10 4 T- Time to breathe....

I feel like I am finally able to breathe again.  

It has been a very crazy busy few weeks.  Now, preschool is over, dance is finished for a while, and I'm just a stay at home mom for the summer!  Here are a few of the things that have been happening.

1-  I forgot to send Pacie's homework back last week.  We forgot to even do her homework last week.  That's the first time she's missed..so I guess I shouldn't feel too guilty.  Just goes to show how preoccupied I was with everything else.  Sorry, Pace!

2-  Took two groups of preschoolers to the zoo two days in a row.  We had a great time.  Weather was wonderful-thankfully-and we got to end on a really great note.  (While there taught Presley and Landon how to rope giant chickens.)

3- Fed Presley Oreo's for breakfast one rushed morning.  (She didn't seem to mind.)

4-  Went on a field trip with Parker to Bear World.  She had fun with her little friends there.  We saw lots of animals too!  Parker's least favorite was this ancient pot bellied pig.  My favorite were the baby bears.  Just a few weeks old and so stinkin' cute!

5-  Had awards night for the end of the dance year.  I love Infinity.  I know I've said it a thousand times. But I do.  Thanks again, Gretchen for being who you are!

6-  This past weekend we went to Ogden. It's been a while since we had a little family get away and we figured what a better weekend than Memorial day?  We left on Sunday after church.  The main reason we went was to visit Scott's brother's grave.  He died of brain cancer 10 years ago.  He was 32 years old. 

7-  Love road trips..brings out the best in everyone I think.

8-  Ate at Iggy's and loved it.  Their BBQ chicken pizza is the best!

9-  Took the kids swimming Monday morning.  Realized once again, that they really do need swimming lessons.  And soon!

10-  Visited Richard's grave in Huntsville, UT.  It was great to go up there and see his grave and let Scott share a little of his memories of Richard with the girls.  They are finally old enough to appreciate and remember the things he tells them.

And now- it is time to relax a bit.  And breathe!  Summer is going to fly by.  And we're going to enjoy every minute of it! 

Our dance year has come to a close.

Here are a few of their pictures from the night of our recital.
Our dance year is almost over! Pictures Monday and Tuesday night and then awards on Thursday. It's been a great year! Stay tuned for try out results coming May 30th!

Everybody was Kung-Fu fighting!

Okay-my last few posts have been Parker related, I know.  But I wanted to post these pictures from her other competitive dance, Kung-Fu.  It was probably my favorite of the the two this year.  The little girls look so adorable.  And it was packed full of technique. 

Parker loves to do leg extensions.  It is maybe her favorite dance trick.  So, here it is in all it's glory.    And a few others just for fun. 

Our final recital for the year is on Friday night at Hillcrest High School.  I can't wait to go and watch her and Pacie shake it one final time this year. 

Parker's new look

Finally finally-here are some pictures of Parker's new look.  

I feel like it's a blessing that she is having preventative work done on her teeth so that when she is old enough to have orthodontics it won't be as extreme-

But I also feel like she was thrust into the awkward stage a few years early.  The roots were incredibly long and she was very brave through the whole process!  We love you Parker-and you are beautiful no matter what!

Thought I'd throw this picture in of Pacie too-just because she's a doll.

Jump-Up

This year Parker's hip hop dance was to a song called Jump-Up.  Kind of had an island vibe-super cute.  I've just put it on my playlist if you are interested...Parker's request.   ( Oh, and I may post videos someday...when I have another minute to myself.)

Anyway, I just got the pictures from her competition in Burley.  They have professional photographers there that photograph each dance and then you can buy them.  These are a few of my favorite action shots of her.

I know I will sound like I am boasting-because well, I am a little.  But as a mom, don't I have the right to tell the world how wonderful I think my children are?  At least every once in a while anyway.

Parker is really an amazing dancer.  This is her third year dancing at Infinity Dance Studio.  It is her second year competing.  It really is her "thing".  She has such a natural talent for dance and movement.  And thankfully, she loves it.  I think that her love for it will keep her dancing for a long long time.  That and taking at a truly amazing studio with really great instructors.  I appreciate the example that she sees from each of her instructors and the values that they teach her as well.  She has never had to compromise what is right or okay.  Every dance (and movement) she has learned is tasteful and very age appropriate.  Every one of her costumes is modest.  I am thankful for her too and the hours she spends twirling in my kitchen...even when I am cooking dinner and she is right under my feet.

Love you, little Dancing girl!  You had such a great year and I can't wait to see what comes next for you.

Good Old Country Livin'

Nothing makes me more crazy as a mom than stained clothes.  Well, almost nothing-but stained clothes are right up there.

So the following is a pretty good representation of what my children look like after a nice somewhat sunny spring day in Idaho. 

 F-I-L-T-H-Y.

And as much as it makes me crazy-I am glad to know that they have been outside running around in our yard with no grass rather than rotting in front of the television set. 

The most infuriating thing about the pictures though?  The hole in Landon's BRAND NEW SHIRT-literally that I just bought him over the weekend.  He's worn it all of once.  Scott said Landon was climbing on his ramp (that he loads his dirt bike into his truck with) and he started to fall.  Scott made a last minute save and it was the shirt or Landon's head hitting the concrete.  As glad as I am it wasn't Landon-I can still be a little angry about the hole in the shirt.....right?!  And obviously, Landon could really care less!

And Pacie-well, I just love that every time we get an ice cream cone-she ends up looking like this.  Funny girl.