Dancing Princess

Riley started dance classes in February this year. She took a class taught by Miss Lori (who is our Bishop's mom) at the rec center near us. Her class was an hour long, once a week, and was split between tap and jazz. In May all the classes performed at a spring recital held at the Henderson Pavilion. It was a very special day for Riley. She was so very excited to dance for her daddy and all the other parents. On the day of the recital she was super happy. She loved getting all dressed up and getting to put on make-up. We arrived early as requested and during the wait from roll-call to the start of the show Riley got super grumpy and was crying. I was certain that she wouldn't dance. Thankfully her lovey was in the car so I gave it to her to hold while back stage and with that and the help of some of the older girls who were helping out back stage her mood changed and she came out smiling for both her numbers and did a wonderful job. She smiled the whole time and you could tell that she was enjoying being on stage. The best part of the night was just after she finished her second dance, she jumped and clapped for herself when everyone else was clapping. I'm so glad I got it on video. 

End of Year Awards Ceremonies

I am so pleased with the hard work and dedication that my boys put into their schooling. They love school and they work hard doing their best each day. Both Braden and Carter were put on the Principals List for achieving straight A's this school year. They also received other awards as well for excellence in different areas of learning. Carter was also chosen by his teacher to receive the Presidential Award. I love these boys so much and am grateful that they love school. 

At a special VIP luncheon the kids held for their parents.

Carter had two wonderful teachers this year. Mrs. Wright (left) had to miss the last couple months of school because she had a baby. Carter absolutely adored her and was so happy that she came back to spend the last couple of weeks of school with his class and Mrs. Shaw (right) took over the class during Mrs. Wrights absence was also wonderful. Carter was so blessed to have two teachers who adored him and pushed him to do his very best. 

Braden wasn't so sure of his class placement at the beginning of the year. He was placed in a class purposefully to help kids who were struggling in their studies. Braden was a great sport and as it turned out, he had a very special and wonderful year. I had the opportunity to talk with all the 3rd grade teacher and they each said that Mrs. Fletcher's class, Braden's class, was very unique and special. They each picked that class as the best of 3rd grade. Braden grew immensely in his studies and was off the charts in his testing. He reads now up to an 8th grade reading level and is on a 6th grade level in Math.

Baseball, Spring 2016

The boys had a fantastic season playing baseball this spring. They each improved a lot in their abilities. 

Carter played coach-pitch this year and was the best hitter on his team. He always got a good hits and his coaches had him play pitcher, short stop or second because he was quick to get the ball and has a great arm. He was really blessed to have great coaches who took the time to teach the kids the game and encouraged them all season long. Yay, Muck Dogs!

Braden struggled a little at the beginning of the season with the change from coach-pitch to kid pitch. He is a great hitter but had a tough time deciding when to hit. It didn't help that many of the pitches were all over the place, but as the season progressed he got better and better and even got a great hit during his last game. Braden is quick and has an excellent arm. His coach had him play 2nd base all season. He was fantastic in his position and was able to get many outs and even caught a fly ball. I didn't take any pictures of him playing (not sure why) but I did get a couple great videos of his hit and catches. Braden's coach was wonderful and all the boys on his team worked really well together. They were a great team; go Hooks!

The Land of Lincoln

My Sister, Megan, invited me to go with her on a business trip to Chicago so she could attend a LuLaRoe Tour Training. I was super excited for the opportunity to share a few days with her and to support her in her new business. Chicago was an exciting city to visit; very busy with lots of people. I loved exploring and seeing all the sites.

Crown Fountain

Art Institute of Chicago

Cloud Gate

Giordono's Pizza

At the LuLaRoe training

Portillo's Hot Dogs

John Hancock Building

Chicago Theater

Tulips Everywhere!

As part of our visit we decided to rent a car and drive down to Nauvoo. Before heading out of the city though, we stopped here at Oz park to see these cool statues.

We also stopped at Wrigley Field. It was game day and there were so many people already arriving at the field even though the game didn't start for hours.

We arrived late in the evening, but just in time to see one of the shows put on by the senior missionaries serving in Nauvoo, Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo. The following morning we participated in an Endowment session at the temple. The Nauvoo Temple is so beautiful. Before leaving the temple we were able to take a peek at the baptistry and see some special artifacts on display inside the temple. (This was a very special surprise as they usually don't let everyone see these while in the temple. It was even more special knowing the items on display belonged to Kameron and my kids direct ancestors, Hyrum Smith and Mary Fielding Smith.)

The Homestead

The Mansion House

Red Brick Store

Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Graves

Hyrum Smith, Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Smith Graves

In the Women's Garden

Original Sunstone from the Nauvoo Temple

On our way back to Chicago we also stopped at Carthage Jail.

Hole left by bullet that killed Hyrum Smith

Upper window of Carthage Jail through which Joseph Smith Jr. fell

I was so very grateful to see so many exciting and informative sites while on this little get-a-way trip with my sister. We had a lot of fun together and I loved learning more about my family's history.