!

 Whitney and Adam came to town on Wednesday. They had their anniversary date, then came to our house for games and hanging out. The next day was supposed to be the temple and a cooking class, but Whit's water broke that morning! I spent most of the day in their hospital room with them.

 Darius arrived around 8:30. Whit did awesome! I got to be there/help with everything, and cut the cord. It was really cool and bonding.

 Derek came into town that evening for a summer internship interview. Since I was at the hospital, he had a 3-hour adventure on the public transit system. He and Paul headed out into the city together the next morning.

 I took Alice and Charlie to see the baby. Alice LOVED him!

 Charlie was curious.

 Later, we all went to see the baby.

 The kids loved playing with Uncle Derek.

 Good weather on Saturday, so we played outside.

 Charlie even ate out there!

 Selfie!

 The new family came home on Saturday afternoon. Grace LOVED holding him as much as possible.

 That ain't Charlie.

 They were in good spirits, though tired.

 Devoted uncle.

 Hey, Grace.

 I got some great pics this morning. Sorry about the scratch under his eye. I did clip his nails yesterday.

Favorite aunt, of course.

 Paul and Derek had some fun last night.

 Happy birthday to us!

 Paul took Derek to the airport super early this morning, and the Darius crew left after we headed to church. They said they just got home, and he's loving his new place. Paul and the girls have been readying things for my birthday.

Add brownie mix and bake. I can't wait!