Summer trip to Utah Day 1

Our first day in Utah was a fun one! We visited with cousins Jackson and Avery (Schauss) and Hannah, Abby, and Ella (Willardson). 

I love seeing my kids with their cousins and wish they lived closer so we could see them more often.

Mark and Amy are in town with their families for BYU basketball camps, EFY, and to take Taylor back to school.  We found out they were shopping at Sheele's about 10 minutes away from Rob and Lynda's so we hopped over to see them. 

Uncle Mark, Melinda, and Taylor met Sloane. 

Reese was the only one brave enough to ride the big Ferris wheel with Taylor. 

Good thing Spider-Man was watching over them.

We played a round of rollerball. 

Both Reese and Corbin rolled strikes. 

Soren wanted nothing to do with rollerball but found some sports themed ping pong balls. 

Back at Grandma Lynda's. The fun kicked into high gear when Lynda pulled out box after box of vintage Star Wars action figure toys. Everything from the Death Star to the ice planet complete with the tauntauns for Leia and Han Solo to ride on. She saved everything from Aaron, John, and Jared's childhood and her collection is incredible. 

Aaron went to lunch in the city with John and I picked up In n Out for the kids and I. It was a proud mom moment when they all approved. High praise for kids who don't like burgers. 

We went to dinner at Cafe Rio and got to see my sister, Amy, with Tyler and Steven. Mark, Melinda, Taylor and Brock were also there. 

Brock and Corbin look alike. Well, pics of Brock at age 6 look a lot like Corbin at age 6. Brock has always been like an age progression photo, so I took this side by side pic to see what Corbin will look like at age 11. Gotta love Tyler's floating cup trick photo bomb in the background. 

These funny boys are always good for a laugh and entertainment. 

We moved the party to my aunt Lisa's house. 

3 of 5 siblings together. A rare sight!

Also a rare sight, all of my children looking at a camera. 

I got to see my Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve, along with 3 of my cousins, Gibson, Hannah, and Mattie (pic below). Mattie was my closest Tenny side girl cousin and we played a lot together growing up. Our age gap is insignificant now that we are both in similar stages of life. Her little family is so cute. 

Mark and I took this pic for posterity sake. We also figured mom and dad would want a photo of their favorites. Hey we can't help our perfection. It just comes naturally. ;) 

Sloane is Six Months Old

A little photo overload for ya. Our Mini Wini is 6 months old. She spends her days gumming on toys, trying to clap and crawl (too soon too soon!) squealing, waving hi, and rolling around. Happy half birthday, baby girl!, 

Sloane Takes Flight

Sloane took her first airplane ride tonight. She was an angel. 

Also, it's been ages since I have flown southwest, and I must say tonight has been a dream! We had to drive 2 hours to Tulsa, and then keep the kids entertained in the airport for 3 hours because our flights were delayed, but it was worth it because the service was wonderful.  Our flight wasn't full, so they offered to let us bring Sloane's bucket on board and gave her a seat even though she's not a ticketed passenger. She's buckled and sleeping soundly while I blog. They brought drinks and snacks to all the children on board first (cups with kids and straws, no less) and then served the adults. I have never been on a flight where children were treated so kindly and it is such a pleasant experience.  We are excited about family time in Utah! 

Kindergarten Picnic

We had a very rainy spring, and Corbin's class picnic had to be moved indoors. Mrs Mayes and the room moms still made the day fun with indoor games, dancing to "Popsico", and Lunch with family members. Soren reeeeally liked sitting with big brother. 

Corbin got creative when he realized I had forgotten to pack him a spoon for his applesauce. 

It was so hot and humid in the classroom there was condensation running down the window glass and even the carpet felt wet. That didn't slow anyone down. Nothing stops these kids from getting a Popsicle!

I know I often feel a little put out by long days spent at school parties, I really hope the kids remember I came to them.  It's fun to watch them in their school environment. Are they shy? Loud? Considerate of others? Happy to see me and some younger siblings there (so far, always)? I love watching them play with peers and interact with their teachers. Thanks for having an indoor picnic with me, Corbin! 

