school's out for summer

School is D-O-N-E! Homework, making lunches, running to and fro, schedules. It's all over for a few months. Don't get me wrong. I love schedules and will most definitely be having a summer schedule, but way less structured than the normal school year schedule. The last day of school included no uniforms, a luau and learning the Haka (apparently Davis and the other 5th grade boys thought it only appropriate to take their shirts off for this!), class parties and a school dance. And last but not least, our annual neighborhood water party!

Now Millie is officially ready for Kindergarten! She graduated from Preschool-

and not just one preschool, but two!

And our beautiful Maren graduates from 8th Grade and officially becomes a 'high schooler.' Although 9th grade is still in junior high, it's part of high school and it all counts from here on out! Congratulations Maren! And I know secretly, she'll miss those uniforms.

Happy Summer!

may

The month of May started out with a little "ME" time. I was able to go to BYU Women's Conference which is always such an inspiration and motivation to be better, do better. I always come home with my to-do list of things that I want to change, accomplish and improve for the better...for me and my family. And I am so grateful for my 'partner in crime', Amy. We had such a great time talking and laughing, shopping for chocolate chips, comparing notes and discussing personal and family goals, and being roomies for 3 days! Thanks Amy! Until next year...

Before heading out to Women's Conference, a few ladies from the ward gathered for lunch for a little "homecoming" of our good friend, Melanie, who moved with her family to Tennessee last year. It was so fun to see her and hear about her experiences in the South! But I sure miss seeing her as she was my neighbor.

The Spring Choir Concert at the Tabernacle - the girls did a fabulous job!

I love that they are developing their talent of singing and love of music. Their director is so gifted and talented. I am so grateful for so many wonderful people that have influence for good in the lives of our children. We are blessed.

Hope of America - Davis, along with many other 5th graders within the county, participated in a program that through song and dance expressed appreciation for our country. The kids practiced the songs throughout the year, attend BYU the day of the program to practice and then back to BYU that evening for the performance for the families. It was very patriotic and great to see the kids get excited for this great country in which we live.

Davis is in the first section of red from the bottom on the left. Can you see him?

And just a couple of rockstars -

And this was only the first part of May. More to come as we approach the end of another school year...

Happy Monday!

This is what it looked like when we woke up this morning.

By the time it had stopped snowing, everything was covered with several inches of this white stuff. There were grumbles from the masses, being the last week of school and nearly the end of May, but secretly...I enjoyed it!

Now this is what we get to look at out our window!

Happy Monday!

Extreme

Extreme team soccer season ends with a 2-1 loss in the semi-finals...and what a nail bitter it was! And like most of our games this season, it was not unexpected that we would play under these cold, windy and rainy circumstances! We thought that seeing this full rainbow on the way to the game would bring us some extra luck (actually there were two full rainbows...for extra, extra luck!). Just wasn't our night.

The girls were asked to keep an eye on 'the boy'. Eli wouldn't leave the play area so drastic times means drastic measures! And lucky for us, the sun did make an short appearance.

RIPPER, aka Davis, was hailed the best goalie who stopped many more than just the 2 goals scored on them. Despite the loss, the team celebrated with trophies, cupcakes and hot chocolate.

It was a great year with a team full of hard working boys. We will be moving up to AAA this next season which means a little MORE of everything - practices, tournaments and distances traveled to games. Good thing Davis loves, LOVES the game. And we love, LOVE to watch him!

Way to go Extreme!

the Boy

This 2 year old is really keeping us on our toes. Oh man. On Sunday, he actually tried to escape Nursery! And almost succeeded. I was in the foyer as I heard little running footsteps and bigger ones following. I chuckled to myself...until I noticed that it was mine running, no, sprinting, from his Nursery leader! He was caught with two hands on the glass door leading to the parking lot. His Nursery leader picked him up and turned and said in his most cheerful voice, "Hi mom!" Yes, that's our boy. Now they have to barricade him in Nursery next week!

An hour before that incident occurred, sitting in Sacrament meeting within eye shot of our Dad who now sits on the stand during that hour, he threw, no, chucked, a toy truck hitting the sacrament table. And then noticing Dad, said, in that same sweet voice, "Hi, Dad!" Love that boy!

Now just look at that face -

Being as we do not have a sandbox for this poor little boy, he has resorted to digging in the mulch. It grosses me out and I have tried, oh have I tried, to persuade him to stop. But he is only two, of course.

Though it doesn't phase him a bit.

Just a boy digging in the dirt with his trucks. Happy as can be. Hopefully, the sandbox will come soon.

When the pigs are peeking out of the doggy's mouth, it's time for new pj's, don't you think?

Love this get up. Walking around with the snow skiing helmet and goggles, a viking weapon of some sort and saying "ARGHH" like a pirate. Ahh, the imagination of a child.

Like I said before, LOVE THIS BOY!