Bucket List

Thanks to one of my best friends, I can cross one more thing off my bucket list....running a half marathon. She and I ran in the Dam to Dam race held in Des Moines a couple of weeks ago. All I can say is what an experience! It was like nothing I have ever done before...definitely very hard, but also very rewarding. I found the race to be as much of a mental challenge as it was physical. Something I won't ever forget...not sure it will ever be repeated either. The bonus was we got to stay with and spend time with one of our favorite families ever. We love them and always have so much fun together! (Don't mind the pictures, I look as if I've just run a half marathon!)

Nine Years Young

Ashton is nine years old! It seems impossible and yet she is growing up right before my eyes. This year was especially fun because school had already ended the previous week. So we got to do some serious celebrating!

What could be more fun than starting your day with McDonald's breakfast? (One of Ashton's favorites!)

After lunch, it was time to PARTY. Ashton invited some of her closest friends to the movie Kung Fu Panda 2. Dad and Jordan came along too. After the movie it was presents, ice cream sundaes and Dance, Dance Revolution at home.

For dinner, she ordered her favorite....mom's lasagna. Then is was time to enjoy the "goods"....new rollerblades, legos, clothing, zoobles, squinkies and other "nine year old" things.






I love this girl so much. Nine things to remember about this gal at this age:

1. She is very active and athletic- loves sports, especially basketball and soccer, loves to be outside, has LOTS of energy, likes to try new things.

2. Loves to be with friends...and a friend is anyone who will play with her, any age. She has some little 5 year old boys from church this year who have crushes on her...she is always so nice and patient with them.

3. So creative- always drawing, creating, thinking of new ideas, pretending, etc....kind of a day dreamer, not always a lot of common sense! (Struggles like I do with losing things!)

4. Wants to do the right things. Some times when I correct her, she doesn't like it...but she is always willing to try to do what we have asked her. She has already worked hard to overcome some very difficult things.

5. Very emotional- Ashton can be VERY happy and VERY sad...all within a few minutes!

6. She loves music- listening to Radio Disney, her Ipod...and she plays piano and violin.

7. This past year, Ashton has started to be even more helpful to me. I see a new maturity in her- if she sees I am feeling overwhelmed, she will jump in and help me out with the kids. She loves to help me cook and is good at doing her chores. This girl loves her dad...she loves to spend time with him and he is definitely her parent of choice!

8. Her testimony and beliefs are getting stronger. She is a thinker and asks great questions about the Gospel.

9. She still loves to read and learn. Science is her favorite subject. She is a very good writer and her stories are so interesting to read.

Happy Birthday Lou! We love you so much and are so proud of the young lady that you are!

Log Cabin Get Away

A couple of weekends ago, we escaped for a little log cabin get away down in Nauvoo. It was absolutely wonderful! We have been wanting to go down to the temple but have had so much going on...finally at the last minute, we had an open day and we jumped at the chance to go to one of our favorite places. The cabin we stayed in was so much fun and the kids loved it! I went to the temple on Friday night and then we all went to the show "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" which is put on by the senior missionaries. When I lived in Nauvoo many years ago, this show was one of my favorites...and it did not disappoint. It is so catchy and the kids were just loving it. The next morning (after Casey's doughnuts, of course), Tod headed to the temple. We then saw several more of the sites before going on to Carthage Jail. It was the first time we have taken the girls there. What a place. It is such a powerful reminder of all things that were sacrificed for what we now have.

Last Day

It's hard to believe another year of school has come and gone- good bye preschool, 1st grade and 3rd grade. The girls really had fabulous teachers this year and really great classes. They learned a lot! The last day of school was cold and rainy, so we had to get back out the long pants and jackets. We are all looking forward to summer!

Second Hand Rose

Regan loves dancing! At her recital, she danced to a song called "Second Hand Rose". It was seriously beyond cuteness!!! I didn't know how she would respond to being on stage but she loved it! My favorite part of the dance was when they all made their pouty face. We were so lucky to have Grandpa Steve and Grandma Cindy here with us for this event. After the recital, we told Regan she could choose anywhere to go and eat lunch...her choice was McDonald's...we weren't all that happy about it, but who could resist this girl, especially in this costume!

Regan's Pre-School Graduation

Can't believe that this little lady is graduating from preschool! As luck would have it, her graduation was the same night as the piano recital. But she had the special treat of having Grandpa and Dad take her to her special evening. She has been at her little school for 2 years, and it has been perfect for her- wonderful teachers and a safe place to learn and grow. Next year, Regan will be attending a different preschool, and I am secretly so glad that I get one more year with her before kindergarten!

Spring Piano Recital

Even a last minute, unexpected change of venue (from the Butterworth Center to the Deere-Wyman House) couldn't ruin this spectacular night! The Spring Recital is always such a whirlwind of emotions- excitement to show off progress and also lots of nerves. Each of the students performed 2 songs- one classical piece that I had chosen and one popular song that they got to select. All of my students did such an amazing job. I was so proud of them. My two favorite students were especially super. Jordan played "Sleeping Beauty Waltz" and "If I Were a Rich Man", while Asthon played "Spring" and "Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead." Teaching piano is sometimes a challenge with our busy lives, but it is also VERY rewarding. (I was a bit frazzled this evening and didn't take as many photos as usual. In fact, I nearly forgot to play my own pieces that I had prepared for the recital!)