Memorial Day

 We started Memorial Day with donuts and talking about our ancestors. Any time we start talking about Grandpa Raymond Callie likes to tell me why it was okay that he died. First, he lived a long life and did lots of things.  Second, he is back together with his sweetheart.  and Third, he isn't sick anymore.  And then she tells me that she misses him and that is the sad part.  It was fun talking about my grandparents that my kids don't know at all. I need to find pictures of them all so they can put faces to stories. 
Whenever we have a free day Annabelle asks to go to Color Me Mine,  It is pretty pricey but I checked it out and we saved $28 by going on Memorial Day.  I tried to convince everyone to make a mug so they could each have their own mug, but in the end, only Annabelle did a mug,  Greg did a butter dish, Ryan a tortoise, Callie a Pegasus, Nathan a plate and I did a candy bowl.  Greg took the longest and the kids were a little restless as he was trying to finish.  We grabbed Del Taco on the way home and I was pleasantly surprised that the kids liked the cheap hard tacos.
The rest of the afternoon we cleaned out the garage, played outside, played video games, a board game and read books.   That night we had a neighborhood BBQ which was lots of fun. We were worried about rain but it stayed clear and only got chilly once the sun disappeared.  I enjoy hanging out with our neighbors, there are a lot of really great people that I know care about me and my family.  It took me a few years to get used to living here but know I can't imagine living any where else.

Baby Miles and the Duck Pond

 We went to Sugarhouse on Sunday for the baby blessing of my nephew Miles Raymond Felix.  It was an awesome 1920s church building where we met and my brother-in-law Jeff gave Miles a beautiful blessing.  After Sacrament meeting we headed over to a park to have a little brunch and hang out with cousins.  I wish we had parks like this in Utah county.  There were gorgeous big trees, a giant pond and creek running through the park.  It had rained while we were in church but it was drying up when we got to the park.  The kids had a blast being out of doors and enjoying the scenery.  It was a lovely Sunday afternoon with some of my favorite people.

Lazy Days

 Some Days I just like to take it easy and let the kids do pretty much whatever they like.  Friends come in and out of the house.  Messes creep up from the disastrous playroom and fun is had all over the house.  Music is being played, loudly, but happily and siblings help siblings turn pages to cool songs like Viva la Vida by Coldplay.  Play-doh creations litter the kitchen counter and I knew I will be sweeping up remnants of these colorful and amazing ice cream sundaes the girls proudly show me.  I curl up on the couch with a book and watch it all transpire.  I listen to conversations between my children and their friends.  I spy on the ones outside chatting and writing in notebooks.  Everyone is happy and content.  Then I make myself a little bowl of heaven and eat it knowing that I have a houseful of love and I sigh and wish all days could be so easy and carefree.

Dance Festival

 I love the dance festival.  Each grade gets together and puts on a dance for the parents. What amazed me most is how talented these teachers are at getting all the kids to participate and then also how talented the kids are to be so in sync with each other.  The third grade did a mash up of 25 songs.  Annabelle said her favorite was MC Hammer and the Chicken Dance.  Ryan and the 5th grade did "Save Geronimo".  Little Callie loves this every year as well.  This year she was following along with each dance and mimicking the kids out on the field.  She did pretty good and was happy the whole time.  I love this time of life.  I am able to relax more and enjoy the things my kids are involved in.  I look at moms with young kiddos and remember those time and while I loved mt toddlers, I am so thankful that I am done with that phase of my life.  I have earned this more relaxed time and look forward to the future with a smile on my face.

 

Callie's Preschool Graduation

 This little miss has been looking forward to preschool graduation for a year, ever since one of her best friends graduated last year.  The most important thing she kept reminding me about was the candy lei that her friend had received.  After talking to Callie's teacher I knew it was up to me to make this dream come true.  Thankfully Miss Callie is 5 and doesn't care about the quality of the necklace, or the candy and was was SO happy when I presented her with her lei. 
When Ms. Janell first gave me the parts Callie needed to say she prefaced it with, "I know she is really shy, but here are her lines."  I don't mean to brag but Callie did the best of all these adorable little ones.  She was so prepared and sang all the songs perfectly and expertly.  It was so cute to watch.  I was/am so proud of my little preschool graduate and know that she will rock kindergarten next year.

Misc.

 I have gotten to watch Jacob a couple hours a week this month while Sarah is at school.  Him and Callie are a year apart but they are great friends.  They have helped me make snacks, played lots of games and ridden to the park.  I love this picture of the storm coming in.  We thought we would be able to play a little longer but the storm was brewing and even hailed that day.

 We have a lot of Rubix cubes at our house lately.  2by2s, 3x3s, 4x4s, dodecahedrons, mirrors and we even have a triangle one on the way.  It has provided some quiet time but also is a big distraction in the mornings and other times when things need to get done.  I do love watching these boys focus and eventually solve these crazy puzzles.  Ryan asked me why I can't do a 3by3 anymore and I told him that my brain has only enough room in it for so much and I have to filter things to the back of my memory that I don't find useful at the moment.  Thankfully Greg hasn't forgotten and enjoys helping the boys and even learning from them as well.

 Nathan has been tutoring his cousin McKenna for the last few months in math.  The other day she came over to borrow a protractor and when he saw her he immediately asked if she needed help and sat down to help her.  That is the son I know and love!

 Ryan was trying to "hear" a familiar song and write down the notes.  He asked for my help and I told him that I was pretty much tone deaf but that his big brother could help.  These boys had been fighting a lot the two days previous and it was AWESOME to watch them work together so well and help each other and listen to each other.  It was fabulous.

 I took this picture a few minutes later to remind myself that life isn't perfect.  Annabelle had the same assignment as Ryan and threw a tantrum because she didn't understand and didn't want any help.  She was crying and totally upset (which is why I just have her back) and it made me remember that life isn't perfect and I need to really treasure the good moments because you never know when they will turn suddenly into regular life.

Beautiful Ballerinas

 While I don't love driving to dance or doing fancy hair dos or make-up on this cuties, I love seeing them all gussied up and dancing with their groups.  They are gorgeous (especially without makeup) and they did fabulous on their routines.  No tears this time and they definitely stole our hearts.  I am thankful that they have had friend's in their classes to make the year more fun and easier with carpools.  I think we are going to take a year off and just have lots of dance parties at home, but who knows, they may be back!