2016 :: week 22

May 22

I helped out in primary on Sunday. I sat across the aisle from Lauren and enjoyed watching her reaction when "Joseph Smith" came out of the time machine. Our primary has a "time machine" and each month a prophet or woman from the scriptures visits the kids. This particular Sunday was special because a Joseph visited twice, once as a 17-year-old and again as a 38-year old.

May 23

Will's last day of kindergarten was Monday and it was kind of,,,anti-climatic. It started raining around 10am and it rained most of the rest of the day. Instead of walking up to school, playing on the playground and saying "goodbye" to friends over a picnic lunch I parked as close as I could, ran in and grabbed him after he hugged Miss Ringgenberg goodbye. Since we were stuck inside we colored for a bit. I was right behind Elliott except for the few seconds I spent taking this picture...

May 24

We met some half day friends at the Blue Valley Rec Center for some open gym time Tuesday. The rain continued to fall and the kids were restless. Will has been really into climbing lately and was able to get his climbing fix. Lauren did a lot of jumping.

May 25

Wednesday we went to the zoo with Soren, Saffi and Tabitha. It was hot and humid--perfect zoo weather, ha!--but at least it was sunny. We saw a lot of animals, including the koalas, vultures and lemurs. then rode the ski safari for the first time. We were there for about 4 hours and it wore everyone out. The kids were silent by 8:30pm, which almost never happens.

May 26

The Hoopes moved this week, but before they left Boyce and Kennedy hung out with us for a few hours Thursday while their parents finished cleaning their condo. We went to Costco for lunch since I the rain had detoured me from grocery shopping and I was out of bread. We had a fun time, but I'm not quite ready for 5 kids. I'm really going to miss the Hoopes.

May 27

Friday was my birthday! It was a fairly low-key day. The best part was that Anthony finally arrived home. He left Monday for DC and was supposed to return Thursday, but KCI closed down for awhile due to the bad weather and he got stuck in Indianapolis for the night. He had to go straight to the office from the airport, so we didn't get to see him until Friday afternoon. That evening we met my parents at Red Robin for dinner. Elliott loved watching the wait staff clap and sing to me. I've always loved birthdays, and as I get older they are a good time to reflect back on what happened in the past year and how I've grown or changed. 32 was good to me. Highlights include having Elliott, getting to visit with many friends and family members near and far, and getting better at going to bed on time. I'm better at letting go and recognizing what is worth my time. I really do feel one year older and wiser too.

May 28

He stands! Elliott's mobility is increasing each day. He is so pleased with himself when he pulls himself up. His face is all concentration until you make eye contact with him, once he sees you watching him he can't contain his ear-to-ear grin.