Spring Girls Trip to Tri Cities

My high school besties and I decided we needed an extra girls weekend and since we all live almost exactly the same distance from Tri Cities, WA (each coming from a different direction) we decided to all meet up there in May.  Rachele and her husband had recently moved there so it was icing on the cake to get to see them and their new house, and most especially their new baby girl!

And there is a temple in Tri Cities so of course we did a session.

My sweet niece, Myla Bear.

After church

We also biked the green belt on the Snake River and layed out on the grassy park with Rachele.

  Rachele also joined us when we visited the Farmer's Co Op just outside of town for ice cream and snacks.  I loved having my sister and my friends together.  I love them all.

Lindsey Sterling Concert

Brielle and I had a great time at the Lindsey Sterling concert at Outlaw Field.  Blows my mind how she dances modern dance and ballet while playing violin to a modern dub step sort of style.  Super impressive. She's another really positive artist leaving a wholesome message with the audience.  We had Famous Dave's Pulled Pork for dinner from the concert meal on wheels.

Moose The Movie

Dad was the assistant director and casting director of the Alaskan film, "Moose the Movie".  It was a movie made from Chad Carpenter's nation comic strip, "Tundra Comics".  Being a small film is was only available to be seen in a limited number of theaters in several states, Salt Lake City being one of them.  So we drove to Salt Lake and met up with family and went to see it.  It was very very silly.  My kids laughed so hard it kept the rest of us rolling.  I didn't realize Dad was even in it, a small role in the beginning.  Too much fun.  I know he loved being a part of the project.   

Uncles!

Mother's Day

I felt strongly this year that I should do something a little more meaningful for Mom than a gift from the store or flowers.  I decided to write her a poem.  It only took me a few hours because the inspiration came flowing so fast and easy.  God wanted her to hear it.  I love her so much. 

Here is her Mother's Day gift:

"Mother", by Sarah Stice
Oh, happy day
In beautiful May
When my little ones' hearts point to mine.

They shower me with kisses,
Songs, flowers, warm wishes,
With breakfast in bed do I dine.

I smile in my soul,
And my heart is full
Of a gratitude hard to define.

The scene is set
For my mind to reflect
On the purpose of God's design.

Being a mother;
A work like no other,
Is one of life's great mysteries.

Sacrifice absolute,
Selflessness- attribute
Of a role that drives one to their knees.

As humility ensues
And patience accrues;
A refining to polish and prime.

The heart expands,
And compassionate hands
Weave a magic to last beyond time.

Anticipation yields adoration.
Effort turns to elation.
God's face shines through an innocent child.

When agency storms
And youth bears its thorns,
God's face shines through a mother mild.

An angelic transformation
And love beyond explanation
Leave one asking, "Wherein have I lost?"

It is now understood-
The blessings of motherhood
Far outweigh any cost.

They joy in my heart
And the bond I am a part of
I share with only one other:

With a face so angelic
And a love so compelling-
My own sweet, dearest mother.

On this day in May
My heart points her way.
I ponder all that she means.

For her service, her strife,
Her love, her good life,
She's my angel without wings.

Spring Fair

 We somehow convinced Ashton not to do Spring Fair.  We are terrible.  But if the kids don't REALLY want to take a whole Saturday up in Springtime when we really need to get some yard work and gardening done for singing in scorching weather and blipping by us for 10 seconds in a parade, we certainly put the pressure on to want to stay home.  You know... ice cream cone bribes, etc.  So far from how I used to be where any chance to break the monotony of life in a small town, any slight community event, and I was all over it.  This one.... we've just done SO MANY TIMES.  But Lainey hasn't.  So she got to do the works.  And she enjoyed it.  So I did too. 

Some of these teachers.... I don't know where they get all this creativity.  Their costumes are so cool!

Pinewood Derby

 Ashton built his very first pinewood derby car!  It raced at about the middle of the pack.  Which motivated Dad to research derby car design techniques.  WOW.  I had no idea there was a wealth of facts on that.  There's actually an adult league!  Anyway, so we pocketed some pointers for next year.  Ashton really enjoyed this.  I'm sure all the boys do. 

Capri's 1st Birthday Party

 Cute little Capri turned ONE!  Most of the family was able to come to Salt Lake for it.

Auntie Sarah took too many pictures...

Baby Myla

And afterward, American ninja fun.  This is of Rachele.