With this post I'm officially caught up on blog posts for the first time in well...a really long time!
I'll try to stay caught up this time. I'm not sure if that's possible with summer break approaching but I'll give it a go!
Michael's mountain biking season is well underway.
He loves it! I love that he loves it.
Michael was selected as student of the month at his school. Todd and I were invited to a 7:00am ceremony where we spotlighted him and he received his plaque.
Way to go Michael!
Clipping Sara's toenails is always quite a production. Because of her ticklish feet, she giggles and cries at the same time while clinging to me.
My dad gave us a huge board book of "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." For the last few years we've been reading our Cheerios box version. It's nice to have the bigger version because it's one of our favorites. I think we may have it memorized before too long.
Michael was honored at school as part of the National Junior Honor Society.
"Super Sara" has been quite attached to her superhero costume lately. She wore it to Michael's National Junior Honor Society induction. She wore it to help me vacuum the car...
The nice thing about any super hero costume I guess is when it can serve multiple purposes, like as a baby carrier for instance.
Michael's spring band concert was fantastic. I love to listen to those kids play. I'm always super impressed with his band teacher too. She has more students than I can count and she knows each one of their names and which instrument they play. She even makes time for individual students like Michael who decided to switch instruments mid-year. She gave him private lessons to help him learn the Trombone.
Mary introducing her dad to the 4th grade. Todd spent some time teaching them about his job in the mining industry.
Our booth at the scouting expo.
We taught a few requirements for the Chess Merit Badge.
I was grateful that my 4 oldest know how to play chess because to be honest, I don't have a clue. Sure I've learned which pieces move which ways, but I've never had the patience to learn to play.
I was just there to sign blue cards and hope my kids didn't wander off in case someone had a chess question.
Mary played against the Chess state champion. He said she won fair and square.
Benjamin accepting the prize for selling the most tickets in the entire council. 252 to be exact.
Sara and I cuddling on a Sunday afternoon. This little 5 year old saw me reading and took the opportunity to make herself comfortable and chat. She said, "Mom, first let's talk about what I'm going to get Lexi for her birthday." She talked and talked until she decided on a gymnastics suit. Then she chose to talk about babies. Again, she talked and talked.
She reminds me of Anne of Green Gables sometimes. I love it. Most times. Except for when I have other thoughts going through my head and I don't answer her right away. Then she says, "Mom! Don't just say, "Uh huh." Answer me!"
The weather is beautiful and we're enjoying family walks and long-board rides.
Michael carried in the groceries from a recent trip to Costco. I laughed when I saw the tower he built that was taller than his sister.
Checking in cars at the Cub Scout pinewood derby.
This was Luke's first pinewood derby and he was so excited. He sanded his car every evening after homework for a good week or two.
Luke and his best friend Brett discussing their latest race.
Luke won first place in the Wolf den.
Luke acting like a dog on the way home from the Pinewood derby. I was hoping a bug wouldn't choke him :)
Benjamin and his buddies served dinner at the homeless shelter after school recently. Benjamin was very touched by the experience. He was teary that night when he got in bed knowing that the people he served didn't have beds to climb into. It was a humbling experience for all of us.
Our latest court of honor. Time for me to get some sewing done...
Benjamin earned 9 merit badges; personal fitness, photography, collections, skating, mining in society, chess, astronomy, journalism and nuclear science.
Michael earned 10 merit badges; digital technology, skating, collections, chess, landscape architecture, mining in society, painting, public speaking, astronomy, and journalism.
Our little future ballerina on a scooter.
Licking the whipped cream off the beaters. Those dimples of Luke's are so kissable!
Truffles that I made for a bridal tea.
Selfies while waiting for Mary's dance recital to start.
Mary and her best friend Ashley after their dance recital. They both did such a great job. It was so fun to watch!
Our family after Mary's dance recital.
Sara with her hair done pretty waiting for Lexi's birthday party. She had her present in hand and shoes on a good 2 hours before party time.
Finally, it was party time at McDonald's with Lexi. It was worth the wait!
