Colorado Trip

We just got back from a trip to Colorado. Usually our trip consists of visiting relatives in Grand Junction, but this time we decided to make a vacation and visit some parts of Colorado that the kids have never been. We were able to still incorporate the visit with seeing grandpa and cousins and aunts and uncles. We journeyed to Ouray and Montrose, Colorado. In Ouray, we took the kids to Box Canon and enjoyed the hike to see the falls. We were supposed to visit the hot springs and go swimming, but our timing included lightning and rain, so the pool was closed. Instead, we headed to our hotel in Montrose and hit the pool there. The kids didn't miss out on anything! We took a boat tour in Morrow Point to see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison River. This was a 2 hour tour on a pontoon boat, and the kids seemed to enjoy themselves. We finished off the trip with seeing grandpa and family before heading home. Kris was excited to share a part of his childhood with his children and to share the beauty of the Colorado mountains with us. We are glad that he did!

End of Spring Sports Wrap-Up

Hayley just finished her Tumbling class for the year (but not really, cause she is still taking a class this summer along with her new competition dance class-we'll try it this year...). By the exhibition she was able to: do her back hand-spring by herself (although she preferred to have her tumbling coach there to catch her just-in-case), and almost perfect her ariel without hands. Not bad for a year of tumbling.

Zach led his Dodgers team as pitcher/1st baseman to the playoffs in a 5th out of 7th place. During tournament time though, they were able to come in 3rd place (Zach and his dad went camping during the last 3 games, so just maybe they could have gone farther? I don't know, and we will never know. Must remember to plan all campouts at least 2 weeks after baseball season ends...) He will now be starting All-Stars tournaments which will take us into the end of July. At least we really love the sport!

(He is not happy about losing.)

Justin helped his team, the Diamondbacks, finish in 4th place during the playoffs. He really started playing toward the end of the season, when he got past all the T-ball habits. His coach put him in as pitcher through all the playoff games (he's in machine-pitch, so he really just stands next to the machine), and he had some really nice snags there, leading to several outs, and even had a double play, catching a pop fly, then throwing to first base to get the kid on first out! Talk about fast reflexes! His goal for next season: to make the All-Star team (can you tell he has an older brother he idolizes?!) I say, you have a great chance Justin!

Tyler just finished T-ball. That's all, no playoff tournaments, because we all know that in T-ball, everyone is a winner! He had a great season, learned lots of things, had some great hits and throws into first base. Probably the best thing about t-ball this year, was his teammates who were all friends from our ward and the ward we just split from. He had fun playing with his friends. Next year he is hoping to play machine pitch with Justin. We shall see...

The End, or Should I Say, The Beginning

Today, my oldest graduated from sixth grade. The school held a graduation with caps minus the gowns. As a parent, it is a bitter-sweet moment in time. In just six years, we will be doing this for high school. In just 3 years, he will be driving. Where has the time gone.

There were some differing opinions amongst some of the parents about having them "graduate" from elementary. Some think it should just be a celebration, I say, why not call it a graduation. After all, they have finished the first part in a series of schools. They move on to the next phase of life, one that can be trying and a time for finding out who one is. I hope my son can find his way through this and come out on the other side, emerging as a fine, young man. I have no doubts that he will. I love you Zach and am proud of your accomplishments in life this far! Way to go!

Just a side note, do you know how painful it is for a sixth grade boy to sing a song with the class during elementary graduation? Zach looked like he broke his arm or something. I told him he should have started doing the Napoleon sign language motions during the parts of the song they were supposed to do hand movements!

Happy Mothers Day!

I love my kids and my husband! Every year on Mothers' Day, they go the extra mile to make me feel loved and appreciated all day long. This year, I commented on how I would love to make every day Mothers Day, just to feel so appreciated! Justin has been counting down the weekend until he could pull out the package from under his bed that he made at school. I love the cute gifts they make at school. I treasure them so much, and it is fun to look back at things they made when they were younger. All the kids gave me meaningful gifts, Kris made me breakfast, and they spent the day doting on mom. After church, they made me a comfy spot on the couch, while they got me drinks, lunch and leg massages. Hayley helped clean the family room, and even Zach was making sure I was feeling appreciated. I am so lucky to be a mom and have the wonderful family I have. Even though it's one day out of the year, I will take it, and enjoy the pampering! To all the other mothers out there, and to my own, Happy Mothers Day!

"Fowl" Ball!

This is what happened while trying to record Zach while he was up to bat. (Notice the batter standing to the left of me.)

Fortunately, I looked up from the camera in time to see a ball coming straight for my face, and I was able to duck in time. Therefore, this video is entertaining, rather than tragic. Don't worry, two pitches later, the pitcher hit Zach in the arm, and he walked. I feel this was payback for almost hitting his mom in the face. All the boys in the dugout (to the left of me and the camera) gave Zach a hard time after that one!)

Just a few reasons why I love spring...

First, the way my planters (minus the weeds) look right now.

The nice warm days (the last few have been absolutely beautiful!)

Reading a good book out on the back porch, enjoying the fresh air and warmth of the sun.

And baseball. Right now, that is what our life constitutes almost every night.

How Does the Easter Bunny Know I Wanted This?

As my kids get older, I find it harder not to tell the little ones the true Easter bunny secret. Zach has known the secret for years, and last Easter was the first for Hayley, which then included the secret about Santa. Zach has been good about keeping it mum, but Hayley at times, likes to share parts of her knowledge, and drop little hints. It is only a matter of time before Tyler or Justin catch on to her hints, and then, maybe Easter/Christmas/Tooth Fairy will be easier, or will it. I think I like the innocence of the whole Easter Bunny/Santa idea. Kids are happy with what these two fantasized heroes bring them. Whereas, when it comes from Mom and Dad, the kids tend to drop lists and hints of things they want, then expect. Don't get me wrong, my two older kids are always grateful and happy with what they get, but as parents, we can see the disappointed look in their eyes, when the other two have sure joy! Things to look forward to...