This is the Place

 Tuesday, June 14, was the yearly free day at This is the Place Heritage State Park. I worked more in the morning and evening and took time in the middle of the day and took Andrew, James and Millie. It's not far from our house. 

I tried to explain to the kids the significance of the spot -- there's a small historical marker where it is believed Brigham Young looked up out of his wagon in July 1847 and said, "This is the right place. Drive on." Now there's a big monument there and so many things to do.

We rode on the big train...

And the little train...

There are historical cabins and homes and blacksmith shop and mill and school and on and on, but I think the favorite spot was with the goats and sheep.

Millie was the right height to ride a horse around in a circle, and was quite patient during the wait in line.

We also tried handcarts.

Then we met Suzanne and the cousins. Andrew loves baby Lou as much as he loves baby goats.

They got to pose on a horse.

Riding the train again with cousins.

And exploring the Indian village area.

James is 9

I really cannot believe James is now 9. I remember sitting on our old couch, before heading in to be induced, and getting a blessing from JB. I don't ask for blessings at all, but I felt the need that morning. And I'm grateful (read his birth story here).

He opened presents first thing in the morning of his birthday. He had been waiting downstairs as soon as he woke up, treating it a little like Christmas. He got new shoes and dinosaurs and Pokemon cards and a new Pokemon binder to hold the cards.

The Primary planted this sign in our yard (I used to do that for other kids but now I have a new calling!)

We went to get Tonyburgers for lunch.

I made a baby Charizard from Pokemon for the cake. James drew it on the parchment paper, and I filled it in with buttercream then froze it overnight, put it on the cake, and pulled off the parchment paper.

James has mellowed over the years but still feels many things fiercely. He eats Reese's Peanut Butter Crunch cereal every morning, and if he doesn't care for dinner, makes himself a peanut butter and Nutella sandwich. He'd prefer we get Little Caesar's Pizza more often and keep the freezer stocked with Dino Nuggets from Costco.

I'm paying him for each book he reads, and sometimes he remembers to work toward that goal. He'd rather play with Legos or watch a show. Just about every day this summer he has begged for a playdate with anyone more fun than us, and he lives for any Primary activity and wishes they were every Wednesday night.

He gives great squeezy hugs, and likes a kiss on the cheek before giving you a kiss on the cheek at bedtime or when leaving the house to go somewhere. He is a joy.

School's out

We had a very busy last week or so of school, with concerts and parties and activities. I can't remember that many school days being spent NOT on learning, but I guess when the tests are all done before the end of May, yet school goes through June 3, they have to do something.

On Memorial Day, Max said he and Ben would take Andrew on a walk. And then they took this picture from Chick-Fil-A hahahaha.  I think they were celebrating the last week of school.

Here's James as his class left the stage after their music performance.

Andrew went with the 5th graders to JA Biz Town. He was an executive and gave a speech.

This is what he purchased with his CEO earnings.

The kids also brought home lots of their artwork.

Millie's kindergarten class had a family program of songs and recitals.

Max had a tennis banquet where he was given his letter and all-region awards.

Ben had an orchestra day at Lagoon, and lots of last-minute SBO activities as he finished up his time at middle school. He also came with me to the elementary school arts night.

Here's Millie and her friend Haddie at our stake center where they had Thursday treats celebrating the end of school the next day.

The last day of school was on a Friday but I don't think Max and Ben even went the whole day, if at all. The three littles posed with their backpacks.

Millie with her beloved Mrs Moray, who also taught Andrew and James and is retiring this year.

I met them at their meeting spot on the kindergarten playground. Next year, these three will need a new spot to meet before walking home together, because, as Millie says, she will be a "fuhst gradah."

So long 11th, 8th, 5th, 3rd and kindergarten! 

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.