A Day in the Life...

Above was Copper's first day of Kindergarten last fall.  Below is the last day.  She had a great 'last week,' full of parties and games and activities... and sad because it was over and she would desperately miss her friends.  I'm sure she'll have summer play dates and hopefully have a handful of friends in her coming year 1st grade class. Needless to say, Copper became an expert reader and writer this year.   She writes her own chapter books, reads and reads and reads, and teaches the twins all about it.  Happy that school agrees with her. And... a picture of her hair just because it's cute.

These girls love their papa!!!  She might be really upset later... but this is a sick Copper (from about a month ago) who settled in on the toilet with a blanket, pillow, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the IPad. My Micah, trying on some oversized hats and looking pretty beautiful! My Dakota, also looking beautiful.  Even when asleep at the counter during lunch time! A few weekends ago we headed to the Payson Temple open house.  It was cold, windy, and a downpour.  The line to get into the temple was long, long, longer, and wet.  We hardly fit under one umbrella.  By the time we got into the temple, the girls were done and just wanted to leave.  It was so crowded, and such a dripping wet crowd, they rushed everyone through and I didn't get the time I wanted to explain temple ordinances to the girls. At least we got one picture (under the visitor's center tent).  Yes, those are white shoe covers that ...

Copper graduated Kindergarten last week.  All of the classes sang their hearts out, most of the mom's teared up during  "Proud to be an American" and "What a Wonderful World," and the kids obviously loved the attention.  After the program we headed back to Copper's class for her certificate and up-close congratulations.  Afterward she posed with friends and looked forward to starting first grade.  Since there was still nearly two weeks of school left, the kids were a bit confused about having to go back and still  be in Kindergarten. Ms. Whittle, Copper's teacher this year, has been amazing.  She is kind, firm, and very loving.  She is enthusiastic every day. "Ahoy, mateys," she says loudly when she wants their attention. "Ahoy, Captain," they immediately say back while stopping everything they're doing to pay attention.  Super cute.  I'm so happy to have spent several times a month in her room helping.  For as many class...

A few weeks ago we celebrated Taryn's birthday by having some of her friends over and going to Jump On It.  It was also Copper's turn to celebrate her birthday (and all the other summer birthdays) at school.  And Barb's birthday is in May!  Happy Birthday to those we love!

This year for Mother's Day I got showered.  I woke up to breakfast and probably 30 cards from Copper, Micah, and Kota.  Copper made me a plate at school (a picture of me making cookies, haha) and they also sent me on a treasure hunt around the house.  The day before, Tim took me to buy what I asked for (a gallon of paint).  Time to cross off some projects.  I'm so grateful for my family and these three girls and to Tim for making me a mom and wife.  And I'm grateful for all those in our world that help raise my kids. 

I'm happy we get in to the Tulip Festival with our Thanksgiving Point pass.  Grandma, Taryn, the girls and I checked it out a few weekends ago and were not disappointed.  In their sure personalities... Copper was very concerned with the map and where we were headed... Dakota was tired of walking... and Micah wanted to run places she wasn't supposed to.  All in good fun and just beautiful! My mom and I were talking about this HUGE piece of land and what it was when I was growing up, which was the Fox farm.  They were in our ward and I went to school (and church) with their kids.  We went on Young Women activities to their house and 'toured' the animals on the farm.  One day they sold it all for a million dollars.  Steal of a freaking deal.  Welcome Thanksgiving Point.  They are an awesome part of Lehi's community.  We love it there!

These gals love to play house.  Their favorite is to have their parents die.  Usually I hear, "Okay, our mom is dead. She died."  When I ask how I died, Dakota always says, "Well, from the hot lava."  As if there was no other way.  She is so cute; she's such a cheeser for the camera but has an incredible smile and fun personality.  The other day I was helping Copper read a book for school.  Dakota came up and asked for something (can't even remember what).  Conversation as follows: Me: Dakota, I can't help you right now, I'm listening to Copper so you'll have to wait.  Or... you have another parent you can ask. Copper: Yea, Kota, ask Dad.  Hey mom, if dad died, you know what would happen?  Kota would just have to wait." And last night the girls were fighting over who got to sit by me for bedtime stories and songs.  Doesn't matter if I'm within touch, it's a battle of who is sitting right next to me.  So...