Half Dome (year 2)

In practicing for his upcoming trip to Mt. Whitney, Bryan and two friends traveled to Yosemite again to hike Half Dome. All were safe and they all made it to the top. See the picture of the crazy man sitting on the ledge of Half Dome??? That is my dear husband. I told him I was not pleased, and his comment was, "Well, there's a small one foot ledge if I fell, and at least I didn't do a hand stand on the edge." As if I was going to feel better with that.

Air Show

This morning we took Cole and Quentin to the "7th Annual Air Show and Fly-in" at Chandler Airport. We saw an amazing show with spirals, shwoops, upside down flying, and ladies doing handstands on planes. If none of that made sense, see the pictures. Cole was admiring the plane that had a smiley face, and the owner asked him if he wanted to sit in it. We also met many police officers and pilots. I called Avery (who is on her way to Colorado with Grammy and Grandpa) and she said, "We are in Wyoming and are looking for Cantaloupe." She sounded like she was having fun. Our morning was quite hot, and both boys fell asleep on the way home, just as Bryan did when we got home.

Last day of 1st grade

Avery learned so much this year. She read over 111 books, over 8,000 words (for AR), and now loves reading. For those who haven't heard this story: she had a fever a few weeks ago and woke up at 10pm. I knew she wasn't going to school because of the fever, so I let her read for a bit. Bryan and I went to bed. I woke up at 1:50am thinking I'd turn off her light, and when I went in she was still reading. I told her to finish up where she was at, and unknowingly fell back asleep on her bed. When I woke up, I told her she needed to go to bed. When I got back into my bed I looked at the clock. She had read until 2:50am. And it was over 300 pages. Wow. Back to school. One big thing we worked hard on this year was including everyone in her play. She has avoided any "clubs" that only allow certain kids in and is proud to say that anyone can play with her. I am so proud of her accomplishments this year. She is looking forward to being a Manchester GATER.

Cole's Party

Anyone who knows our decision on birthdays knows that Cole will get his first friend party when he turns five, so it was the last year with grands and great grands. He wanted a tractor cake. I made it myself if you were wondering what gourmet baker made it. We had m&m plants and plastic animals on it. It was a warm day, so the animals kept sinking, but Cole still loved it. He also chose bubble gum ice cream as a treat. He received fabulously fun tractors- specifically for outside, and clothes, and said thank you to everyone. He is still telling everyone he sees that he is now four, but told one man today that hed just turned 7 (the guy didn't believe him).

Oso de Oro

On Tuesday a bunch of parents drove kiddos over to the park from Starr. We had great food and fun. Avery and her best buddy Erik (the red headed little guy) hung around together a bunch. I got a great picture of Avery and he friends being "divalicious". Don't give me grief, it was the only way to get them all to look at me. Avery also made it across the monkey bars for the first time ever in life... and I got it on record. It was a great day all the moms slept well later during our naps.

June 9

On June 9, Cole turned 4. We started off the morning with donuts with our friends, Charlotte & Levi, and Elly, Tori, and Carter. Then took the leftovers to Titus' house. We finished up the day with a bbq for the Central West math teachers and opening presents. Cole was so excited, you can see his goofy smile.

Another one gone

The tooth fairy called and asked what's been going on lately in our house. #6 came out last week. Avery was so excited to put another tooth under her pillow, and she even wrote a note asking the tooth fairy to leave her tooth, but it was taken anyway in exchange for 75 cents.

Zoobilation

We took the kids to the Zoobilation at the zoo (we are members this year). We also took Grammy and Grandpa. I'm sure it's exactly what Grammy wanted to do on her retirement evening... spend it with a huge group of screaming kids, but we had fun. The best parts were the special exhibits like feeding the elephants, walking "behind the scenes" in the reptile house, and visiting the animal hospital. We came home and ate ice cream. Incidentally, we missed Church the next morning because Cole slept until 10:15am.

Ryan and Shawna Nyberg

May 31 we helped celebrate Ryan and Shawna's wedding. Cole and Avery were the ring bearer and flower girl (and both made it down the aisle and back). The day was wonderful and the weather was perfect. Bryan and I were talking later about how exciting it is to see Ryan so happy- and Shawna is a fabulous match for him.