M&M (Mother's & Memorial Day) & School's Out!

The month of May always fly by and this year was no exception.  There were the typical end-of-school-year programs, field trips, field days, recitals, etc.  The weather was extra wet and cold but we've finally turned the corner with warmer days ahead.

Flowers from Aaron

Gifts and cards from the children.

We enjoyed talking with Brinley on her final day in the MTC.  She was excited to fly out to Texas early the following day (May 13).  She's doing well and continues to impress me with her dedication.

Happy Mother's Day - 2019

I didn't get any still pics but here is Elsie preparing to show her stuff on the trampoline at the gymnastics class for friends and family to observe.  She's worked hard and received her white ribbon this year from Airbound Gymnastics.

Quinn & Collin - try on the heavy clothing worn by firefighters.

The school district held their annual "Mountain Man Rendezvous" for all 4th graders at Smith Park and I was a parent volunteer. The students rotated through 14 stations during the day, learned more about our state history and participated in activities that included crafts, square-dancing, scone making, a black powder gun demonstration, etc. I was able to snap a few pics along the way.

Quinn - panning for gold

Mrs. Holt is wearing pink shirt and had her baby the next day!

Quinn, Jensen, Dawson, Quinn F. - eating lunch

Brinley's first area is Gilmer, TX and she's serving with Sister Judd.  Aside from the heat, humidity and mysterious bugs bites - so far so good!

Aaron, Quinn, Jane (Scoutmaster)

Quinn completed EVERY adventure and received his Bear scouting award at a recent pack night.  The boys also worked on a fitness requirement that evening and Quinn won the mile run.

While taking a garbage can down his sloped driveway, the can got away from LaVerne and they both went down.  With his already fragile skin, he did a real number on his knuckles and arms.  Fortunately, a good neighbor was able to get LaVerne to the hospital where Aaron met up with him.  Aaron stayed a few nights until LaVerne's daughter, Kathy, could remain with him for the following week.  LaVerne was not happy this incident derailed his golfing plans!  He is healing but it has been a discouraging set back for him.

Spring cleaning is in full swing around here and the garage finally got some attention.

Quinn is a Utah Jazz basketball fan.

Field Day at Hibbard Elementary fell on a cold, windy day.  It didn't stop the kids from having fun.  But we certainly didn't linger longer after Quinn took the plunge into the 4th grade rite-of-passage "Dunk Tank"!

Mason, Collin, Jensen, Quinn, Brenden, Grady

anticipation...

Did I mention how cold and windy this day happened to be?  Brrr.....

Mrs. Holt has gone above and beyond in exposing her students to creative learning and hands-on projects.  She is an impressive person in and out of the classroom.  Just days after having her 3rd baby, she came back for their class talent show and 4th grade graduation program.  This same week she also moved into a new home and made time to personally write an individual letter to each of her students.  Whew!  

I'm grateful Quinn was able to have her as his teacher this year especially since she is not returning in the fall.  Then again, neither are we!  Milestone moment - after 16 years, no more elementary school for our family.  Congrats to all the kids for successfully completing another year of school.  Quinn - 4th, Elsie - 6th, Anna - 9th, Jantzen - 10th.  School it out (May 24).

Quinn with Principal Berry

Congrats to Quinn!

Another milestone occurred on Sunday, May 26 when Bob and Janene returned from serving their 18-month mission in Hawaii.  Bob taught religion classes while Janene worked in the admissions office at BYU-Hawaii.  They served and loved people from all over the world and especially enjoyed spending time with Jared & Stephanie's family.

Elsie & Quinn - make a "Welcome Home" banner.

Janene, LaVerne, Bob - at the airport

Bob, Janene, Cam w/Jett & Jagger, LaVerne, Heather w/Elsie & Quinn
Chris & Julia w/Polly, Greta, Faye, Tanner, Kathy Beal

ALOHA to G-ma and G-pa!

Sunday evening sibling time on the trampoline.
Tanner, Elsie, Quinn

The morning of Memorial Day (May 27) was spent unpacking Bob & Janene's kitchen.  Later that afternoon, family gathered for a BBQ birthday bash/final hooray at Chris & Julia's house as they are moving to IF this week.  It worked well to celebrate LaVerne's 97th birthday (May 29) a few days early so Bob and Janene could join in since they left town the following morning for Garrett's graduation in UT and on to Florida for Jack's baptism.

Tanner has been a real help to LaVerne since his recent fall - stopping by before college classes to assist with compression socks, driving him to quick appointments (LaVerne is anxious to start driving again soon) and helping set up technology whenever needed.

Happy 97th Great G-pa.  We love you!

Reaching for post-game treats...

With the exception of a single elimination tournament starting next week, Quinn played in his final regular season game in Rigby (May 30).  The rules only allow for kids to pitch two innings per game which is unfortunate given how well Quinn is developing as a pitcher.  It was exciting to watch him keep the other team from getting a single run in while he was on the mound.  I am seriously impressed with the arm this kid has!  Way to go Giants!

Love the blossoms on our trees.