June Fun

We are coming to a close on the first month of summer vacation.  The first two weeks of June were spent indoors because it was rainy and 50 degrees.  We did make a couple of trips to the Fun Park and McDonalds. 

However, June turned around in a hurry.  The past few weeks have been beautiful.  We have had a lot of fun.  We have been to the pool, cheered on the RAGNAR runners, celebrated Father’s Day and went to a couple of REAL soccer games. 

Six of the best men I know.  I love every one of these guys beyond belief and feel SO grateful to have the privilege of sharing time and memories with each of them.  All of them spend countless hours supporting their families.  Happy Father’s Day to you all! 

Happy Father’s Day to Jeff who has blessed my life more than I thought possible!  What an incredible father to his children and to mine!

ifrogz bought a suite at Rio Tinto Stadium and we were lucky enough to go to a REAL soccer game last Friday.  It was a beautiful  night.  We had some extra tickets so Lance, Tonia, Kendal and Taylor’s bestest friend Brytan joined us.  It was a blast!

 

BUT, by far the best thing that happened in June happened on June 24th!  Jill and Adam’s sweet little baby was born.  Jill has not posted pictures on her blog so I won’t until she does, although I AM DYING!!  Here are a few photos of the kids waiting at the hospital.  The night she was welcomed into the world all 4 of her grandparents were there, her brother, 3 aunts, 2 uncles and 6 of her cousins.  She is so loved already!!   Wait until you all see her, you WILL DIE!  What a blessing!!

Our Big Loss

Jordan lost her first tooth this week!  I was so surprised a few weeks ago when she told me it was loose because she is only 5.  In this family teeth usually come out around 7 or by force from a dentist.  Jord was relatively brave until the final moment.  By then her tooth was so loose I didn’t want her to fall asleep and choke on it (I know helicopter mother).  So we yanked it out! 

I apologize, I know this is a major close up!   Please note the concert T-shirt..  We only turn into red necks after 9:00 at night!!

My heart broke when I realized I don’t have little kids anymore.  Jordan has officially entered childhood as she put her tooth under her pillow!  Life is always an adventure with Jordie and I can’t wait to experience what is around the corner.

The kids also did swim and golf in the past few weeks.  I, once again will not win mother of the year and did not take any photos of swim lessons.  Both of the girls did great!  Taylor has graduated from lessons and completed all of the levels and Jord is about half way through.

This is the second year the kids have done golf lessons.  Mitchell, Taylor, Hunter and Reagan all participated this year.  Golf is Jeff’s sport of choice and he is really good.  Given that, he is determined to golf his kids.  So far, so good they love it!

Last but not least… And with the main purpose of making Kim and Jill laugh.  We love you Jord!

J-U-M-P

Okay!!  I know that Kim posted this event like one week ago when it happened but hey, better late than never.  Jordan has been taking jump rope class once a week the entire year.  She has really loved it!  The exercise is great and it helps with coordination. 

When the chance came to attend a 2 day jump rope camp Jord thought she was the Queen Bee!!  It was hilarious!  Kendall, Reagan and Samantha attended as well.  What a great time! 

Jordan’s perpetual refusal to smile used to drive me crazy!  Now I just run with it!

I also wanted to post a few pictures from Memorial Day.  We also celebrated my birthday that day and had a great party.  Check out the table decor!  Go Mom!!

The top left photo is of my Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Bradshaw.  Their home was actually about 3 blocks from where my home is now.  The two photos on the right at Hinckley’s grave site and the bottom left is Grandpa Pickett’s.   I think Memorial Day provides such a great opportunity to share memories about family members.  Kim’s kids had a sleep over at my house the night before Memorial Day and Hunter,  Samantha and Taylor and I got in a fascinating conversation about their ancestors who had gone before them.  It was so fun for me to talk with them about people who I remember and love so much!

25 Year of Excellence

I am sure that most of you probably read about my  Mom’s retirement party on Kim’s blog.  She actually posted right after the event instead of 10 days after!!  I am adding it as well because when I publish my blog I want all of the year’s significant events. 

My mom retired after teaching public school for 25 years.  She was an excellent teacher and came highly requested by parents.  As a parent, with children in the public school system an teacher with strong skills AND character is so important!

Jeff made her a video over her teaching experience and he titled it 25 years of excellence!  We had a great night at the Riverwoods, what a beautiful place.

As a gift to my Mom for her retirement we gave her a Greg Olsen painting..

A few days later Jeff and I had the opportunity to go to Greg Olsen’s studio and meet him in person.  What an amazing man with an incredible story.  He signed my Mom’s picture for her.

Here are a few more photos from our afternoon with him…

“Pun Park”

When Taylor was about 3 her favorite place in the world was the fun park.  She could not speak well and called it the “pun park.”  The name has stuck!  Taylor wanted to have an “end of school birthday party” so about 1 1/2 weeks ago we had her party!  Yes, I am that far behind on the blog.  My goal is to post every night this week to catch up with the past few weeks events.

Taylor had 17 friends and cousins and we had an incredible time.  A few days before the party Taylor told me one of her friends was planning on giving her a rabbit and asked if it was okay.  I said “I guess”  not really believing it would happen.  Well, a crazy thing happens when you raise your children in the country!  Kids bring live animals for birthday presents.  Taylor’s friend gave her the cutest little bunny.  He was the most popular boy there!  I am sure he will be getting lots of future birthday invites!!

Taylor is an extremely kind person and it showed by the turn out of her party.  She is such a genuine and fun person and it is so rewarding for me as a parent to watch her with such fun friends.  She was also able to have most of her cousins there.  Thanks to Kim for staying the ENTIRE time and helping!!!