Happy Father's Day!

Danny told the kids that he wanted MADE gifts for Father's Day- not anything from the store.  A few complied.

Madi wrapped up books that she loved- ones from our own collection.

(Can you see how excited she was when he was opening this one?)

Emmy made him a cute picture frame

Claire made a great treat container and card

Shelby was super creative with a golf set and original painting

The big kids gave him a picture of the shirt they bought him (he loves Pawn Stars)

and I just gave him all my love (and a hammer).

Em's first Dance Recital

Emery had her dance recital at the Bond Park Ampitheater.  Outside.  4:30 in the afternoon.  HOT.  But Em did great.

Miss Emery

With her sweet sister who bought her flowers.

and with Miss Makall- her friend and fellow dancer.  You girls were great!!!

Love this face

What else can I say?

Memorial Day at the Beach

We went to N. Topsail Beach with 7 other families from our ward.  It was great.

We hope to make it an annual tradition.

Mantis Boy

Jake's Science Class learned all about the Praying Mantis.  Then- they had the opportunity to take them home.  (I had to pick them up at school- they weren't allowed on the bus.)

Jake and his 6 Mantis friends. 

They are now eating bugs in our backyard.  Thanks guys- eat a whole bunch of mosquitoes please.

Kailey and the end of Middle School

Finishing 8th grade is a big deal.  Kailey needed a new dress for the dance.  Her mother went shopping with her.  She ate at 5 guys...

We bought a cute dress.

She went to eat with a couple of friends before the dance

Kailey and Hannah

Then they had the awards assembly...

Kailey looked REALLY excited...

The first class of 8th graders at Mills Park Middle School.

Next stop- Panther Creek High School-  Hooray for the Class of 2015!

Emery's TK Graduation

Emery finished her year at Transitional Kindergarten at Genesis United Preschool.  She LOVED it.  There were 12 students and all great friends.

Emery with her two biggest fans.

and her teachers- Miss Vicky and Miss Sue.

We're totally ready for the Kindergarten adventure to begin!

Mother's Day

As I was in Idaho with my own mother on Mother's Day- Kailey sent me a picture of the kids so I could be with them virtually.

I LOVE this picture.

They still need me- at least occasionally.  Note Jake's shirt and Emery and Madi's hair.  I am thankful to be their mom.  Kailey also sent me the audio clip of the Primary kids singing.  Of course I cried.

NGR 2011

It was so great to be with my sisters and mom for the weekend.  Fun, fun memories.  For example-

 For the first time ever, we took our mom shopping. (Can you even believe that!?  Mom has always sewn her own lovely clothes...)  We bought her a few outfits and it was so great!

The 5k of course (see other post...)

MOVIES- Susan found a great old Rock Hudson one...

Time together and lots of talking...

Then the wrestling- 

Karen picks up Susan and throws her on the couch- 

Susan attempts to get Karen

And continues to try (notice Karen laughing...)

If only I had this on video- pictures do not do it justice...

But the memories will live on.  So thankful for three amazing sisters.  Besides my husband they are my very best friends.  Hope my own daughters will feel this way about each other someday.  AND then there are my parents... I am truly so very blessed.

The Dam 5k

SO- we found out that there was a 5k race the day after Albany's wedding and it was a fundraiser for my alma mater!  Acequia Elementary School.  We had to take part- plus it is called the (Minidoka) Dam Race!

Here we are- all ready to go- we have numbers and everything!

My sisters and my mom.  Love them.

The starting line- that is Logan front and center- and Colby is to his right.

Logan is a total runner- as you can see- and he's only 13!

Just starting out...

Love this one of Nance.  

It was a great race.  I am not used to any sort of elevation so that was a bit of a switch for me, but the course was nice.  The temperature was cool and it was only a bit rainy plus the smell of sagebrush was absolutely heavenly! 

(Here again my camera was a bit wonky...) but I am finishing and waving to my fans (Logan and Colby who had already finished).  A big shout out to Leslie Crane (here at the left of the picture).  She helped me to keep my pace.  She had kids when I was still in high school and I was NOT going to let her finish before me- so thanks Leslie for the inspiration!

Nancy finished strong!

Then we went and walked with Mom and Susan and Karen-

Karen is thrilled to see us!

My mom was amazing.  81 years old and taking part in her first 5k

It was great.  The stats?  Logan came in 3rd over all- Colby ran his personal best, Nancy shaved off 5 minutes from her last 5k and I did about the same from the last time.  AND we all finished!  A very fun memory PLUS we all have the dam race shirts!  Woohoo.