Rhys' 7th Birthday Party was SUPER

Rhys wanted a superhero party at the park for his 7th birthday but when it threatened to rain we relocated to the house in case things had to move inside--but it turned out to be a good weather day. Rhys still had a great time. The party was held the day before his birthday.

And on his birthday the next day, he started his morning with the breakfast of his choice.

Love our son so much and all that he has become in his 7 years!

Sophie's Field Trip

Because Neal was sick or had to work during Rhys' field trip this year and I had to step in and take his chaperoning spot, I signed up for Sophie's field trip as well.  Off to the Perot Museum as if they had not done the exact same thing the year before!

My leg room on the but. Actually indenting the seat in front of me.

3 third grade classes on one bus! Squirrel shuttle!

Had a great time trying to keep 4 high energy third graders under my wing.  Sophie raced a gymnast and I raced a T-rex. We lost. Enjoyed earthquake simulation and it brought back the good ol' days when I used to live in CA.  Was glad for positive, fun time with my daughter.

Mother's Day Get-Away

My sister, Jolene, has had seriously crappy Mother's Days in the past so this year we planned to meet up in Zion National Park and celebrate ourselves! We flew in to Las Vegas and had a teary reunion (it's been 3 years!) and then drove up to Zion National Park.

Our hotel had a awesome view of the beautiful rocks around us and deer that ate in a garden about 25 feet from our door. We hiked for 3 days straight and it was awesome to be seeing and doing awesome things with my sister. We only went just under a third of the way on Angel's Landing because we thought it would be stupid to kill ourselves when we were having such a good time. Got other beautiful view on another hike. Would love to do Observation Point some day.

Change the World 2016

As part of our community's and stake's day of service, girls Sophie's age were organized to collect donations for our local community outreach and pantry. We had fun serving!  In the meantime, Neal spent the morning teaching Rhys to be an awesome husband some day by fixing things around the house.

No! Poison Ivy!

In our back yard!  My husband is my hero.  He carefully eradicated it and carefully--no rashes!

STAAR Test

Uhg! STAAR state testing.  I am no fan that teachers are forced to teach to it and my kid's self confidence has taken a beating because of it.  BUT I am a fan of my daughter and the responsibility she put into her learning this year.

Yard Work...mostly?

Behold!

Behold the indisputable cleanliness! No really, look, because it won't last and it is a rare occurrence.

Only Half Crazy! - 13.1 Miles

My training for the past 4 months came to an end when I ran the Texas Big Star Half Marathon in Frisco mid April. I drove the course a few days before and realized that with that many hills I was not going to PR but I was going to have a great run...if it didn't rain.  And the rain did hold off and the clouds provided relief from direct sun. I RAN the whole thing but I had those doing run/walk intervals right along with me. I ran it in 2:45:32 but that included a 1 minute potty break. Placed 74th of 94 in my division (female, age 40-44). I did great and it was hard, especially at the end.  I had my dear in-laws Rudy and Becky along with my kids cheering me in.  My kids even came out to me on the course (and as they approached in their excitement, my internal dialogue was "Please don't hug me! You'll stop me!") and gave me fives as I held out my hand. Neal was tied up in work problems over the weekend but wanted to be there for me. Life is messy. I took it carefully, slowing for ups and letting it go for downs and found hills are really fun.

Yep, I am too cheap to buy it so I snapped it. But don't I look happy?! Definitely the first half of my race.

Feeling pretty smug!

Later, we met up at my cousin, Barbara's, house and we had lunch and just chatted for a good long time.  I love them. They let me use the shower, offered Advil, and made yummy food.

Later, I treated myself to a new running visor and a whole pint of ice cream. Yay me!

Allen American's Game

Family fun at the Allen American's hockey game last night.  The kids and Neal went out on the ice to help collect hockey pucks after the "toss to win" game. Sophie also caught a T-shirt that was hurled our way by a cheerleader.  Yep, it's Texas so they have to have scantily dressed cheerleaders even in a icy hockey arena. It gives me lots of opportunities to discuss the importance of modesty. But Yay! for Sophie.

My children are weird and I love them.