Sandhill Crane

As I dropped the kids off to school and was heading home, I saw these huge birds flying over a field on the way home. The seriously reminded me of what I imagine a pterodactyl would look like as it flew low to the ground. I mean, HUGE! They have an interesting cry as well. I wish my camera on my phone took clearer pictures but I was quite surprised to see these birds so close to the road. Of course the field is quite swampy because it is just north of Utah Lake. There were 4 of them. They were still there in the afternoon but were gone the next day. 

"Noodles" the Pirate-May 2018

Ava has done drama this year in school and has enjoyed it quite a bit. I've loved that it has helped her to be more outgoing and build her confidence. Just last week they performed "Peter Pan" and Ava was the pirate, "Noodles". She did an amazing job and remembered all her lines. She had quite a few and she spoke them as any pirate should. She sounded great and was so dang cute. 

Ethan, Ava, Jake, and Eli

Eli, mom, and Ava

Ava and her best friend, McKensie Stout. Kensie was of course the Indian chief.

Hannah Hyde (Ava rides horses with Hannah) as Nanna and Millie Haws as a lost boy.

Ava, Hannah, London Anderson (Mrs. Darling), Norah Haws and Millie Haws as lost boys.

First Oral Report (May 2018)

Eli had his first oral report this month. They could pick any animal to learn about and then teach the class what they learned. Eli picked horses because he's been almost as obsessed over them as Ava has been. We bought a book all about horses and he picked his favorite things and cut out pictures that represented what he learned. Then he memorized the information and shared it all with his class. He did a great job and I was holding my breathe because at home it changed each time he told it. (Once he said "You should never walk behind a horse because it will kick you. It will kick you right in the privacies". I told him we probably shouldn't say "privacies" in a school report. So when it came time to give it I was just hoping he remembered what I said. And he did thank goodness!) His teacher said he did a really great and he was such a proud kid!

Mother's Day 2018

My sweet kids gave me the sweetest notes for Mother's Day. They know my favorite thing is their words of love. We had a great time Saturday and Sunday just being together and running errands, cleaning, yard work and Dennis bought me a phone (he broke mine the week before). We went to Chuck-a-Rama Saturday for lunch since Ethan was still recovering and that had lots of choices for him. I felt loved and it was a wonderful weekend. (We went to G&G Ralph's and took them dinner on Sunday. And we played cards and had Costa Vida the following Saturday with Grandma Merrill).

Joan and Dennis (They can't believe their babies are 45 now!)

Brad, Ava, Grandma, Ethan, Jake
Eli (he was ready to go home;)

Grand Canyon-April 2018

Ava, Eli, Jake, and Brad

It was hard to get the kids and the immensity of the Grand Canyon in the same picture.

You can see the Colorado River in this picture.

Pictures just can't do this amazing place justice!

On our way down to Ellie's, we stopped at the Grand Canyon. It was absolutely the most amazing natural beauty I've ever seen. It is so massive and rugged. I have more pictures that I will have to add but I'm so glad we stopped to see this incredible place.

Eli turns 6 (April 15, 2018)

Eli turned 6 this year on the 15th of April. On his birthday we bought him a red beta fish and made him a cake and had a special dinner. Then a week later we had a party for him at the Durrant farm. He invited 5 little friends (one couldn't make it) to go with him. They were able to ride the horses and pet/brush little Hugo for two hours so they each had plenty of time to ride. They loved the little farm too and each of them LOVED riding. Most of them had never been on a horse before. After riding horses, we all went back to our house for pizza, cake, and opening presents. Eli said it was the best party and we wants to do it again next year. :)

Birthday boy getting his red beta fish.

Look at that proud little face. He was so excited to get to ride the big horse "Smoke 'em"

I love this face!

Max. He's a very friendly horse who was watching the party the whole time. He loved to smell Ava's hair.

Ava was able to lead the kids around the arena the whole time. She was in heaven.

Hugo the mini. He thinks he's a big stallion and doesn't really enjoy the pampering from the kids but they love him.

Dennis helping Eli up on Fizzy. She likes to do her own thing but was a good girl for the kids.

Eli loved going around on each horse.

Look at those eyes. The little alpacas were just shaved a couple weeks before Eli's party.

Austin Anderson, Ava, Danny Islas, Eli, Henry Haws, and Taylor Islas

So excited to feed the alpacas.

My little Soccer Player

Eli with his poster about himself. He was able to share it with his class and was so proud. (Jake helped him of course).

Taking a quick snapshot before his game.

This boy can kick with either foot. Most kids only use their dominant foot but he does just as good with his left as his right.

He's a natural!

I love to watch him play soccer. He has great instincts about when to get back and play defense and has saved his team from being scored on so many times.

Spring Break-2018 (April 3-8)

The kids begged to go to St.George for Spring Break again this year. They really wanted Rachel's kids to come too but Dillan had to work and Autumn had softball games so we took Hunter and Jesse and had a blast together. We hiked a ton, swam, went to the movies, the boys went bowling and hiking on their own, and we ate out a bit but not too much. They loved every second of it. Jill came and spent the night Friday (she was meeting up with her twin sister) and then Deanna and Zeke and Jason came Saturday. We always have a great time together. I'll have to find our other pictures of the pool and other activities and add them as well.