Prom

It wasn't too long ago that I was writing prom posts about the girls. I can't believe it's Dallin's turn! I really can't believe that he is almost done with his junior year of high school. Where does the time go?! I'm proud of Dallin. I feel like he's doing high school the right way. He isn't zeroing in on one specific girl to date (even though he has specific girls he likes). He is getting involved in extra curricular activities. He is doing well academically. Yes, he is doing silly stuff that I roll my eyes at, but he is a good kid trying to do good things. He is enjoying being able to take multiple girls out on multiple dates. The one thing that remains the same in all his dating experiences is the guys that join him on the dates. Dallin has two really good friends that have remained the same over the years - Tyler and Tanner. I have loved watching these crazy boys grow up together. They have played sports together, gone through scouting together, gotten in trouble together, etc.  It was fun to see them take off to pick up their dates together (as their mothers yelled after them to be gentleman, treat their dates with kindness and respect, and to be wise!). They had a blast! Here's to one more fun year of high school activities!

Dallin and Grace Haskell

Life Scout

Tonight Danny received his rank advancement to a Life Scout. For those who may not know much about scouts, there are different ranks that boys can earn as they work towards the Eagle scout rank (which is the highest rank advancement). The Life rank is just a step below Eagle! Danny has worked really hard over the past 3 years to earn merit badges, provide service, go to scout camps, serve in leadership positions, etc. It is fun to see his enthusiasm for scouting and his desire to earn an Eagle. Now onto the Eagle project and finishing up just a couple merit badges!

Tennis

This year, Danny decided to give tennis a try...and he's really enjoyed it! He says he thinks he's found the sport he would like to participate in. It has been fun to see his enthusiasm and determination as I've picked him up from practices. They are ranked into three group (intramural, JV and Varsity) then they are ranked within the groups. Danny started out in intramurals but has challenged his way up to JV and even up in ranks within JV. I was excited to finally go see a match! I have to be honest...I have absolutely no idea what is happening in the game!, but I love watching him give it his all. (I guess I should probably study up a little on the game of tennis). He had two matches this week. He didn't win the matches, but he did win a few games within the matches. I know his determination and desire will lead him to more wins throughout the season.

Tulip Festival

This is my absolute favorite time to visit Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point! It was this festival that prompted our desire to buy an annual pass...and we've never regretted it. I love the Tulip Festival! Tulips are one of my favorite flowers. I love the different varieties and colors (although yellows are my favorites). I would love to go to Holland one day to see the endless fields of these friendly flowers. I think they are the quintessential Spring flower. Today Jonas and I met up with Krystle and her boys. As you can imagine with 4 little boys, it was less of a leisurely stroll and more of a semi-crazy run through the gardens, but it was fun nonetheless. The boys would stop to try to smell the tulips and would swear that the various colors smelled different. They raced through the rose gardens, fed the fish, and played in the fountains. Jonas even decided to dip his head in the water. Silly boy! He hates to get wet but will never pass up an opportunity to splash around. I love sharing these experiences with him. I love repeating these experiences and seeing how his interests and activities change as he grows. It was a beautiful day! Even with the crowds and the rowdy boys, I could still appreciate the serene beauty of the gardens. Happy Spring!

Jonas, Nolan, Camden

This year they had these little shoes throughout the garden. It was fun to find them.

Track

This year Dallin decided to do track again. (Honestly, I think it's more for social than athletic reasons though.) In addition to high jump, Dallin is participating in the javelin throw. He is actually quite good. He is ranked 3rd at his school right now and has never thrown before this year. Then again, I'm not sure there's any sport that Dallin couldn't try that he wouldn't be good at. Because of life and weather, I haven't been able to attend many of his track meets, but this week the stars aligned and Danny, Jonas and I went. It was fun seeing him participate in his events, but it was even more enjoyable to see him having fun. He is a good kid with good friends doing good things. I can't believe that he's almost done with his junior year; what's more is that I can't believe next summer he will be leaving on his mission. Where does the time go?! Life is about the small moments...and all too soon those moments pass by. Enjoy them while they're here.

Dallin, Tanner, Hunter, Tyler

Playing frisbee while we wait for the next event.

We had an ice cream treat at Farr's after the meet.