May

Olive wanted to cut her long locks before summer! I love doing her hair but I get it. Change is fun!

Played some baseball as a family. I remember doing this at Cardon park with my family and loved it. We had a good time until Olive got pegged by a hit from Collin. It isn't family fun if it doesn't end in tears!

I tried to do an object lesson with the kids that went way south. Squeezing out toothpaste and attempting to put it back in the tube. You can't. Much like you can't unsay things you say. But it didn't stop the kids from trying. Oy vey. What a mess!

Runaway Baby is my favorite dance this season!! From Bruno Mars. It's so stinkin' cute! I yell so loud I'm hoarse afterward. 

We were wayyyy out by Cardinals stadium for this one.

Long day and late night. 

For Travis's birthday, we went to the lake with Grandpa! Grandpa took some time showing Travis how to drive and manage the boat. He's always the teacher and it's appreciated!

Wayne shared this on Travis's birthday.

He asked for a "Better than anything" cake and we had steak and potatoes for his dinner. Travis is everyone's favorite. He really is the kindest man and ALWAYS putting me first and trying to help and serve me. He is the kids' hero (as attested by any sheet they fill out for school) and a fun dad who goes paddle boarding and snowboarding. He is famous for saying "I'm good with whatever" when asked his opinion, which highlights his easy going nature but also reflects his aversion to making decisions haha. 

His birthday was on Sunday (fast Sunday.. and yes he fasted). We went on a family walk and it was bulk trash weekend so the kids found some treasures.

Collin found this store thrift shopping and was so proud to give it to him.

Olive's orchestra assembly.

Parents were invited to school while the kids did STEM projects and showed off what they've been learning. 

Piano recital followed by an orchestra concert! Busy girl!

Muffins for Mom before school to celebrate Mother's Day.

I left on a bike ride with Tanner before Travis got home from work. I wasn't surprised in the least when I saw him pulling up to find us in the middle of the fields. He used Life360 to find us. This illustrates Travis perfectly. He could have relaxed at home looking at his phone, but of his own volition he wanted to be with us. He always does. 

It's a little early for swimming, but with the hot tub working, it works!

Adri and I put together a fruit/cinnamon roll bar for the Relief Society ladies on Mother's Day.

I really, really love my people. Hardest days of my life are spent mothering but it truly is the most worthwhile thing and I love being a mom. It helps that I have the best kids!

Rusty spent the night while his parents were out of town so I got a bonus kid on Mother's Day! Rusty is the best. 

Had a little visit with Grandma. So glad she's still with us!

What a sight. Everyone cooking and cleaning while I'm on the couch!

Aren't they cute all piled onto the tiny tramp when the big one is right next to them?

Olive had an informal tumbling recital at The Tumble Shack. She has loved it but I can't say it's been the most productive year. I was super impressed by her running back handspring back whip! I could never!!

The conference talks bless my life so much. I have loved studying them then meeting with my Udall cousins once a month to discuss them.

All of Olive's artwork from the year!

As school wraps up, the swim team season gets started! Tanner was the first kid to be awarded Swimmer of the Week!

I have loved helping in Tanner's class every week this year. I've really gotten to know the kids and it fills my cup to be with them. 

First swim meet, Tanner placed first!! His smile could have been seen from the moon!

Would you look at us at the movies! Fall Guy was pretty funny but by the last explosive fight scene/ car chase I was over it haha. 

Sleeping Beauty and her silk eye mask.

There is a new book out called The Anxious Generation, that addresses the pervasive trends in anxiety and "failure to launch" among kids. Camilla not only read it, but started a neighborhood parent group committed to delaying smart phones in families and actively trying to get schools to adopt no-phone policies. 

I had to leave a little early and laughed at the line up of cars outside... this is a fancy pants group!

The ward had a little mix and mingle at the park. 

Collin is only a freshman but made friends with many seniors and was invited to a few graduation parties. As I was driving him to this one, it suddenly hit me that in 3, short years, it would be HIM graduating. Silent tears rolled down my cheeks and he noticed. I can't help it! It might be unreasonable and it might be years away but my heart isn't ready!! 

A new family moved into our ward and they are on the struggle bus. We've been trying to find them beds for their kids. A family in our ward donated a bunk bed and Travis was a saint to help me pick it up and get it assembled. The dad is on the spectrum and one child is autistic. It's such a sad situation. 

I told the boys to pick their top 3 teachers to write thank you notes to. I wish I could shower all of them with money. So so grateful for all their teachers. 

I walked in the door one day to see a ladder pushed up against the house. 

UGH!

Boys jumping off the roof onto the trampoline. I talked them out of it but apparently they just went back and did it later. 

So sad I didn't get a picture of Weston!

Last day of school!

Collin's artwork on display! Sigma Monster's Inc.

The parents all gather at the bus stop with truckloads of water balloons and pelt the kids when they get off. 

Some rich families in the neighborhood rent a bunch of inflatables and buy out Papa Johns and host all the kids in end of the year fun!

Bahama Bucks tradition lives on!

Olive had her end of the year recital! She did amazing. Every year I'm blown away by how much she is developing as a dancer!

Collin got his first, real job! Lifeguarding for Gilbert. He's just a rover which is basically a substitute teacher. He just fills in when lifeguards can't make their shift. Which unfortunately didn't amount to very many days this summer. 

The "mewing" face is something else.

Collin has become a real crepe chef. Doesn't get old, coming home from Sunday meetings to brunch, ready to go!

Weston is trying hard to get dog sitting jobs! So far, just the Pomeroys dog, Lulu, is his best customer.

I thought this was pretty interesting about patriarchal blessings. 

Sweet Cassandra has been such a support. I'm so grateful for her love. I wanted to keep this to remind me to be that person for others. 

Memorial Day shenanigans at Grandma's. Everyone hoping to be the first person to see the chapstick cap float up!

These smash burgers are becoming a regular thing and I'm not sad about it. 

Weston has dive practices at 6am, Olive has swim at 7am and Tanner is at 9am. I carpool a little with Tasha but I spend lots of time in the car in the mornings!

Look at cute Madeline in Olive's old suit!! 

The Erikson's are moving and Jen dropped off big bags of her son's old clothes for my boys to go through. You would have thought it was Christmas! 

She was not too happy with her results but she smiled anyway.