When I grow up...

Sophie wants to be a Police Officer (at least today)

Wouldn't want to mess with her! lol

Sophie arresting her classmate during her report, doesn't she look official?

And Sage wants to be a Firefighter

Telling about her poster

Any questions?

They wanted to stay in their uniforms all day after school

They just finished career month in Kindergarten. They learned a lot from the guest speakers each day (parents sharing what they do for a living). Then they each got to choose what they want to be when they grow up, prepare a report, and share it with the class.

The girls were so excited to share. When they got there, they were a little giggly, then got right down to business and did an super job. Sophie chose Police Officer. She pulled out objects from her bag and told how each one is used. I about died (& tried not to laugh) when she pulled out a play gun and said matter of factly "this is what we use to shoot bad guys". I wasn't going to let her bring the play gun to school (most likely against school code), but you can't be a police man without a gun. Good thing the teacher has a sense of humor and got a kick out of it, also trying not to laugh. He is a great teacher and so good for our girls :)

Sage chose to be a firefighter. She put together a poster, with mom's help. She colored in the pictures and memorized what she needed to say. It was cute / funny when she faced the poster and talked about it with her back facing the audience, good thing she had a microphone. At least she turned around for questions. This was sooo good for them and I'm so proud of the cutest public servants around, and as smart as can be. I feel much safer now.
They have come a long way this year with the language and are definately ready for first grade.

After a hard days work, they were hungry for a fresh after school snack. Do you like their fruit art?

Lions, Tigers, & Bears...

A perfect day for the Zoo

Winter, I mean, Spring Break

It's always nice to get away. We usually go somewhere warm for Spring Break, but with all that's going on, we went to a quaint little town on the other side of the mountain. The older boys had rehearsal the first night, so they drove up and met us there. (I must have bit off half my nails and said a prayer knowing they were driving through a snowstorm through the mountains at night, but all was well, way to break you in Nick)

It was just like Disneyland, without all the hoopla (that's what I told the kids anyway). We had a fabulous time!

We stayed at this comfy Swedish Villa on the golf course

Inside the Volcano, you can swim in the 90 degrees deep blue water

It's beautiful here, great view behind the crater

On top of the volcano. It was much brighter then these dark pics. It ruined the quality when I lightened them so I kept them original, my hon needs a new camera.

Trev, love his smile

On top of the world

Retro Bowling

Everything in here was straight from the sixties, and in great shape. It was like stepping back in time, right down to the bright orange & green decor and painted wood ramp, bar stools & metal table set, loved it. The kids thought it was very cool.

Dinner around the bend in Park City, maybe next winter we'll ski the slopes

A favorite Pizza spot

Our last day after checking out, we spent the day at the zoo, then home for a BBQ (missing our home cooked food)

Our first Smore's of the season. Can't have Spring Break without a little sugar & chocolate, and make good use of those hot briquettes :). It ended quick, but we had a blast, did something different, didn't spend too much money or take too many vacation days (new job), and the boys didn't miss any rehearsals. Now I'm putting our coats away for good for awhile. Hope everyone had a great Spring Break.

Bunny & Egg Hunt at the Farm

Waiting for the "Candy Cannon", the town Sheriff literally shot off candy from a cannon. The kids loved catching it from the air, although half the candy got scorched- S & S wouldn't touch it.

Sophie's masterpiece, very particular where she placed everything

Sage's Art

Trevor's good friend from school, he's always running into friends

Feeding the oh so cute baby lambs

Petting the real Rabbit, so gentle



Doesn't get much better then that

A local Radio Station hosted this complimentary event along with a few other sponsers. The kids loved seeing the bunny, hunting for eggs, riding the train, and best of all petting and feeding the farm animals. It was well done and not too crowded for a free celebration. They even gave out ice-cream, cotton candy, & popcorn (we passed). Thanks FM 100, great event! Sophie and Sage only found one egg on their hunt (that part was crowded and we were a little late), so Trev snuck some of his in their bag, they were delighted. Wishing everyone a Happy Easter!

Sweet Sundays

I heart Sundays. It doesn't always seem like a day of rest, but it's a day I look forward to and need each week. A day to slow down and show gratitude for our many blessings.

Such blessings! I wanted a few pics before they quickly change out of their church clothes, Josh already lost the tie, Trev is barefoot, I need to be quick!

Here we go, all smiles and looking in the same general direction. I like how the girls naturally hold hands

Just the girls

Sophie figuring out the Rubik's Cube

Boys, Boys- Love 'em. Josh fooling around with Trev (my actor). Congrats on making Broadway Kidz boys! Can't wait to see it.

Sage pink, Sophie orange, holding on tight to Nick.

Congrats Nick on lettering in Swimming this year!

Paul has perfected the BBQ, much better then the cooked Rotisserie's from Costco. Way to go Paul, you've got the touch! Thanks for giving me a break and BBQing some tasty dinners lately, it's been delicious. I've also had the domestic bug, cooking Taco soup, slow cooker beef stew, and Lasagna last week.

Here's a favorite...

Taco Soup
1-2 pounds lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
2 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, not drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1-2 cups of water
6 cups corn tortilla chips
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onion
Sour cream
DIRECTIONS
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown beef and onion together; drain. Place beef mixture in slow cooker with taco seasoning, tomato sauce, corn, and beans.
2. Cover, and cook on Low 4 hours. Top with cheese, green onions, and sour cream; serve with tortilla chips.
Serves six-eight

Simple, good, & healthy. I use cloves of garlic with the hamburger and onion powder instead of onions to make it kid (and husband) friendly. If you add two cups of water, you'll want more taco seasoning to keep it a little spicy.

College Memories w/ old friend

I ran into a good designer friend from college not too long ago. It was so nice seeing her and catching up for a few minutes, and to find out she lives so close! We were looking forward to getting together with our families, so we finally planned a fun BBQ last week.

Everyone hit it off and had a great time together, kids and adults!

The boys talking swimming with Nick, Mark is a swimmer too.

Laryl and her cute family
We had a yummy BBQ and such good times reminiscing and getting our families together. Brought back memories...

I'll never forget the time we broke down in Paige AZ on our way to a Design Convention in Phoenix. Four design students, stranded out in the middle of nowhere until they could fix the clutch- not until the next day. Luckily, I knew a family there, they own a nice Trading Post / corner market and live above it, they graciously put us up for the night. They were wonderful and we spent the next day checking out the town and walking to the Dam at Lake Powell... not the city design scenery we expected to be seeing that day, but beautiful in a different way. We were a day late, and made up for it once we got there.

We worked hard and enjoyed our college days. We had great professors and got so close, those of us who lasted the three year rigorous program. We tried to prove our professors wrong that you can't do well in this major and have a social life. We studied like crazy and had a lot of fun on the side.

This is when I met my sweetheart, Paul (I'll have to post about that soon, funny how we met). Laryl knows how he hung out in the Design Department more then his own. Such good memories.

We're looking forward to our next get together!

Here we are, way back when...

Natalie, Brenda & I in back just recieved our diploma!