May Catch All

Sister-sitting 

Artwork portfolio's one home

Saturday morning detail crew. 

Car appointments. I'm very grateful for that jump house. 

Loads of dental appointments. 

Love. 

She rolls onto her tummy to sleep, now. 

A visit to Frances 

Broadway Night. I performed with the all ladies number, and did a duet with Valerie. Fun times. My favorite part was the green face. And that wig. 

Class picnics and field trips galore! 

It was a whirlwind month. 

Corbin's Kindergarten Graduation

Our dear little Corbin graduated from Kindergarten in late May. The ceremony was combined with the annual kindergarten musical program. My kids love Mr L and singing is their favorite of the "specials" classes at Cooper. 

Corbin's class performed first and danced the "circle song". It was so cute I could hardly stand it. 

We sure have loved Mrs Mayes. She was just the right teacher for Corbin. She gave him love, encouragement, and positive attention. She boosted Corbin's self esteem and constantly told him and the other students how smart they are.  She gave him the gift of fluent literacy and a love for learning. She was a great match for our family and I hope Soren has her in 3 years.  

Corbin's cheering section.

Corbin you are ready for first grade! You did it! Some of your accomplishments this year include learning to read, learning all of your sight word rainbow, writing proficiency, being selected for a terrific kid award, and going the entire school year without a color change. That's rights, Corbin, YOU are a star! You stayed on green the whole year! You did it! Mrs Mayes said she could always count on you to follow directions the first time, and to follow the rules. You are such a good boy. You are witty, creative, and kind. You go ALL in and rarely use hesitation once you set your mind on something. You make me laugh every day. Your Eddie Munster widows peak is one of my favorite heads of hair to brush with my fingers when I tuck you into bed, and your sweet little voice singing, "baby mine" is a symphony to my ears. You will always melt my heart with those big chocolate eyes and your freckled cheeks. I love everything about you, son. Can't wait for first grade! 

Ok. I can wait a little bit. ;) stay small forever, little dreamboat.  I love you, buddy.

Love, Mama

After the ceremony, Corbin requested pizza and ice cream.

We picked up some pizzas and ate outside the soda shoppe on the square. Pizza and ice cream is what he got! 

Camp Wild Friday

We were supposed to hike at Devil's Den this week but it was just too hot to even attempt, especially with a baby and the younger kids. 

We were all so tired from Thursday, we opted for an indoor, more relaxing form of fun. I hosted board games at our house. Big kids played board games. Middle kids created rainbow loom charms. Little kids ran around with Nerf bows and arrows until it started to rain, and all kids played Telestrations and Uno. 

For lunch, we had a homemade calzone making extravaganza, and whipped up a triple batch of calzones of every filling. plain cheese and olives, pepperoni, Canadian bacon and pineapple, and a "gourmet" creation with the first two tomatoes from the garden, fresh basil, garlic, mozzarella, and artichoke hearts. Sooo delicious. We all are until we were sick! 

Aaron took friday off, so after the Shaws left, we worked in the yard to dig out and level the ground for the green house. It was back breaking and the heat was brutal, but the foundation is almost framed ready. The ground in Ar is solid rock and I am super sore today. 

Fri night, Aaron had a church visit. I made chicken quesadillas and let the kids eat on a blanket in the living room and watch a movie on Netflix while I caught up on laundry. We all decided that this was too anticlimactic and no way to end such a fun filled week, so a few new field trips and bonus days have been added to Camp Wild and are on the July calendar. Stay Tuned, Willies! 

Camp Wild has been one of the greatest weeks ever. The kids have been in a state of constant happiness. Taking my children to new places and watching them explore and discover this amazing world we live in has to be one of the best perks of motherhood. Yes, I am utterly, totalky, and completely exhausted. I'm mentally tired and physically tired from being on the go all day and caring for an infant by night. It's sooo been worth it. As much as I say it was all for them. It refreshed my love for motherhood. Camp Wild was a gift for me, as well.  

Happy Camper.