"Best Day Ever"

As we got to the end of the school year, I decided it was time for some middle-child spoiling. I surprised Ellie by picking her up early from school and taking her for her first pedicure and manicure. I was forty when I had my first one, so unfortunately she will never appreciate it the way I do, but still, it's a fun mom-daughter activity, which we needed.

I let her pick where to eat lunch. She is not a foodie.

And as if that wasn't enough fun, we hit the anniversary sale and picked out a fun watch (and something else in that bag...can't remember what that was).

Ellie and I needed some work on our relationship, and I can tell you that this really did the trick. We still have our moments, but I don't think either of us will ever forget what she called "the best day ever."

I could be on a poster for time management

Seriously, it's been too long. I can barely remember what happened yesterday, let alone four months ago. Yep, it's actually September 6th, but Rob thinks backdating whatever I manage to post is for the best. So here goes...

Not the best way to start the summer...

Robbie was having a great spring—here he is...

at the JV water polo tournament, May 4th...

and playing softball on May 9th...

Until Thursday, May 10th, when he was delivering letters for the annual Boy Scout flag fundraiser. The boys were getting in and out of the car frequently, to deliver letters, and Robbie got a little impatient—he got out of the car before it had come to a complete stop. He fell, and caught himself with his left arm, but broke his wrist in the process. So...

Here he is getting a sling on May 11th.

And a cast on May 14th.

Red for the Utes, of course.

Luckily it's waterproof, so he didn't even have to miss the 1st day of swim team.

Not Quite Twelve on the Twelfth

Piano Recital

No one performed perfectly, but they're all making progress. Practice time is even enjoyable most of the time! Although we don't need to hear these songs for a while... :)

Proud mama

Dad gets credit for enforcing practicing!

Wonderful grandparent support

Their amazing teacher, CarolLynn

Ainsley can't wait to start learning to play...

Ballet Recital

Lulu, Duffy and Ainsley

Amelia and Ellie

Ainsley and Great-grandma Clayton

Ainsley on the far left

Ellie & Amelia, center right

Cousins—and mom failure—no flowers. :(

Ellie & Ainsley

With Grandma Judy

With Grandpa Marsh

Picked up flowers on the way home. :)

With fabulous teachers, Miss Natalie & Miss Connie, on the last day of class.

Neighborhood Kickball

Last Spring we started an unofficial softball league with several other families in our neighborhood. This year we've switched to kickball, which is easier for the kids. We feel lucky blessed to have such great friends.

12 photos on the 12th—April

The 12th of April was busy, productive and fun. I went to my last kindergarten program as a parent! Hopefully I'll have many more as a grandma and great-grandma someday. :) Rob was working from home, so we went out to lunch (Zupas, Ainsley's choice). It snowed, and I finally got our taxes filed. Book group was great—we did something different, and picked a theme, rather than a specific book. The theme was whole food, plant-based nutrition, and we had a potluck in addition to our discussion. It was a record turnout and a fabulous evening.

Spring Break

It's a good thing Rob is mostly eating a no-sugar, whole foods, plant-based diet now, because if his arteries were the least bit clogged, I'm pretty sure the shock of seeing a post here would induce a heart-attack. Remember this one?

I've been kind of busy. The upside to catching up on events that happened months ago is that out of the 730 photos I took in one week (plus 4 videos, but who's counting?) I've narrowed it down to a few favorites. You're welcome. Or, for you Grandma, since you may be the only one still checking this blog, I'm sorry, you can come and see the other 725 anytime. :)

We spent spring break (March 30th - April 7th) in St. George, which was beautiful, although still not as warm as I like it. We arranged for the Easter Bunny to deliver baskets and eggs there, and a whole week early! The kids were able to play with some new toys and finish up all their sugar over the break. 

Speaking of bunnies, we met up with some friends while we were there and the kids begged for a bunny just like theirs:

The kids were able to swim a couple of times, once indoors and once outside, with friends.

There are a few photos that I wish I had, including some with one of my favorite mission companions who was also visiting St. George from Colorado. We were able to meet up for ice cream, and took our kids to a movie and dinner another day. It was so great to see her, but my phone pictures are terrible. On the other hand, she told me about the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, and we went "hiking" (more like walking, with lots of photo stops) there. This photo, taken there, is now my desktop photo:

Last but not least, Ellie finally learned how to ride a bike while we were there. She just went and did it on her own! Unfortunately it was the day we were leaving, so she didn't get to enjoy her new skill for long. Although apparently we didn't pack her helmet, so maybe that's okay.

It was great to get away, and we loved spending some time with Ralph, Judy and Jake, in addition to our friends. 

And she picked...

The purple frames:




Cute, huh?

This Week's "Field Trip"

How many kids get excited to visit the dentist? Mine do. Eye exam? Yep. Well, except maybe Joey, because he hates getting drops put in his eyes (gets that from Rob).

But they love trying on glasses...

Joey's vision is 20/15, but he can't resist a prop. I love the Napolean Dynamite specs. If he grows his hair out again, it'll be the perfect Halloween costume.

The big news is that Ellie needs glasses, just a little long-distance correction. She liked these three pair:

So, what's your vote? I'll post her choice when we pick them up next week...

Finally, the kids with those awesome disposable sunglasses: