Signs of Spring

The tulip bulbs are starting to push their way up, even though it snowed yesterday. It was light enough tonight for the kids to play outside until eight. Our trees are starting to bud, and Ellie keeps dragging the summer clothes out of the bucket in my closet. My favorite sign of spring, however, are the chalk drawings that have started popping up on the driveway!

This is a portrait of Ellie, drawn by Janey.

They've Got Talent

This week was our ward's annual Primary Talent show. Ellie danced a couple numbers with her friends, Daniel showed off some Karate moves and Janey, who's never had a formal piano lesson, played "I am a Child of God." It's fun to watch them do what they love!

Kidnapped

Dad has been working so hard for us at work the last few months, pulling 12 to 17 hour days. We decided what he needed most for his birthday was a day off with us. So, 8:00 am on Saturday the kids ambushed him in bed. We blindfolded him and took him hostage for the day. We ended up at Village Inn for breakfast and presents.

Then it was off to The Great Salt Lake to explore. We didn't see many birds, but the gorgeous ring tailed pheasant was worth the trip! Of course it rained, because it always rains when we go exploring, but it hasn't stopped us yet. Once we hiked all over the rocks and had gotten adequately wet, we headed home for dry clothes, a hot lunch and lots of Nerf gun battles.

Happy Birthday Dad! We Love You!

Issue 93

Cookies and Tickets Galore

A weekend full on delivering cookies and selling Scout-O-Rama tickets. Both Janey and Daniel reached their goals.

Daniel sold 30 tickets the first day and qualified for a bucket (or plastic bag) of prizes.

Issue 92

Mock Trials

It's Mock Trial Season again! Whitney and Steve have practiced 3 times a week for several weeks while preparing for their competitions. Utah Law Related Education is a non-profit group of lawyers that runs this competition for students to learn about the legal system. Whitney's Senior division team competed Thursday on the defence side and Steve's Junior division team competed Friday on the Plaintiff side. They will each compete at least one more time on the opposite side.

The three to four hour trials are tried in real courtrooms around the state and judged by real attorneys. They not only learn about the legal system, but how to see both sides of an issue and how to think on their feet. Whitney was the defendant in her trial and tied for best witness. Steve was an attorney for his side. He delivered the opening statement and directed the plaintiff. He was voted best attorney by all three judges. Now they have just a week and a half to prepare for the other side of the case.

Issue 91

Presidential Eagles

On Presidents' day we made the trek out to Farmington Bay to see the Bald Eagles who are passing through. We went earlier than last year, and were rewarded by seeing many more eagles (approx. 30 or so). We also took our cousins which made our birding trip extra fun. We topped it off with a pic-nic and hot chocolate. I feel a new Presidents day tradition coming on!

Webelo Scout and the Fort of Frosting

At our troop's Blue and Gold dinner this week Daniel received his Webelo scout badge and 3 more activity badges (fitness, scholar and citizen) to go with the scientist badge he had already earned. He also got the award for the tallest cake in the cake contest.

Dinosaurs

Thanks for the trip to the dinosaur museum Aunt Brooke!

Photos by Steve L.

Issue 90

Art Show

An artist at heart, I wanted to teach my children drawing lessons this year. As I started designing the lessons, I decided that they would be so much better if we invited some other students to join us. And so, I started teaching art lessons in October. What a joy in my life! I love the amazing students I get to work with and I do the exercises right along with them, thus adding the art that has been missing for too many years from my life. This semester I've had 2 classes, with 5 students each - including 3 of my own children.

This week ended our first semester, and we celebrated everything the students learned with a formal art show Friday night. They all have progressed so much and I'm proud of their hard work and love to see their natural talent. Next semester - portraits!

Speech Tournament

Steve took 4th place in Impromptu at the Wasatch Speech and Debate tournament hosted at Weber State on Saturday. He also competed in Spar Debate. Way to go Steve! We're so proud of you!

Happy Valentines Day!

Some friends invited us to a fun family Valentines Party Saturday night. An Italian dinner, games, movies, and dancing. The best part was watching Janey and her dad dance the night away. She taught him all her best clogging moves. I even got to steal a dance with my sweetheart.

Valentines Day we had a lovely dinner at Steve's parents. The little girls spent all week hand crafting valentines cards and have given them to everyone that has crossed their path. If we missed seeing you this week, consider yourself loved!