That one time when my house was this clean

As I cleaned every last inch of my house, I was reminded of the many memories that this house holds for my family.

  All 3 of my children learned to walk in this living room.

So many family meals, birthdays, art projects, and games were played in this room.

This room now serves as our homeroom for all things school. 

Baking cookies with the kids and learning to make the perfect rack of lamb are favorite memories from this kitchen.

 

This is such a special place for our favorite boy. He explores the world, lands his planes and builds train tracks to Australia.  

 

He learned to read the Book of Mormon in this room.

 

Once shared by all 3 kids, this room is now my girls' paradise.  It is a princess castle, a jungle, a veterinarian hospital, and a place to snuggle and give good night kisses.

 

This has been my retreat from the world when it is most needed.

Glad we'll be taking all these memories with us.

It's my party and I'll cry if I want to

Earlier this year I had a brilliant idea for Addy's birthday party.  I knew that we would be getting our house ready to sell and would be busy with homeschooling so I thought a stress-free party at The Little Gym would be perfect.  Addy loves The Little Gym and would have a great time with her friends. What I did not plan for was the awful stomach bug that hit our family 2 weeks ago that really took the wind out of Addy's sails.  She is still napping daily and is easily fatigued.  

 She anxiously anticipated her birthday party but woke up that morning complaining of feeling tired. She took a two hour nap in the morning and was happy and excited when she woke up to get ready for her party. She chose a new peacock shirt and pink cheetah leggings to wear with her light up shoes.  She was ready!

 

She started out all smiles with her friends.

This is how I like to remember her at the party.

They played games with Mr. Ythan.

 Her friends "smashed the pizza".  It was really fun to see all of the kids run and slam into the mat.

 They jumped on the air trampoline and then helped to deflate it.

 They tried out all of the gymnastics equipment.

 Addy loves her gymnastics class and the bars are her favorite.

And then this happened.  She became very upset when I went to light the candle on her cupcake.  She said it was not really her birthday and so we could not sing.  She was so upset.  Then she perked up for the pinata, only to be sad that it was broken. She was unwilling to say good-bye to her sweet friends and cried and cried. She fell asleep on the way home and she did not want to talk about the party the rest of the day. Today she was finally up to opening her presents from her friends. She has yet to eat a cupcake that I made for her party. We'll see how her REAL birthday goes tomorrow.   We are so glad for good friends who came to celebrate with Addy and were gracious in their good-byes as Addy melted down.

Some Recent Photos

We've started the new year with lots of fun.  Visits from Grandma and Grandpa Parry, Aunt Ann and a trip for Ryan and Amy to Florida.  But before we launch into documenting this new year.  Here are some highlights from Christmas.

We celebrated Christmas Eve at home with our friends the Springs.  Little Bird, their adorable little girl, played Baby Jesus in our family nativity.  She also liked the crown of the wise men:)

 The wise men offer baby Jesus their gifts.  Notice the camels!

 Addy the tiger participated as a shepherd and then showed us her ability to fold herself in half!  She would make a great contortionist.

 Addy and her tent/Doctor's office/dragon cave/penguin nest. . .   She loves a good place to call her own.

 Nose to nose with his favorite new airplane. 

 Jessie the Cowgirl on her trusty horse.  She leads the pack!

 stamping it up!

 He loves to shovel!

 Lunch at the surgical center with Ryan.  Always a favorite with the kids and the nurses.

 Building snow forts and making snowballs!

50 Years!

Happy 50th anniversary to my parents!  They are the best parents and grandparents.  We love you!

Great Grandma Matthews

 Or I could call this post one of our fun trip to Utah.  We spent time with 3 grandmas and a grandpa and lots of cousins and friends. 

 Madison aka Addy with Great Grandma Matthews.  Grandma gave her a whole set of books that she called her "library".  She still sleeps with these little books and loves to read them, stack them and share them with Ella.  Madison the dog spent much time barking and playing at Grandma Matthews house.

 Eleanor stole the show with her giggles and sweet smile. She would even let Great Grandma snuggle with her.  Addy loves this little bear that Grandma gave her and calls it her baby.  She loves to give it kisses and will have everyone else give it kisses too.

 Jack and his cargo plane.  Hours and hours of entertainment.  He is very knowledgeable about all aircraft. He still plans to be a pilot and has even offered to be our personal pilot when he is older. 

 Saying goodbye is always sad.  Wish we lived closer but we're really glad that we can get back for a visit each year and that Ryan got to join us this year.  It had been a while.  We love you Grandma Matthews.

Summer has officially started

 Look who is so excited to move up from Kindergarten to First Grade!!!!

 (this was right after they called his name to recognize him as moving up.)

 Singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider in English and Espanol.

 Jack and his reading and writing teacher, Mrs. Matela.  I was able to volunteer weekly in her class and loved watching all of the kids learn and grow over the year.  She is wonderfully patient and kind.

 Mr. Padron was the best kindergarten teacher.  He was thrilled with Jack's passion for airplanes and learning.  He found ways to engage with Jack on his level that were wonderful.  Jack loved Mr. Padron and had a great year.

 Outside the school.  I love that his school sits on the home site of Frederick Douglas and that they have a Frederick Douglas Club that puts on plays and has a speech competition.  Here's hoping that one of my kids will want to participate in this club.

Looking forward to 1st Grade with  a summer full of fun first!