Summer: Week 1

Caleb:  Football Camp

Isaac: Taiwan

Aaron, Ruby, Benjamin:  Swim lessons

Pinocchio

Recital day for Ruby!  This year her studio put on Pinocchio.  She was a fox and her partner, a cat (notice she was paired with a cute little red head).  They are part of the scene when the cat and fox convince Pinocchio to give them his money and skip school.  It was another great performance at Kingsbury Hall.   The whole cast was fantastic.  And Ruby was . . .our favorite star!

Cinderella

Ruby is dancing at a new studio this year.  For their recital the studio puts on a huge ballet production that is performed in a beautiful theater downtown.  This year they did Cinderella.  The performance was FABULOUS!!  Ruby's class were court jesters that danced while the king told the prince that he need to "find a mate"  (and yes, the charming prince is a red head)

Ruby's mouth gaped open as she walked into the theater for her dress rehearsal - which is when the pictures above were taken.  I don't think she had ever been in a theater that big or beautiful and she was simply thrilled by the whole experience.   She did a great job and we all thoroughly enjoyed the night.  (Although, 2 hours of ballet was a little long for Adam).

Keeping it Real

Occasionally for scripture study we will read highlights from a conference address rather than our scriptures. Usually we talk about something that has a message that will help us put the gospel into action.  Then we try to remind ourselves of what we talked about by putting it on our white board.  This particular message has been up for a while, but as you can see, got an addendum.  I am so glad everything is sinking in.

Ballet Recital

Ruby had her ballet recital today.  Her class did a darling dance to "Sunny Side of the Street."  It was one of my favorite dances she has ever done.  I know I am completely biased, but I thought her number was the hightling of the night.  She did a beautiful job and even had a wee solo.  Bravo!! Ruby!!


Next year Ruby is going to a studio that focuses primarily on ballet  - so this was her last year with this dance studio.  We have had 3 great years with them and we are so grateful for every minute. 


It has been especially fun for Ruby to take dance with two of her best freinds.  Great job girls!

Christy's Wedding

Last month, Christy got married to a wonderful guy.  We are grateful for him and so happy to have him in our family.
We haven't seen all of the picture yet, but here are some that we do have.  Christy looked gorgeous.  It really was a beautiful day.
The other highlight was that I got to have my whole family stay with me!  We hit a peak of 23 people in the house.  Lots of people, Lots of food, Lots of memories.

Congratulations Christy and Anthony!

Merry Christmas

 Christmas Eve Dinner

Opening Christmas PJ's

All I want for Christmas is . . .

The shepherds were watching their flocks . . .

The Christmas Nativity

  

The stockings were hung . .

 

Nestled all snug in their beds . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He came.

 

 

 

He played.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The morning came. (All captured on video).  Kids happy.  Parents sleepy. 

Merry Christmas!!!

First Day of School

Yesterday was the first day of school.  (Technically, Ruby doesn't start until next week but she had her appointment with her Kindergarten teacher yesterday.  Which was nice, since it let her partake of the" first day of school excitement" with the rest of the group.)

I think it was a good day on most accounts.  Everyone really liked their teacher, even the ones who were a little hesitant about who they got.  Three of the kids are at the charter school that only Aaron was at last year.  So Caleb struggled a little with being the "new kid" and really missed his old school and friends.  But he is so fortunate to be where he is at, and I think he knows that, he just doesn't quite feel it yet.  I am very optimistic that everyone will have a great year and I look forward to all the school year will bring!

Out With a Bang!

Tomorrow our summer will be officially over.  We had a GREAT summer.  I have mixed feelings about saying goodbye to the schedule free months that I cherish.  I love the time I get with my kids and the things we are able to do.  I wish we had gotten some things done we didn't (like more math), but we did get a lot done and there is no point in worrying now.  It's all over.  And this school year is especially exciting so I am really happy for my kids.  They all have great teachers and everyone is excited for what the new year will bring.

We loaded Friday and Saturday with lots of fun for a fond farewell to Summer.

Seven Peaks with friends from the ward. (Obviously, these are old pictures.  I didn't take any the day we went.  But the picture on the right is one of my favorites -poor Caleb is terrified!  In his defense, he loves this slide now.  It's his and my favorite slide in the park!)

An Arlington ward reunion (my personal favorite)

And a night as a family at Trafalga.

Good Bye Summer!

Happy Birthday Christy and Benjamin!

Christy and Benjamin share a Birthday.  We celebrated by going to a new pizza game center near our house that specializes in Birthdays.  Christy and Benjamin got a roaring song of "Happy Birthday"  from the whole place.  In addition to singing, the place boasts lazer tag, bumper cars, go-carts, glow in the dark put-put, bowling and an all you can eat buffet.  The laser tag and buffet were the most popular attractions for everyone but Benjamin.  He rode this little car over and over and over and was very cross when some one else wanted a ride.  

Christy's good friends that she has known since she was three came up and spend some time with us.  It was really nice of them to come up.  I know it meant a lot to Christy.  It was so fun for me to see them too!  It had been a REALLY LONG time.


We had such a good time that we spent the whole day and evening there.  We came back so late, we put off the Birthday cakes for the next day.

Since I was making two cakes,  I wanted to make a really easy cake for Benjamin.  And honestly, my drive for spending hours on darling Birthday cakes is faltering.  So we bought this cute little dump truck and filled it with chocolate cake.

Here is Benjamin blowing out his candles. (Honestly these videos will only be interesting if you are his grandparent, or aunt . . feel free to skip them.)

He had so much fun.  He sat in the high chair eating and dumping cake for over an hour and a half. (My favorite part of this video is the one second token smile he gives when Adam is taking the pictures.  He has learned to pose for pictures.  It is so funny.  But I had to shrink the file down so much I have lost a lot of quality and it is hard to see.)

Eventually, he added his new Buzz Lightyear from Grammy and Grandpa.  Complete bliss!

I think they both had a great Birthday.