Last Day of School

First Day of  School

August 2012

Last Day of School

May 2013

I don't know that it shows it much in these two pictures but believe me these boys have grown!

They have both learned a ton and will be great 2nd and 4th Graders this fall.

We have loved our teachers and pray we have great teachers again this next year.

Third Grade Class Party

I helped with Joey's third grade end of year party.

I took the mini catapult that Peter made last summer and the kids launched balls.

It is always good to see Joey in the school setting and interacting with other kids.

There are some things he does great and others he is still working on and other aspects he is oblivious to but I am thankful for that sometimes too.

 Here he is playing with his friend Dayley.

Multiple attempts to get a picture of the three of them together but each time at least one of them was looking away or distracted by something: wind, itch, poky spot, something someone off to the side was doing. 

I love that I can help out with my kids class activities. It does not always work out- like I missed Jon's because it was during Arabella's swimming lesson. But I love to feel like I am a part of their life at school for a time and I LOVE that they still get excited to see me! Kids are the BEST!

Swimming Lessons

Arabella has been looking forward to swimming lessons for months.

She has become so much more confident in the water.

Today she did really well during her lesson and her teacher said she was glad there were several lessons left because she thought there was potential for her to be mostly swimming by herself. Yea!

 

 Yesterday Lily insisted on wearing her swimming suit and I spent the whole time trying to keep her from getting in the pool. She kept crying, "Water! Ella Water!" Ella is what she calls Arabella. 

 She had a beautiful jump that I missed just barely!

The boys start next week and thus begins summer!

Love of a Sister

Arabella called to me to come and see her and Lily. I did and this is what I found. They were very snuggly with each other that morning.  Such cute girls and I hope they will always be friends. 

Block Party

Every time we feed the missionaries they ask if we have any neighbors they could teach. 

Well, after 3 1/2 years of living in Texas I really only know about 5 people in my neighborhood. 

It was time to get to know the neighbors and to do some missionary work. 

Okay, so the thought is that by getting to know my neighbors it would open the door to missionary work in the future. Do you see my vision?

 This was out of our comfort zone for sure.  Inviting total strangers (at least some) to our house for a barbecue seemed like the best approach.  We offered shaved ice of course. 

 We advertised it as bring your own main dish (grill available) and a side or dessert to share. 

 The kids were really excited and thought it was great fun to deliver the fliers. 

 They were big helpers in carrying stuff out to the front yard and holding things down as it ended up being a really windy evening but very pleasant temperature wise. 

 The girls had found Arabella's make up kit and were all dolled up for the occasion. 

The start time came and went and there was nobody.  We decided to go ahead and start the grill for our own dinner and as we did so a family (from the house that got our last flier) came walking down the street. A very nice couple that have two children (boy 9 and girl 2).  The boys got along great and it was wonderful for Joey. Lily loved having someone her size to play with.  The neighbor from 2 houses down came out with his daughter and had some shaved ice and visited.  And that was the end of the guests; we passed out 40 fliers. I know it was Memorial day and there were plenty of people with plans.  I had prepared myself going into this that it could be a big flop.  The evening ended and I felt completely content. This couple is catholic (they brought up religion not us) but their son goes to school at the school she teaches at so he does not know any kids locally.  He and Joey hit it off and I have prayed for Joey to find a friend. So, maybe this can turn into a missionary opportunity but if nothing but a friend for Joey comes from this I am more than happy and feel that Heavenly Father is fully aware of my family and our needs and efforts. 

Pack Meeting

Last Wednesday we had Pack Meeting at our house and Joey earned his Bear Award.

First he had to face the bear.

 The bear pulled him to the other side of the fence and worked him over but...

 Joey came off conqueror.

 A proud mom.  Peter really should be the one to get the pin because he is really good about working with Joey. 

 The girls enjoyed the evening but Lily was a little freaked out by the bear.

We all enjoyed shaved ice for dessert.

I love being able to open our home for different events. It takes some work on our part but I am so glad to share what we have been blessed with. 

Arabella's Dance Concert 2013

Over the weekend Arabella had her dance concert. She was a beautiful dancer! She was so very excited about performing this year. She begged Peter to come to her dress rehearsal on Thursday afternoon. She was so full of energy as you will see in the pictures below.  She did a really good job remembering her dances or to at least look at her teacher for some hints.  The boys endured both the practice and the performance.  Joey did spend most of the recital reading by the dim light from the stage- at least he was being quiet and still. Jon did enjoy most of the show especially the hip hop piece and the teacher's dance. 

 The two pictures above are from the recital night.  She was so happy to get flowers from her dad.

 Her ballet dance was to Let's Go Fly a Kite from Mary Poppins.

 Her tap dance was to Teddy Bear by Elvis Presley. 

 Both of these pictures make me so happy!

 Such lovely arms!

 Both of the faces captured in these two pictures are so funny! A little sugar and a little sass!

The Finale practice. There was confetti shot across the stage and she thought that was amazing.  We are not sure if she will do dance next year since she will be in Preschool but maybe when she is in Kindergarten we will do it again. She does seem to love it!