Family Fun

I can’t remember what started this crazy idea, but it is a fun family memory.  For family night one night we each wrote down titles of our favorite books and then divided up in to three teams of two and drew the titles out of a hat.  We then had to create an edible sculpture representing the title we drew.  Can you guess the books?

Team:  Carson and McKenna

Peter Pan

Team: Austin and Mom

The Hunger Games

Team:  Dad and Tanner
The Jungle Book

Congratulations, McKenna

McKenna applied and was accepted into the National Junior Honor Society this spring.  

You go girl!

Carson’s First Track Experience

Carson has a real talent for running.  But, can you imagine following behind a big brother who has run on the world’s stage. What expectations everyone would have... well, Carson didn’t want any of that.  

Tanner supporting Carson at his home track meet.

But, being the good parents that we are, and wanting our children to have as many life experiences as they can, we told Carson he had a talent and needed to try using it before he decided what he was and was not going to pursue.  

The Starting Line

Last Lap Mark

We also told him that it would be a good time to try running before he entered high school and there was a lot more pressure associated with it.  Yes, we forced him to participate in track.  He did quite well.  I am not sure if he liked it or not, but he didn’t hate it.  He was able to make it all the way to districts.  Way to go, Carson!

The Big Finish

Cinco de Mayo - Sork Style!

Prom

I was gone to Utah during prom season, but Eric had it covered.  Austin of course was sick, and Mandy was too, but they sure looked good! As the night progressed and nerves wore off they both got feeling better and were able to have a good time.  

Eric and McKenna played hosts to the group after the dance and did a great job of setting up the house for them to come back for desserts and a movie after the dance.

Solo and Ensemble

Carson is quite a talented violinist.  We knew that.  The District Solo and Ensemble Competition confirmed it.  Carson had been working with his private teacher to perfect a solo to play in the competition.  I was able to accompany him.  I truly loved it!  I was so proud of Carson and the judge was very impressed.  Carson was given top scores.

Austin also participated in the solo and ensemble competition.  Given his illness I was his constant companion.  I did everything I could to ease his anxiety and help with the nausea.  We used sea bands, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, and peppermints and ginger to stave of the vomiting and get him through.  He was sicker than a dog.  The seminary building was across the street from the high school where  the competition was being held.  The church let the Union HS choir use it so Austin could have a semi-private bathroom and dark room to rest in between his performance times.  You could tell he was so sick, but the second he began to sing he put on a good face and performed his heart out.  It took them all the way to a state championship.  He was able to do his part.  Austin, we are so proud of you.

McKenna’s Birthday

Austin had his state solo and ensemble competition in Ellensburg on McKenna’s birthday.  In order for him to be able to participate, I needed to go along as his chaperone so I missed McKenna’s birthday party.  Eric and the boys helped her throw a birthday party.  I am not sure exactly what they did because from the pictures it looks like she did it all herself.  She says she had a great time.  

THE DECOR:

THE GUESTS:

THE BIRTHDAY CAKE:

THE BIRTHDAY GIRL:

When we got back from state we were able to celebrate her birthday as a family.  Happy Birthday, sweet daughter of mine.  I can’t believe you are twelve, but then I look at all the things you accomplish and your talents and realize you are mature beyond your years.  I LOVE YOU!