The Big Trip

It's not that we don't do anything. We keep plenty busy. And it's not that it's all work either. I just seem to be more of a blog reader than a blog writer.

We were so lucky to get to acquire a camp trailer last year. It was first "needed" while Kade was working out of town during the weekdays. It "saved us some money" by being able to have him stay in a trailer on the job site. We even got to go and stay with him in it a few times. However, a construction zone is not necessarily much of a camping retreat. Or a thirtieth birthday..... :) Since finishing his job, we've been able to try out the camper for some actual fun. The first time was a family reunion last summer. It was a nice long, hilly pull that then led to our next "need" of a bigger truck. Kade and his toys...

We took the kids out a couple of weekends ago to a place close by and had a great time. I do really enjoy camping in a trailer versus a tent. The kids love to play in the dirt, ride fourwheelers, and burn marshmallows. It was the first time Jayde didn't require being in a pack and play and so the first time I slept through the night in the trailer. It was great.

There were nice little hills around to climb and explore. Rhett gave me a good photo-op. I think the dog liked getting out of the yard and running free, too.

Jayde was happy...really. The helmet is just a little overwhelming. She preferred riding with Kade than with me. In general, they all prefer Kade for just about anything.

It was not cold enough (according to Laynee) for a coat, but she did like warming up by the fire.

The view.

Irritating

I rarely-to-never blog and then the week I do there are all these problems and some of my posts got deleted. Nice. I don't want to redo them, but am adding in the nice photographs of "the bear" for my sister. She doesn't get to see it in person and is in need of seeing it. Probably so she can appreciate the fact that her husband doesn't hunt. Here ya go sister...

Interesting fact: Kade HATES when I nail anything in the wall. You know, he worked hard building the house and that is a shame. I actually lost count of how many holes he put in hanging the bear. This should give me free reign on walls now....

Possible Motivater: Some people have hunters in their family and aren't completely shocked by the sight of a dead carcass being considered as acceptable home decor. Other people do not. Two of my piano students came last week and said, "That is creepy." Notice the proximity to the piano. I told them it would work just like the flower in primary that grows tall when you sing well. If practicing isn't happening, I reserve the right to move the piano closer to the bear and possibly let the bear slide down the wall...I must be the best teacher ever.

Baptism

We have an eight year old! That is crazy! Rhett got baptized on Saturday, May 7th with his cousin Tracen in Hurricane. Rhett is one good kid. He was the mellow before the emtional trilogy of girls. He actually notices when I need something (like a sanity break---.) He is a great first example for our family and we are VERY proud of him for his choices and actions!

Kept feeling weird taking pictures inside the church, but it wasn't the chapel, right?! The men in white.

These two boys are only 3 days apart in age. Since their baptism was going to be the same day in different towns, we thought it might be easier to combine them. Thanks to Tracen and his family for letting us join in with them. It was a special day and we are very proud of these two big brothers!! Thanks to all the family for coming and supporting us and helping with the program and lunch--we couldn't do it without you!

Baseball

Rhett is playing baseball. It has been so fun. He plays on the field right by us so he can even ride his bike over on the days I have piano or he is just practicing. His team is the A's. I think some of his favorite things might be the "Big League Bubblegum" a kid hands out every game and when he gets to tap into his dad's gatorade supply. This year started as machine pitch and then went to kid pitch. It makes the games looooong when the kids pitch, but only the mothers watching three little girls on the side notice that part. Rhett has been hit in the head and the leg by pitchers this year. So either he is one brave kid to keep going out there or we need to work on his reflexes!!

This is a pounding the home plate ritual between EVERY swing of the bat.
A's stands for Athletics. A mother is ever learning.

Science Fair

Mother of the Year-right here!! Rhett's been begging me to do the science fair every year, but I always "forget" to do it. It's optional. Optional things are hard for me. I work good with a deadline, but when things are optional there isn't technically ever a deadline, right?! With Laynee in school this year, I had two kids pressuring me. I tried to get out of it, but they were determined. I let them do the project with very little help and yes we did them at the last possible minute. They seemed to think it was great to miss class and just sit in the lunchroom all day. Maybe that's why they wanted to do science....

Rhett likes pop. We worked that into a science project and now he'll probably want to do it again next year!

Laynee just loves school. She'll tell you she doesn't because that is what all the other kids say, but she does. She wants to be involved in everything to school sends notes home for. EVERYTHING. Since the science fair was optional, there were only five kindergartners that participated. Laynee won second. She was very pleased.

Dance Recital

We found a dance class right by our house that both girls could go to at the same time and just take turns taking a class in their own age group. Laynee got to learn a little bit of tap and they just loved it. It was Addy's first time being in dance or anything for that matter!

Last week they had a dance recital at the stake center. It was very cute, but casual. They wore their favorite dance outfit and had a blast.

Their dance teacher is so cute!
Laynee danced to "I Want Candy!"

Addy was grinning so big the whole time that her mouth was wide open. She thinks we should do another dance recital this weekend. It could be a long summer break!

Piano Recital

Rhett and Laynee started taking piano this last fall and I can't say enough good things about their teacher! She is awesome!! (hahaha!) I am also pleasantly surprised that my teaching them is going so well with my major flaw in life being that of patience! They must have natural skills and some abilities of dealing with their mother. They really have been doing well and are cruising right along in the books. I think it brings out a little healthy competition between the two of them. We had a little recital and the first of this month and they each had to play two pieces in front of about 25 people. They did well and seemed calm (although they sad they were nervous!)

Laynee played "Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes" and a duet with me of Beauty and the Beast.

Rhett played "Carnival of Venice" and James Bond. He is my only boy student and is awesome for being sandwiched in the middle of girls ALL THE TIME!!

The best part was at the end of the recital when Addy decided it was her turn. She isn't a bit shy and would've played forever if we hadn't started clapping in the middle of her music to get her to stop. I suppose her jumping into the recital is the perk of me being the teacher. So nice that everyone didn't seem to mind.