Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!! I know...another holiday...but why not? This is one that was big in Arizona while I was growing up. We learned the Mexican hat dance in school, ate yummy Mexican food, and studied the Battle of Puebla (which this holiday commemorates). Now I haven't taught anyone the Mexican hat dance or drilled the kids on the Battle of Puebla, but I do like to celebrate the holiday with yummy Mexican food, fun filled pinatas, and family! This year I was lucky enough to have three of my four siblings join us! It was even more fun because Krystle's boys were also here to enjoy smashing the pinatas (then gorging out on the sugary sweets inside)! It was a fun evening to cap a long day!

This was my failed attempt to get a picture with all the boys prior to smashing the pinatas!

Mikey had his dog Bandit with us. Licoln LOVED Bandit. Good thing Bandit was patient with him!

Me, Mikey, Krystle, and Scott!

BYU Women's Conference

Each year BYU and the General Relief Society Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints put on a two day Women's Conference. I have had the privilege of attending this conference for 3 of the past 5 years that I've lived here. I sincerely look forward to this event each year. It is a chance to reflect and relax! For two days, I put aside my responsibilities and get to focus on myself. I love listening to the speakers share message of peace, faith, and encouragement. I am always uplifted and determined to be a little better each day (some days are obviously easier than others). This year was no different...except for the fact that BOTH of my sisters were able to join me! I loved having them there. I loved sharing my thoughts and insights. I loved bouncing ideas off them and realizing that we are all in the same boat simply trying to be better. The theme that stuck out to me with the classes I attended is the importance of prayer and revelation. This is something I will be working on! I am excited and encouraged. I am so grateful for the gospel that teaches us that we can be imperfect and still hope for exaltation through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that my sisters were with me these past two days! There is nothing more important than faith and family!

You can't go to BYU without getting a mint brownie! Just icing on top of the "brownie" of a wonderful conference!

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.