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Adoption: It's a beautiful thing!

 Our neighbors just brought two beautiful twin daughters into their home after a few crazy weeks of extreme ups and downs!  We are so happy for them and their family.  These baby girls are very lucky to have the parents they do and big brother. 

A little visit to Little Rock, AR

 Dave and I spent 6 days in Little Rock, AR from May 5-10.  It was great catching up with the Johnstons, who moved there back in November.  The area grew on us and we enjoyed the southern hospitality and people so much. 

 Central High School:  a little piece of history!

 Authentic southern dining:  downtown Little Rock!

 Date Night with the Johnstons- a must!

Good times with Great people!  Thanks for the memories!

Our First Track Meet.....and Jaxson's "Moment!"

 One thing I have worked really hard to do is to expose our children to different things so they can find their own talents and ambitions.  Jaxson has been a tough one:  he didn't like the two years of soccer we sat through, two seasons of baseball and a season of football.  All he asked for was gymnastics, so I put him in a class this past January.  And he has thrived!

One evening, I had a rare opportunity to just sit and watch him in class.  During the warm-up, the boys were asked to run.  Jaxson runs so beautifully.  I watched him and thought, "That boy should be running."  Luckily, my neighbor had told me about a track program her daughter had run with so I carefully crafted a conversation with Jax about track on the way home.  And it worked:  he said he would do it!

Our first track meet!  It was awesome!  The kids had their new shoes and were ready to run! 

Jaxson ended up coming in first place in his heat for the 50 m and the 100 m.  He was the overall winner for the 100 m!  So cool!

Run, son, RUN!  You are so far in the lead!  YAY!!!!!

"Love You"

 Every Tuesday, Taylor has voice lessons a short distance from where I teach, so I always take the kids to my classroom for 45 minutes so I can attempt to get a few things done and the kids can play school.

Last week, Jaxson asked me if he could leave a message for my students on the white board.  I didn't want to erase it so I said, "No, son."  Then Jaxson asked if he could write notes to put on their desks.  I was in the middle of lesson planning and gave a quick "Sure, whatever" so I could focus on what I was doing. 

When it was time to leave, I stood up and looked at the 43 desks in the classroom.  On each corner was a little note:

I about DIED!  I went to take them off and Jaxson threw a fit so in my mind, I thought I would leave it until I arrived the next morning.

Fourteen hours later, when I arrived, the notes seemed even funnier to me, so I decided to see what the students' reaction would be!  I locked my door and we gathered out in the hall.  I explained to them that my son had left them a note.  When they walked in, they all died laughing!  The kids LOVED the notes.  Many students put them on their shirts and wore them around all morning.  Other students left theirs there for the next class. 

And best, when I arrived the next morning to work, guess what was hanging on my classroom door?

:)

Yes, Jaxson, "love you" was the best thing that has happened at work in a long, long time.   And we love you too.

Random Spring Moments

 Spring sports begin!  Luckily, we are enjoying the fun times with our friends and family!

 Taylor and Jaxson having fun together.  I love this picture!

 Cutting off the stringy baby hair from Alyssa.  She LOVES her new shag!

 Baby girl gave daddy her winter hat....and laughed when he wore it.  Time for pictures!

 This is how I found Jaxson and Alyssa sleeping one Saturday morning.  

Ohhhh, my heart.....

Spring Days!

One day after school, the kids decided it was warm enough to get their swimming suits on and bask in the sun!

They were so adorable, I had to snap some pictures:

Pinewood Derby 2012

 With Jaxson new to scouts, we were excited to learn that one of his first experiences would be the Pinewood Derby!  And it didn't disappoint.  Jaxson and Dave worked and worked on their model.  They loved sanding it and choosing the colors.  Jaxson was so involved and that excited Dave to pieces.

We didn't place but that didn't seem to matter.  Jaxson was so proud of his car. Here's our boy!

 Dave wanted in this picture because it was a co-effort!

Proud dad!

Three....and still won't potty-train

 Me:  Alyssa, let's put on those new undies mommy bought you!

Alyssa:  No mom.  I want my diaper.  I don't like undies.

Me:  But Alyssa, they are soooo cute!  And you will be a big girl.

Alyssa:  No mom.  I don't wanna be a big girl.  I'm a baby.

Me:  (sigh) 

Taylor turns 11/ Baseball Fever Begins

 BASEBALL FEVER

It has begun.  Baseball Fever.  And we love it!

Austin has been so excited to play again.  Even better, Brigham, Rees, JJ and Cade are all on the same team so conversation at the games is really fun!

 Uncle Steve and Aunt Cheri came to watch Austin play along with his biggest fans: Poppie and Grandma Barbie who come support the kids in everything. 

 Taylor and Stacy enjoyed snowcones at the game.  Sugar City...

Taylor Jae turns 11- where is the time going?

 Can it be that 11 years ago, we welcomed our little squealing darlin' into our home?  She is becoming the most lovely person!  We are so blessed to call her our daughter and love her to death.

 Poppie enjoyed watching the girls play in our backyard.

 Taylor loved her chocolate and whipped cream cake with pudding!  The kids sang so cute for her birthday.

 One fun idea that the girls had was to have Taylor cover her eyes and try to guess who was saying, "Happy Birthday" in a strange voice.  We laughed and laughed at each girl's hysterical, mysterious voice.

And....Taylor guessed most of them correctly the first time!

 Besties:  Ashlyn, Taylor and Stacie

 The girls dressed up Austin so he would fit in with the performers. He is so adorable.

 We made microphone cupcakes as a craft.  The girls loved these.

And there were painted nails too.......

At the end of the evening, Taylor informed me that it was the best birthday ever!  I was so happy for her excitement.  She is the greatest girl.  Happy Birthday Taylor!