We returned to the valley to find that Spring really was in full force. It was a lovely spring, but once again devoid of much moisture.
We pretty much could ride all winter this year. There was a two week period that we got a little bit of snow and cold temperatures that kept ice on the gound for a few weeks, but that was it. It was great to get out so much (when we weren't skiing), but it wasn't great on the trails. They need the snow pack to keep the dust down, and to water the plants that keep the soil in place around them.
Regardless, we still got out, and of course Horsetheif in the spring never disappoints!
And with spring also comes the pinewood derby...
Fun desert hikes...
And fun outside art heritage projects at the kids elementary school!
Maren took on a sewing project. She wanted to make her friend a blanket for her birthday. She is getting pretty independent with her sewing. She had another busy spring, lots of wrapping up of activities for her last year of middle school. Kind of bitter sweet as this girl always puts on a show.
Her last choir concert was lovely, and she even had a solo. I will miss seeing her participate in choir. For solo and ensemble she recieved a superior rating. I was in the room with the judge who was very complimentary of her ability to project and her confidence. She has grown so much.
She was selected to recieve the student of the quarter award from her middle school. The teachers nominate one boy and one girl from 8th grade each quarter. I was blown away that Maren was selected. There are so many deserving students, and while Maren works so hard, she isn't the one with the top grades consistently. The math teacher that nominated her did so because of her willingness to take risks, try new things, and not be afraid to fail. Her good attitude, willingness to help others, and work ethic were also mentioned. It was a big deal, as she got a scholarship for $500 to the local university if she decides to go there in the future. She also got a lovely recognition lunch and a plaque to keep.
And then of course was her final season of middle school sports.
She rocked the long jump, coming in second in the district meet this year.
Anchored the 4 x 200 meter relay every meet.
And ran several other races. Her favorite this season was the 200. She did well always placing in the top 5. Man that girl can sprint!
And it is always my favorite to watch this girl play soccer. I ended up being a lines ref for most of the games, so I feel like I kind of missed out on watching her play. But play she did. My good friend Jessica shot some pictures of her for me.
Her team was eliminated in the semi finals of their tournament this year. But she played her heart out that last game. The coach for the opposing team, sought her out after to tell her that he looks forward to watching her play in high school. She continues to love it, and I hope that love will drive her to keep it up when she gets to the next level.
Amidst finishing up the school year, studying for her four AP tests, Amanda and I took a little getaway to Utah to go see Hamilton! She was on cloud 9, as this has been her favorite thing for several years now. She has every song memorized and qoutes from it regularly. I enjoyed it as well. I love history, and while I usually don't really care for rap, I loved this. So well done, and different, but every bit as legit as any other Broadway show out there. I am glad for a daughter who expands my horizons, so I can appreciate culture in its finest forms.
Amanda also got a couple academic awards, including a scholarship to a college in New York that came with a really fancy pen. She really likes that pen, not so sure about the college yet.
After her academic team celebrated their victory at state, they had to focus on putting together their yearly fundraiser to make enough money to send their top team to nationals at the end of May. Amanda spent a lot of time visiting business's to get donations, and to also get teams together to participate in the annual community bowl. She was happy when that was all over, but it reminded me how nice it is that her team doesn't have us pay for any of their travel. And they travel a lot. At least four trips to the front range (about 4 hours from here) every year, plus the trip to nationals in Atlanta. I guess a little fundraising is ok when you see that kind of dividend.
I had to laugh at this picture, I was trying to get proof that she actually went to support one of her sibs at something this spring. She showed up for the second half of one of Maren's games. It was nice of her to make this effort. Her schedule was so full it was all she could do just to keep afloat each day. Eat, sleep, study, repeat was pretty much her mantra. Oh, and a bit of boe thrown in there as well.
Jacob finished up the year with a fabulous soccer season. He has been asking about playing on a more competitive team, so we signed him up for a pdp team, that still plays in the rec league, but also does a tournament. The other plus is that everyone on the team has at least played a season or two prior to that year. Jacob thrived here.
Because his team was so good, they often played down a man or two, and they also played up in age. Since Jacob is one of the youngest in his age group, he could have easily been intimidated by the other teams, but he kept cool and really played well. He finished of the last game of the season with a killer goal off of a corner kick, in which he did a sideways donkey like kick, and put the ball in the goal. Easily one of my favorite plays of the season.
Sideline sibs are the best!
And finally the best for last! Spencer finished off his 5th grade year and elementary career with flurry of activities. He researched Christopher Columbus, and made a boat out of lego's (of course) for his diorama. They did a lving museum and each of the kids shared things about their character as parents and friends walked around. It was fun to see all they had learned. Spencer did well and even was willing to do a bit of costume after much persuading.
The graduating 5th grade class always does a high ropes course, and Spencer surprised me and really loved it. Risk taking is never easy for him. He tried every obstacle, and loved it. Dave and I stopped by on our bike ride and enjoyed watching and snapping a few photos.
Of course it wouldn't be the last week of school without a birthday celebration. I can't believe he is 11 already!!! We made it easy this year and bought an ice cream cake to enjoy on another busy night. I don't think he was disappointed.
The last day of school the 5th graders have a Bon Voyage celebration, including a fun program with lots of songs, a slide show, and awards. Followed by a family picnic. I helped with the planning an execution of the picnic and decorations. Busy, but so worth it to see the kids love it, and to reward their hard work.
Mrs Rankin has been one of my favorite teachers for Spencer. She is patient, but still always challenging him to try his best and rise to the occasion. I loved seeing his growth this year.
He recieved two awards, the sky rocked award, for above average growth in all academic areas, and also a perfect attendence award. Nice job buddy!
And lastly, I had to share this picture. As Spencer was finishing up his cub scouting days, he worked really hard to earn both his weeblos and his arrow of light. One of the requirements was to learn how to fix things around the house. He learned about leaky faucets, squeeky doors, and how to do basic bike maintenance. I loved that this gave he and Dave time to spend together. Dave is so good at fixing things, and I am grateful he can pass that on to our boys. Something that will bless their families tremendously.
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