School End Park Hop

We organized a park hop to celebrate being out of school! Yay!  The weather was touch and go but we had a pretty good showing especially at our second park. At the first park, Spring Meadows, we got zero pictures. Kids were playing and riding their scooters and then the heavens opened and we all got drenched as we made a mad dash for our cars! But it had pretty much missed the second park: Bradford Terrace. Here there was playground, bubbles, and basketball! Many stayed here as a small group made there way to the third and final stop, Celebration Sprayground. Great to be out of the classroom and moving! Thanks to all that joined us in celebrating!

Later that day we got wet again but this time at a pool party at the McDaniel's home! Great way to start the summer!

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day we took our family to The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony. Ceremony highlights included keynote remarks from Colonel Bruce R. Cox, a Fort Worth native, music from the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division Band, the color guard, a rife salute and a wreath placement.

It was humid and very well attended. Glad to show our respect to those lost in war. Glad to teach our children that freedom is costly.

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.