Lindon Utah Temple groundbreaking

I got the amazing assignment from Church News to attend the Lindon Utah Temple groundbreaking on Saturday, April 23, and I took Andrew with me for some one-on-one time. I also hoped it would be something he would remember his whole life.

The program started in the chapel, and then we walked up the road to the site. After the photo ops and the others in the temple district all got a chance to turn a shovel of dirt, Andrew got a turn, too.

It was a little cold and windy, but he was a trooper as he waited for me to get the interviews I needed.

Afterward, we grabbed some lunch and then drove the 45 minutes home and I was happy to listen to all the cool things he loves to talk about and all his ideas that just brim from his brain. Spending time with him was a joy!

Then I had to write the story and turn it in. Here it is: https://www.thechurchnews.com/temples/2022-04-23/lindon-utah-temple-groundbreaking-signals-how-the-lord-is-hastening-his-work-251862

I've been able to give a few presentations now to different wards about my experiences with temple building. I am thrilled each time I hear of a new temple being built!

Max's tennis season

Another high school tennis season has come to an end for our dedicated Maxwell! He only lost a couple matches all year, and he had a second place finish for 3rd Singles in the region. Here he is with his medal after the region tournament ended on May 5.

JB got to go that day. He was able to go to many of Max's matches. Whenever I went too, I always knew I could count on JB to tell me the score, because he keeps it all so well in his head.

Look at that form and reach!

Max took a sports psychology class this year, and learned some good mindfulness/relaxation/concentration techniques. This is between matches.

Max's good friend Andy is also on the team.

I had to throw this picture in here from April 21. JB took it one morning as the kids were going to school (Ben had already left on the bus for middle school). Notice the tennis rackets in Max's backpack and his long curly hair!

Millie and dance

 January through April, Millie went to a dance class every Wednesday and she loved it. Absolutely loved every moment. 

And she was especially excited for her dance recital, when she got to wear a little bit of makeup! 

Here she is with her friend Hazel. We carpooled this year.

After her dances, which involved lollipop and cupcake props and candy-themed songs, we tried a selfie outside and this is what she gave us. Full of personality and sass!

When we said smile, this is what we got next.

While she was watching her brothers play basketball, I asked her if she might like to try a sport like soccer or basketball next. She said sure -- if she could still do dance.

James's basketball season

James played on a Boys and Girls Club basketball team this spring. I was so proud of his attitude and hustle! He has come a long way from that first soccer experience when he called the other team "the bad guys."

I could not find anything near us (Salt Lake City kept a lot of programs and activities closed a lot longer than other cities or even the county parks and rec program). When I did find something, I had missed the deadline to register. 

So we drove to Murray twice a week, and he played down on a 2nd grade team. But the level was perfect for him, as he is a young 3rd grader and hasn't played any organized sports in 2 years (because SLC closed almost everything for Covid). And thankfully after the first night and the feedback they received, the venue stopped trying to require kids to play in face masks. 

Millie went to every game, either with me or with JB. James even got a basket or two! But I was proudest of how he never complained about going, and he cheered for his teammates and encouraged them. We got some great video of his celebratory dances down the court.