Our Performers!!

This past week was full of practices and then awesome performances by our older girls (great for Mia and Lily, not so great for Piper who got to ride in the car a lot)!! We started off with several days of practices, pictures and the final performance for Lily's dance class. I have never been a "dance mom" but I have to admit, I really enjoyed seeing the different levels and their dances. Lily was adorable and was front and center performing her routine! It just sealed the deal that she has decided to try out for the company dance team. Lily and I are excited, but Jason is dreading dance competitions and more performances. Poor dad of all girls!

However, