Spring Break became a wonderful opportunity to get reacquainted with cousins, and for the cousins to get reacquainted with the 4 seasons again. Emily and her family had been living in England for the past couple of years, and we missed them. They had just gotten home in time to spend Spring Break with us. And while snowy weather kept us from camping, we enjoyed a really fun week hiking, swimming, biking, playing in the snow on the Mesa, and just letting the kids get back to being cousins again in live time. Marco Polo was a great substitute, but the definately not the real deal, when it comes to playing with lego's.
We hiked independence monument,
Played at the Fruita Pool,
Had the sledding hill to ourselves,
And spent the last morning biking to Fruita, in which Flash took a tough crash. So while waiting for our bike shuttle, the kids got creative at a play ground.
Maren began her spring season of High school soccer, with an initiation breakfast. Several uppperclassmen woke her up at 4 am, and took her to the park to do an obstical course. They dressed them in these old soccer uniforms, and then had a team building breakfast before school.
They had to wear the uniforms all day, and had some other fun things they had to say to one another if they passed in the hall. It made for a fun start to the season, and the girls were all good sports.
It is always so fun to watch Maren play soccer. I had missed it, and was glad to be back cheering her on. She had a way of making the field come alive with her pace, and team play. I had a referee tell me that he loves to referee for her because she always plays fair, and brings a lot of enthusiasm to the field. I would agree. It is apparent how much she loves to play. Even the games they didn't win, she still comes off the field with a smile on her face, and something she learned in the process.
Her coach gave her the Desire award. And talked about how her dedication and desire for her team to play as one, and work together towards a "goal" payed off for all of them.
Jacob also had a great season. His team dominated every game, and he scored several points most games.
And he was happy to be back in the goal for part of each game, for the entire season. And played well there as well. Though mostly it became boring, because he was the only one on that side of the field.
He won a math competition, on times table memorization, I think.
Had fun at his last Pinewood Derby
Went shooting out at a firing range with Dave,
And let me tag along on a couple of field trips for school
He has such fun friends!
Last day of 3rd grade with Ms Breske, Jacobs favorite teacher to date.
I got out a ton biking this spring. Both with Dave, my normal girlfriends, and a few new friends I have made out in Fruita. It was a blast....
though sometimes my knees disagree. I took a hard fall when riding with Dave, and this was my bruise I got UNDER my knee pads. I am so glad I was wearing them this day!
All that moisture we got this spring made for a spectacular spring in the valley. Seriously, I have never seen so much color in our desert. It was stunning, and hard to keep your eyes on the trail. I was constantly stopping to take pictures, and soak it in.
He's not a flower, but he fits right it.
Jenn came for a visit, and was eager to ride a few trails with me. She was a trooper, and we had a blast riding some fun terrain. I loved that she would spend her vacation time visiting the kids and I, and letting me show her some of my favorite trails.
I unfortuntely was not a great trail host, and planned trails that were a bit to technical for her skill level. And she ended up suffering a pretty bad concussion after her trip.
I was so sad when I learned this, and have struggled to feel responsible for this happening to her. But still grateful for the time we had together.
My mom also tagged along, and then stayed for Amanda's graduation. So we had to get her out on a bike as well. She had fun riding this trike around the neighborhood.
This picture of he and Grandma is the best. I told my mom before she visited that Spencer was a little unsure that he would want hugs from her. He's hit that age. After several days of reacquainting themsleves, she asked and he obliged for this hug and peck.
Spencer loves anything to do with history, and loved watching the marco polo's Emily and her family would send from England of visiting the castles they toured, and even a jousting match they got to see. We heard about a Renassaince fair here in the valley, and they had some pretty cool things that were right up his alley.
He loved this knight battle we watched. We also got to throw an ax at a target, watch a parade, and pretty much die in the summer heat.
Dave, and Spencers scout troop headed up to ragged mountain to do a service project in late May. They do this every year to get the camp ready for all the stakes that some to use it for their girls camps. This year after their project, they woke up to a few inches of fresh powder. Brrrrrr!
Spencer made scottish shortbread for a project for school. They each picked a country from their own heritage, and did a big presentation on it. He doesn't love the feel of gooey things on his fingers, so it is always fun to watch him cook. He got to share this with his teachers and class, everyone brought something that is from their country of origin, and families were invited to come and share in the food.
And last but definately not least, Spencer celebrated his 12th Birthday! It was a fun day with friends sharing a nerf gun war in the backyard, followed by an impromptu game of soccer. He has made several new friends this year at school. So it was really great to get to know them and meet their parents. We are so grateful this kid is in our lives. He is one of the funniest people I know. My favorite quality of Spencers is his tender heart. Not many 12 year old boys are concerned for those around them. He is always looking out for his friends and family, including me. One day as I was late picking him up from school, I was surprised as he had tears in his eyes. When I asked if he was ok, he told me "I was just worried something happened to you mom". Love this kid!
No comments:
Post a Comment