April Closes Out

These pictures loaded in reverese chronological order.). Tonight Molly finished her day with, "I said my prayer, and I helped her, too."  "Her" is her bear that she loves.  Molly dresses "the child" (another nick name) everyday.  Today The Child wore a dress with her BOM in her hand because Molly said Cindy-Lou-Who went to primary.  Here are Maisie's old jammies.

Austin and I are Trek Ma and Pa this year.  I sewed my skirt and apron.  At the fireside, Andy was asked to stand up.  Then the speaker told about how four years ago she thought Andy was a primary boy, but that her son told her that Andy may be small, but he has the biggest heart.  This remains true.

Austin makes heavenly gelato.  After our fasting meal, we sat outside in the sun to taste that muy athenico gelato.

Austin made me a frame for our family picture that is 60"x30".  It's huge, and I love it!

Andy, Eddie and Ryan had another weekend of wrestling matches.  It's always exciting to watch.

It's warm -- like 88*.  These few floated.

Maisie ran again this week.  Her time didn't improve, so she was a little sad.  I think she's brave every time she gets up to that line.

Here we are spectating.  I love that our beloved grandparents come -- they also watched the boys wrestle.

Saturday morning we ZOOMed with Whitni, Elijah and Meg to pick engagement pictures.

They're going to be so good.

One of my favorite summer sounds is the lawn mower and the cheerful voices that chase it.

Another day, and another float.

Andy received "Rookie of the Year" at his wrestling banquet.  Good, nice, boy that one.

NICK GOT HIS BRACES OFF!!!!  He's just so handsome.

School Monday morning was typical and wonderful.

Austin harvested that kale from his garden.  

We spent time playing "Camel Cup" with the younger kids.  They were heavy bidders.  Let's just say they are an easier win than the older kids.

No picture of Maisie?  Boo.

Happy Birthday #14 Nick and #45 Austin

 These two boys are old.  Nick grew up this year -- he's capable, smart, determined, successful and handsome as ever.  This is the first year I heard Austin not want to admit his age -- he's organized, strong, kind, generous and gorgeous.  Thier day was filled with the simple things -- lots of food and family.  Austin worked all day, and Nick had track. 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KBrsDLT49Mvv36Yf9 (Their song.)

Nick's belly hurts after eating dairy, so nice Grandma brought him a special cupcake.  I made Austin Mel's blueberry cake.  Make it. https://www.melskitchencafe.com/heavenly-blueberry-and-cream-angel-dessert/

More running awards and ribbons end a really fast season for Nick and Maddie, but make for an easy day of birthday track.

We started school after a bit of Switch time.

Morning presents in reverse order.

I took the kids to Dollar Tree to buy savory gifts for the birthday boys; Eddie drew that Sonic on Nick's present bag.

These two boys are so nice.

Up and at 'em at 6:15am so the seminary kids could be apart of presents.

Flexing

"Flexing" these days means bragging.  I suppose that is exactly what this post is; my people are glorious.

Here is a casual grouping.

The Beebes came for a visit.  Rachelle, Logan and Easton stayed with Grandma, but were generous to come by a couple times to chat and be together.

Lots of races and lots of ribbons.

Andy walks around the house flexing every second -- I flexed on his flex.  Got him.

Little Miss is patient as ever wating her turn for attention and learning.

Ryan and Eddie take turns reading aloud to Molly everyday.

"Pretty, Pretty Princess" has always been a favorite game for both genders.  

Maddie started her 100m out of the blocks, and won.

YW was at our house, where we made cinnamon rolls and meal planned for their families.

Age line up: Meg (at BYU) 19, Andy 17, Maisie, 15, Nick 13, Maddie 11, Eddie 9, Ryan 7, and Molly 4.

Friday I had a million projects going, but Molly wanted to make cookies, so I stopped to make that happen.  She was thrilled.  Plus, bar cookies are the way to go. 

Success!  Who wants to join us for a game?

Maisie ran a fast 5.44 mile.  She wants to be in the low thirties, but I think she is very fast.

We jumped a fence to watch.  Stupid COVID.

Austin solicited help to build a fence and stain the existing furniture.  Our yard projects are well underway.

We are happy as ever.  We gather each night to read scriptures and pray together.  Oh, we finished Potter #4 aloud, but book #5 is missing from our set -- Maisie.  The weather is almost warm enough to float in that beautiful pool of ours.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

These are my eager science students.  They suspending colored rain.

Burrito game for recess

Andy meets the two little boys and walks into wrestling with them.

Cousin Johnny was baptized; we participated via Zoom.

Molly made a list of all our family by herself.

Maddie and Eddie spent all their park hours in the trees.

More science = lava lamps.

Maddie and Nick had another track meet; both dominated as usual.

Here is my tall friend nex to me again.  Somehow we end up beside each other at every gathering.  It could be that Chelsea is really great.

Maisie had a track meet at MUHS as well.  She ran the 1600m and the 800 and medaled in both.

I spent many hours at track meets, but we are outside and the weather is brilliant, the younger children play together, our blessed grandparents come and love us, and we chat with friends all while the kids win their races.  Track is pretty great.

Saturday night these four youth went to the stake activity together.  They are quite the darling bunch.

I guess the dance got boring, so Andy made up his own line dance and taught it to the youth.  Here is a link to that treasured event.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RuaBCywYRmazFDqU9