Ella the Graduate

The official graduation regalia.

She had many great neighbors and friends in her class. (These are pictures of pictures, sorry not good quality.)

On May 21st Ella graduated from Ms. Jen's Lehi Ranches Preschool Academy! She has been there for 2 years and loved every single minute. We are sad that it's already over, and that Ms. Jen is moving and the boys can't have her!

Ella's and her best friend Cambry were in the same class. They are inseparable. Ella was a little nervous about the preschool program for the parents, but she knew she was sitting next to Cambry so she'd be okay.  In truth, she giggled throughout with Cambry to fight off the nerves.

The diploma makes it official! Ella also recited the nursery rhyme"Little Miss Muffet" on the green line with Cambry.

Maddie wanted to get checked out of school and Mike got off work for the big event. It was nap time for Jake, and by some miraculous means, Jake snuggled on his shoulder for most of the program.

We had a family picnic for lunch to celebrate the big day. Yay for summer!

Fathers and Sons

Mike and Ty were able to go on the annual Fathers and Sons camp out on May 11. This is the first year that my girls didn't go... instead we had our movie night and slumber party at home. Ty thought he was something special to be able to go with Daddy.
 

The weather was rainy all day but it cleared up enough for them to set up the tent and sleep in it instead of the van, which was the back-up plan! Apparently Ty went right to sleep and let Mike go "talk with the Dads" by the fire. He slept like a log all night, although Daddy didn't!

They explored their surroundings and played on the toys.

 

 

They sent pictures to us from the fireside. Cute little cheeser!

The next day they checked out the hand carts and organized a little Father and Son pull.

 Mike caught one of our Stake President hitching a ride from his son.

Yesterday I took the girls somewhere so Daddy and Ty had some down time together. They built a tower to touch the ceiling!

Today Mike and Ty had a little "Daddy Son time" where they talk about things that have happened recently, write down some things to remember, and draw a picture.

Mike sent me this picture at church today with this caption: "Ty had to pee so I strapped Jake in!" Love the way Dad's brains work. 

It's pretty sweet to see this Father with his Sons!

Gymnastics Perfomances

The girls had their exhibitions this week to show us all they've been learning in gymnastics.

Ella wanted to wear her heart leotard because she loves gymnastics!

 They each did their routine on the bars, beam, vault, and floor.

Here's Ella's 'candlestick'. I was so proud of her for going out there and doing her stuff all by herself--she gets so nervous!

Ella was really looking forward to getting her first medal. She felt so special!

It has been extra fun because she's in the same class as her best friend. They are two peas in a pod.

Daddy even stopped his hard work on Grandma's roof and came to watch the little gymnast.

Maddie's was a few days later. The theme of both was "Circus of the Stars".

Maddie's bar dismount was pretty impressive.

She was so excited to get her back bend and kick over (I don't know any real terms!) in time for the exhibition. 

We're proud of our little gymnasts! Ty wanted to hop in the picture too and I let him because you know what? The little brothers were troopers sitting through those classes twice a week!

Grandma Marcia was here (helping with my new nephew) so it was a fun treat to have her come to both performances!

Water Play Begins

Maddie has been waiting (persistently) for the weather to get above 80. That was the threshold I gave her for getting out the swimsuits. Last Saturday was nice and hot so we broke out the water toys!

Our cute neighbor friends joined us and the water party was complete.

11th Anniversary and Mother's Day

Mike and I have been married for 11 years! Every year gets better so I am sure we have many happy times ahead of us. 

Dana and Landon's anniversary is the same week so we swapped babysitting and went on dates! We went to Zupas because I had been craving is for a week. It was a nice night off kitchen duty and the food was delicious. We are in the middle of our no-sugar challenge, so we at the strawberries without the chocolate and enjoyed them anyway!

After that we went to a movie at Thanksgiving Point called "Heaven is For Real." It was so sweet and I couldn't keep the tears from streaming down my face. It hit close to home because I also have a precious little boy, who happens to have a blue blankee and Spiderman he carries around. Anyway, it was refreshing to go on a real date (we don't usually leave Jake yet) and so nice to spend time just the two of us!

On Friday night Mike took Tyler to Fathers and Son's, so the girls and I (after Jake went to bed) had a party! We watched Anne of Green Gables (Maddie just read the book), painted nails, and ate popcorn.

I had a moment of insanity and said yes to the girls sleeping in my bed! It was sweet to fall asleep singing songs together and snuggling... until I got smothered by warm bodies! I ended up sleeping curled up on the end of the bed while they had free reign. :)
 

Mother's Day was very sweet. My girls are getting older and more specific and accurate in their writing. I love their questionnaires!

Ella's is hard to read... it says, "My mom is 31 years old and had brown hair. My mom is the best at making dinner but she's not very good at resting. My mom always says she loves me. She loves to cook spaghetti. Her favorite thing to do with me is read. When my mom is happy she smiles. My mom thinks I am cute. My mom and I like to watch movies. Love, Ella."

My bleeding hearts are in full bloom and they remind me so much of my mom's yard growing up. We had a beautiful yard and an even more beautiful childhood! I am so lucky to have a talented, selfless, and giving mom. She has done so much for me, and continues to love and support me on my own journey of motherhood!

Mike let me chose my Mother's Day hanging flower basket for the front porch.

My family spoiled me and let me have a nap after church, and then wouldn't let me in the kitchen to cook dinner! I gave some pointers from afar, but they did it all!

Baked spaghetti and spinach salad tasted even better because I didn't make it! And Mike even cleaned up the kitchen.

I love being a mommy to these priceless packages... especially when they are kind and obedient....

...or sleeping! What a little angel.