Park City Weekend

We took the kids up to Park City for a mini vacation. 

We had fun: trying out new restaurants, eating chocolate from different countries at the chocolate factory, watching athletes ski jump at the Olympic Park, sliding down the mountainside at the Alpine Slides, and swimming at the pool. 

We did not have fun: trying to keep Max from climbing out of the ski lift, trying to get Max to sleep in a port-a-crib, or even trying to get Max to sleep in the hotel at all! Ugh...good thing kids don't stay babies forever! He's cute and all, but he was a challenge.

Alas, the parents and all the children survived, and I *think* the kids even had a good time;)

"The Most Amazing Show"

And now I can die a fulfilled life. Cavalia. What a show! Met up with our Mark and Tisha friends, ate a tasty dinner buffet before, snacks at intermission, great seats during, fun stable tour afterwards...it was a dream! I mean it! Well done, Salt Lake!

Feeding Penguins

What's black, white, and makes me smile all over? 

Feeding penguins on my birthday! 

Mr. Blackhurst never disappoints! He arranged for the older kids and me to do a munch and mingle session with the penguins, while he watched Max at home. 

We first met in a classroom where we learned a little about penguins, touched their feathers, felt how heavy they are, etc. Then we suited up in some coats and gloves and headed to the feeding room.

We were each given 4-5 fish, and then they opened the doors and let the little guys in! Cole was a little skittish at first, but by the end he fed those penguins like a pro! The penguins really liked all of us too and weren't scared. Uno, who was born at the aquarium, is particularly friendly with people. He would have stayed in the room all day with us if he could have! 

All the penguins really liked my brightly colored shoes and laces. They kept playing with them, which was kind of fun!

The penguins were everything I expected and more. I loved taking my kids to meet these curious little creatures!

Spring Soccer for Cole

I'm not certain we want to remember this Spring's soccer. Lots of rough games; all of them really. But  a shout out to Cole! The only player on his team to score all season long! We're proud of this kid!

Cole Graduates from Preschool...FINALLY!

The blessed day has come! I've loved having this boy in preschool, but three years of it is entirely too long for me and him! He had THE ABSOLUTE BEST teachers and preschool the world has ever known: Miss Cathy and Keri at Alpine Elementary. Cole was already smart, but boy did they enrich his year in every way possible. I'm still in awe by their dedication! 

I'm just gonna say it, Cole also had the best parts in his preschool program. I have to think that his teachers adore him as much as his family does!

The countdown to kindergarten is on!!!!

9!

The bday girl got a special lunch out with her dad, and Color Me Mine date with her mom, a late night with 12 friends. And dinner at her favorite Benihana (which has been the case for probably 5 years running). I think it was a happy one!

At 9:
-Always wants to play with friends
-Never wants to play at our house
-Loves to tease her brother Cole, and love on her brother Max
-Has a beautiful singing voice
-Enjoys her acting class
-Has mad roller skating skills
-Still has the most mature palette, way more mature than her mother's
-Is saving every dollar she earns for important things like a cell phone and a car
-Loves to share her testimony of the gospel with others
-Smarter than anyone her age. Just tested into A.L.L. for next school year.
-Is becoming a responsible little person. I think we are completely out of the little girl years:(

Happy birthday! You are so grown-up, but you will always be our Baby Kate! And you will always be our favorite little girl!

Fathers and Sons

Dave and Cole made it to Fathers and Sons this year. It was probably the warmest weekend we have had, but it still made for a chilly night camping. I think they may have froze a bit, but Cole sure had fun. He was some serious competition at the annual pie-eating contest, contending against boys three-times his age.

Meanwhile, back and home, Kate had a late night. Max and I partied it up with Kate and two friends. We made fairy gardens (every girls dream), and had movie-treats and a movie (Dennis the Menace). It really was a fun little night and something I think I'll plan on doing from here-on out!