Austin's #50, Nick's #19

Our very nice daddy-bear is now 50 years old!  We love him so much.

The children stayed up really late and decorated the living space and the gym to surprise him.  So sweet.

Maddie left for football practice, so we were low on numbers, but not on gifts nor intensity.

Oh!  They also filled his car up as well.  All day he worked, but the nice office ladies

Loved this picture of Austin and his mom.

Yum.  Dinner.

And, our birthday twin missionary called -- they sang to each other.  When all the big kids hopped on the chat, the laughter intensified, the grins broadened and the glazing via insults increased to full capacity.

THEN!  Meg and Maisie helped me throw a surprise 50th party for Austin.  All the Utah kids drove in, Whitni flew in, and so many friends came to his Killer's party.  I told him I needed him to sit in the chapel while I practiced the organ, but as soon as I started playing, the curtains opened, and a whole host of people were there to celebrate him.  YAY!  He had no idea, and was so gracious to be the center of attention.  So many people love this guy of mine, and he loves so many people.  God's plan of happiness anchored in Jesus Christ is at the center of all that is enturing relationship.

Couldn't be more happy he's ours.  Forever.

Twofer

Maisie, home for a month, has now left us forever.  Perhaps that's a bit dramatic, but it feels like she's gone forever.  M

(She's wearing Ed's name -- he's so proud.)

This very young adult drove herself to Provo.

Her stuff fit the back.  I didn't.

Lots of yummy food this week.  

Oh!  I'm growing sprouts, and I'm eating sprouts.

Zucchini fries

Greek yogurt, strawberry, dark chocolate bites.

My legs are tight!  Molly and I stretch during history read-a-louds.

Water color RS activity

These mathematicians need me to sit beside them.

Tried out more water coloring.

Austin took us to the Phoenix symphony Saturday afternoon.  

We loved it.  Probably because we were off devices and listening to live music.  Real-time instruments and professional musicians make us so happy.  Simply being together makes us happy, too.

Intermission's snacks

Dinner at Red Robin

Games every evening and every Sunday afternoon.

Piles of wrestlers every evening and often Sunday evenings when the sun goes down (we reverence the Mosaic Law on that detail)

Maddie had her home track meet.  She raced in the 100m and 200m.  She took first in both.  Goat.


Molly was our photographer.

100m 200m




Austin and I are a Trek Ma and Pa this summer.  I sewed myself some fancy skirts and aprons made from Goodwil sheets.

Maddie also went to Prom.  Nice Grandma came and we put fresh flowers in her hair.

She liked it.  Phew.

Maddie and James.

James and Maddie.

Her group.  All went to an after party, so she came home.

AI pics.

 

Ryan's #12

Happy Birthday, Ryan!  Our tiniest baby boy is 12 today.  We love him.

Good Friday just happened to land on Ryan's birthday -- which meant we slept in and spent very slow morning together.  Wonderful. Wonderful.

Ryan and I went early and bought doughnuts and BBQ sauce to prepare for his day.  We then spent all morning dying eggs and simply being together. Egg Dye

So beautiful.  I have to remember to give dyed eggs as a ministering gift next year.

We made the decision to celebrate Ryan at lunch instead of dinner.  Pizzas and giant cookie was the requested menu -- no one complained.  Our lovely Grandparents came but we missed Maddie (at an all-day track meet).Ryan's song

"Super Mario Brothers II" was his only hard request.  

Love that Maisie girl bringing us all together.

Not really the selfie I was expected but somehow this represents his twelve year old self.  Ryan trolls most pictures yet he's never malicious.

 We love Ryan because:

Molly: He's always playful.

Eddie: He'll always play a game.

Maisie: He's really good at getting his stuff done.  He dabs me up.  He's a good gamer.  He'll send anything off the diving board.

Grandpa: Thoughtful.  He knows how to be serious about things that are important.  He passes the sacrament reverently.

Grandma: I love his smile and his hugs.

Mom: He's my nice puppy; he loves to be touching and snuggle.

Ryan is just plain chill.  No real opinions nor struggles.  He still goes with the flow yet competes with the best of them.  He's about .5" shorter than Eddie and 3 pounds lighter.  Heavenly Father knew I needed this boy in my brood.  I really like him, so blessed he's mine.