Let Summer Begin...

Del Mar in June. Our first "official" summer beach day.

What a beauty.

In the last few months, we have had a few changes in our family. Ryan graduated from Middle school and Lindsay from Elementary. We sold our home and have purchased another about 10 miles from our old house. Even though it was a small move, it provided some big changes. We have a new ward, new neighbors, new schools, and a new home to start making some memories in... Everyone has been so welcoming and kind, and the kids have been excited about the changes. Particularly, having a pool, new trails to run, and lots of neighborhood kids. Now that school has started, they are happy to be so close to the schools. (This is our first year split between 3). Lindsay loves being able to walk every day to school. I am not going to lie, it has been difficult, mostly on me. It has been emotional. I missed so many things. I think partly because it was hard to say goodbye to that time in my life. The time of new babies, growing toddlers, and memories made there. Old friends are still close by, but it is not quite the same. I found myself saying "I miss this, I miss that". We lived in that area for 11 years. One week, night after night, Alan would take me by the hand, and silently lead me through the house and into the yard. We would go outside and look at the sunset. He would say, "The sun still sets here." Silly as they might sound, these words meant so much to me. I am so thankful for my family and for this time in my life.

Here's to a new beginning...

Our new backyard sunset

To Each his Own . . .

Lindsay's Spring Concert. The before...

(Yes, she has just recently sprouted up. She is almost as tall as me.)

And the After...

The during. . . I filmed a little and listened. On one of the songs, she and two other girls played a little solo segment. Lindsay loves her flute. She has been asking for her own, I think it is about time. She so excited to keep playing.

Alie's Goin' Buggy Play. Love this 3rd grade play! I wish I would have taken a before and after of this, but these were both during. She did a cute song and dance number as a Firefly. This required her to dance with an actual boy and hold his hands while doing some spin moves. She was really nervous about this. She had tried out to be one of the dancers, not knowing that she would not only have to touch a boy, but jump on his back. What made it especially difficult was that he happened to be "Tyler". I loved the look on her face as she jumped on his back at the end. Hilarious.

Justin's Wackadoo Zoo Play. Super cute animals had their sounds all mixed up. Justin's group of Cows, just couldn't Moo, only Meow. They did this all through songs and speaking parts. This little guy has come a long way since Preschool. He loves to be up on stage. When I asked him what has made the difference this year, he said, "Those Preschool songs were kind of weird mom, These songs are way better, way more fun to sing." There you go. Here I thought it was shyness, apparently it was stubbornness. Either that, or good taste. Those songs were a little weird. On a side note, a couple of weeks ago: To challenge Justin to read harder chapter books, I told him I would pay him $2.50/book. As warped as this may seem, I offer the kids "money chores" sometimes, ones that are different from their non-paid ones. Cleaning out the pantry, vacuuming the car, etc, etc. Reading is almost as important as work, right? Anyways, He is extremely motivated by money, but he is also extremely intimidated of things that he thinks are too difficult for him to accomplish. I was interested to see how this would play out. What would win? Let's just say the kid always has his nose in a book lately. He is finishing one book every other day. Yikes. On the weekends, he goes through them faster. He goes to bed reading(even after being somewhat lulled from the scriptures), and when I go in to wake him up in the morning, he is already up and reading. Besides being a little grumpier from a little less sleep, the kid has really improved, and so has his confidence. I on the other hand, had wished I had made it .50 cents. Last night, we went to Target, to buy a Lego set. Now, he is broke, and motivated all over again. What have I done?

Maybe, I should suggest he read Harry Potter?

The "Flame Throwers" recently had their end of the season Tournament. The girls played 6 tight games. Not quite last year's victory, but well done. Alie and Lindsay loved being on the same team! It was fun to watch them together. This time of year, they have a larger age bracket. The coaches were awesome! Thanks Guys. Some pics from the season -

This and That ...

CMRLL Night at Padres Game w/our littlest player.

Mother's Day Kindergarten Breakfast.

(Super Tender - not a dry eye.) I love that he put that my favorite thing to do is "sleep".

Fathers and Sons Campout. Dixon Lake. Annual bumper picture. I actually did get another picture this year of Justin asleep w/ a sticky smore face.

Mother/Son Dance. 50's Theme. I've missed this. It has been two years since Ry moved on to Middle School. Justin is loving school!

Sock Hop. Father/Daughter Dance.

These Girls Danced Every Song. Sweet moves too, I hear.

Early morning Activity Days Mother/Daughter Breakfast at the Church.

Yummy food. Great Company. Sweet Song.

Alie's Reading Olympics Ceremony. She received a Gold Medal for reading 1,735 pages in 6 weeks.

Cute Gold Medalists

Justin had George (classroom mascot) over the weekend. He had fun taking pictures with George and writing about his adventures.

George and Justin both got Game Balls. Sweet.

Easter

Easter Sunday. Love it.

Eggs with Nana the week before

Ry's Little Piggy.

The Hunt & Yummy dinner at Mimi and Papa's after church.

Cute Cupcakes.

Cute kids.

Nine

Today Alie turned 9. She is an early bird, always has been. This morning, she came in for her morning cuddle and wanted to hear about the day she was born. She loves to hear me tell it every year. It is the story of how we gave her a middle name. Faith. It could be that she loves to picture herself as a tiny baby. She does love a baby:) But as she has grown, so has her testimony. She loves to hear stories of faith, miracles, and strength. Did you know that Taylor Swift's full name is Taylor Alison Swift, spelled with one "L" just like hers? She loves to advertise this:) We love this sweet, feisty, spirited little girl. She brings so much joy to our family. Happy Birthday Alison Faith! We love you!!

With her new doll, Kanani.

At recess with friends, getting ready for treats!

A birthday sunset & wishes

She had a gymnastics party a few days before. Nana and Hoho were here and were able to watch volleyball and baseball games. The kids had fun doing relays, jumping, swinging, and ziplining. Fun stuff.

These cuties played a little two on two. Nice.