River Run

We found a little man(woman) cub living in the wild, we think we'll keep her.

Crocodiles not in the Nile.

Most May's we drag them out to the Virgin River and let them have a little, muddy fun.  This year the river was very widespread and shallow, perfect for small people.  No one got stuck, no one drowned, no one was captured by bush people, no one was trampled by a cow, and no one was croc food.  Not much more you can ask for.  Afterwards Jara did tell me "mom I still feel like I'm walking through mud."  She was right. After sludging through mud for a couple of hours I felt my steps dragging too.  A strange aftereffect of mud walking I guess.

Jara is an Author

Jara's teacher is amazing and had all twenty of her students write/publish their own "Adventure Story."  It makes me tired just thinking about it.  A lot of hard work was put into the process of publishing their books.  They brainstormed, created the first draft, edited, created the second draft, edited, illustrated and FINALLY published.  Jara's book had three stories:  Halloween, Ballet and The First Day of School.  I loved the detail she included in her book such as a dedication page and an "about the author" page.  Jara was able to have an author share and read her book to the class, answer any questions about her book and party afterwards.  May this only be the beginning of her illustrious career as an author!  Momma needs a new pair of shoes.

May Day

 Once upon a time I taught this dance to first graders...

now I am watching my own little zebra "move it, move it."

The one in the fluorescent pink zebra shirt.  Note: if you want to be able to easily spot your child in the herd dress her in a noticeable color!  Not only does this work for May Day but for other activities that involve crowds.

I was impressed with her moves and lack of shyness.  

These two little monkeys were having a good time as well!

Long Live Spring Break

Jed's spring break.  Somewhere in a little place called Aspen.  

Part of me was happy for him, part of me wished he would freeze his...off.  Well good thing it wasn't too long of a trip this time because we did go skiing in a place that does not involve snow too!

Why would you ever want to ski in the snow, when you can ski on glass! Jed may have been warmer than I was actually.  I don't think I have ever braved swimming in April, it was freezing.  I thought I wasn't cold until I realized I was NUMB!!! For the record, when you are numb, you do not feel cold.

Basking in the sun

A UTV ride with friends. I need one.  

Finding nests at the reservoir.

A little game of catch.

I must say this was one of my favorite Spring Break's in a long time.  Much playing, much relaxing, not so much serious beeesiness.  Perfect.

Egg Hunt

The bunny fun was abundant this year.  Elise ate a whole chocolate bunny, everyone got new swimming gear in their baskets and not one child was too permanently stained from egg dye to go to church on Sunday!

Fair

I hate the fair.  There I said it.  I'm waiting for the lightning.  I suffer for the children, and the corndogs.  American Gothic couldn't describe my joy over the fair anymore perfectly.  Okay, I guess it wasn't that bad.  Blazing hot and sweaty but the behavior exhibited by Elise kind-a made me wish we were a family of traveling carnies.  I've never seen such model behavior exhibited by the little minion.  She was happy, content, absorbed and made a smokin' awesome quail button.  (Did anyone else go in the NDOW tent?)

And I think I need a pink whale in my back yard.

Or maybe a purple one.

The bonus of the fair was Jara's ballet performance.  She was unhappy with her performance and so upset afterwards.  Nonetheless, I found great joy in watching her beautiful self so gracefully dancing.  I tried to explain to her that I was simply happy to see her on stage, being brave, dancing in front of lots of people.  Seven-year-old Joshlyn probably would have pee'd her pants in fear and ran for the hills.  (I'd like to think that was a comforting/motivating thought for her but I think the funnel cake may have proved more calming than any sage wisdom/advice.)  Ballet is hard!  Plus I do not believe the fair is the most optimal venue for a classical ballet performance!  

Fifty Something

I don't know if we ARE the fun or we ruin the fun!?  

The balloon boy

The littlest boy

The evil, plotting two-year-old's

And the birthday gift.  

Jed rescued a kitty from the slammer. 

 Penny has perpetual grumpy cat face and meows like a chain smoker.  She slinks like the Cheshire cat and puts up with the children so she's a keeper, unless she doesn't start killing rodents and then she might be back in the slammer, having violated the terms of her parole.

Happy Birthday Dad!