Piano Recital and Fun Run

With the end of the school year fast approaching, McKell gets to participate in lots of fun events. The only two things the piano recital and the Fun Run have in common is that McKell participated in them and she is glad they are both over.

She did a great job at the piano recital. She played, "Give Said the Little Stream" and "Indians." She has a fabulous teacher who really explains things. Although McKell complains about piano and practicing sometimes, she is really good at it. She understands it so much and can pick up any song quickly. She says she wants to quit, but that isn't an option so she will take a break until August which she is looking forward to.

The next event was the 1 mile Fun Run that all the fourth and fifth graders in our school have to participate in. McKell was less than thrilled about this since she doesn't really like to run. However, she pushed hard in the practices and the real race and did a great job. Here she is running. (She is on the far right.)

After the race she took a much-needed break.

She did have a fun hanging out with friends after the race.

Her favorite part of participating was getting the T-shirt and having everyone sign it. She thinks the shirt is so cool.

A Few Things . . .

Now, I'm no Julie Andrews, but I thought this was just too cute. For teacher appreciation at the school a mom decorated my door with this poster. I thought she did a great job. Some of my younger students who are not familiar with "The Sound of Music" asked why I was dressed like a maid and others thought it was a picture of me getting married. I love my job:)

My Spring Program is also over and was great. McKell sang in a trio with Erika and Berkley in the program. She has such a cute voice. She also just sang a duet for Mother's Day at church. I'm glad she is developing a love for singing and music.

I went to Women's Conference with my mom, 5 sisters, and 1 sister-in-law. We had a great time going to the classes, staying up late, chatting, and shopping. My sister's suburban was so packed for the ride home there was hardly a place to sit. Great memories!

And last, but not least, check out my new bike that I got spoiled with for Mother's Day. I fell in love with it at the store and luckily my sweet husband bought it. I hope the weather warms up so McKell and I can ride to school before summer break.

Party Time

McKell wanted to go bowling for her birthday party this year. It was kindof a last minute party but she said it was her best party ever. We met after school and had a snack and then off to the bowling alley. All the girls were great little bowlers. The high score that day was 106.

McKell has such a great group of friends - Erika, McKell, Meg, Sydnee, Berkley, Kendahl and Cambrie. They cheered for each other and at the end they added up the total score for all the bowlers.

We ended with presents, cupcakes and ice cream. A great day!!

Ten Years Ago . . .

Ten years ago -

Y2K was all the buzz

Derek and I were both students at USU

Braxton was nearly finished with Kindergarten

And this beautiful girl was born

I can't believe she has been with us for an entire decade. I can't believe I haven't had a baby for a decade. She has brought so much happiness, silliness, and joy into our lives.

At ten, McKell knows exactly what she wants, she is kind and sensitive, has great fashion sense, loves to shop, and is full of giggles. I can't imagine life without her.

She wanted this pink cruiser for her birthday - and of course she got it. She spent her birthday doing something she loves, dancing at a competition and then dinner with the family and Meg. She will celebrate with friends on Monday. Happy 10th Birthday!!

"Honest Abe"

Doesn't Derek make a great Abraham Lincoln? McKell had to present a "book talk" for her class. She could either do a power point or dress up to present it. However, she was completely against dressing up herself as Abe. Our answer - make Dad do it. And he was happy to.

April Fools

We are usually pretty much duds around here. This year however, we had a little fun for April Fools Day.

Last week McKell thought it would be fun to put a For Sale sign in our yard for an April Fools joke. Last night I called a neighbor, who is a realtor, and asked him to drop off a sign on his way home - so about 6 PM last night our neighbors got this surprise.

(Oh yeah - Mother Nature - good job on the April Fools joke with the snow.)

We had several calls and visits from concerned neighbors. We all loved it even though we almost gave our favorite neighbor a heart attack.

I also got to work early and hung a sign, which said "Please use other stairs" on one of the stairways going to the 2nd floor of our office. It was pretty funny to hear people complain and wonder why the stairs were closed. Even more funny was to watch them turn around and head towards the other stairs.

One other thing - we are not moving to San Diego - Happy April Fools Day.

California or Bust!

It has been about 12 years since we left Idaho to come to Utah. The intent was to come to USU, finish school, and quickly move back to Idaho – this apparently did not work out as planned.

So, for the last 12 years we have kept looking for job opportunities in Idaho so we can move back. Finally a good opportunity has come – but in the wrong direction.

The company I work for asked me a couple of weeks ago to consider a move to help with sales in our San Diego office. After making about ten pro and con lists, long talks with Jen and the kids, and generally freaking out – I accepted the position.

The job will be similar to what I am doing now but will include a few other product lines I am not as familiar with. The plan now is for me to start in May with the family moving down shortly after school is out.

Logan – we have loved you. It is crazy to think how much has changed with our family since we came here. We will keep you posted – wish us luck.