20 May 2012 - W&J Graduation

This week was the end of finals and graduation.  I was able to participate in the baccalaureate program on Friday night.  This picture was taken at commencement Saturday morning.  Despite an exceptionally busy week, I only have this one picture to show for it.

It's hard to believe the school year is already over.

April, come she will. When streams are ripe and swelled with rain;
May, she will stay. Resting in my arms again.
June, she´ll change her tune. In restless walks she´ll prowl the night;
July, she will fly. And give no warning to her flight.
August, die she must. The autumn winds blow chilly and cold;
September, I´ll remember. A love once new has now grown old.

~ Paul Simon, 1966

13 May 2012 - Mother's Day

This week was science fair week for Emily.  Her project, 'How Gassy is your Soda', proved scientifically that A&W Rootbeer has the most carbon dioxide (at least out of A&W, Diet Coke, Sunkist and Sprite).

On Friday, Joanne and I made the trip to Washington D.C. to attend the wedding of a couple in our ward.  This young man had been my first assistant in the Priest's quorum a few years ago.  On Saturday, I performed a traditional ceremony for them with their families, since most are not members of the church.  It was nice to be a part of both, and we were glad to be with them in the temple.

The girls and I made Joanne a surf-and-turf Mothers Day meal.  It was mega yummy.

6 May 2012 - Yardwork & Crafts

Like it or not, it's time to get the yard in shape.  The garden I put in last year had settled a good bit, so I back-filled with a yard of top soil.

The mulch in the flower beds took me two weekends.  I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out, but I'm starting to feel like Danny Glover in Lethal Weapon.

On Saturday evening, we had a girls camp kick off meeting.  I got to 'help' the girls make bird houses.

Joanne's been spending hours on this pillow for Aunt Amy.  It's pretty smashing.

29 April 2012 - Springtime

We've been enjoying warmer weather lately.  The girls were good and did their work, so they were rewarded with some outstanding Italian ice.

Our young men's and women's presidencies organized a Minute to Win It joint activity for the youth.  Here's Jessica doing a cracker balancing event.

On Saturday, Joanne and I were invited to a black tie fund raising dinner in Washington.  It was billed as "A Night at the Movies."  The entertainment was pretty good, the food was decent, and it was nice to get dressed up and have an evening out.

22 April 2012 - Emily's Birthday

Emily turned 10 this weekend.  She had a party for her friends with a Hello Kitty cake.

Then we had a family party, with a chocolate checkerboard cake.

Emily received many presents and cards (thanks to all), but the one that brought a priceless expression was her very own cell phone.  Sorry, I won't be posting her number online for ya'll.

15 April 2012 - Kid stuff

Hi all,

The girls had an event at school this past month. They made art which was printed onto any number of overpriced gizmos for parents to buy. Emily got an apron with her art, and used it to make us breakfast.

Mommy got some trivets for hot pots and pans on the kitchen table. The seascape one is Madeline's art. Jessica's school didn't do this project, so no art from her.

I've been working on my motorcycle some. I went for a ride on a warm day in March and flipped a rock into my sprocket and busted a few teeth. So I ordered a new chain and new sprockets for the bike and put them on. I've also been concerned about the girls sliding off the back when I take them for rides, so I got a sissy bar and put that on too. It has flames on it.

The girls had their swim team banquet this weekend where we all had dinner, and they received a yearbook and a stat sheet with all their race times. They're already looking forward to the upcoming summer season.

8 April 2012 - Easter

Happy Easter!  We had a nice one.  On Saturday morning we had an Easter Egg hunt.  Madeline was concerned that the egg gathering might not be fair.  They did a nice job with it though.

Even if they hadn't managed it well though, I think the girls could have managed OK.

They succeeded at bringing in a pretty good haul.

Lunch was also served, so we enjoyed the bright sunlight, despite the relatively cool breeze.

On Saturday evening, the girls colored their Easter Eggs.

And there were a few small Easter bunnies that found their way onto our table.

Emily's hair made the girls late for church on Sunday, so we needed to immortalize her fancy up-do.

We hope wherever you were and whatever you were doing, that you had a good Easter too!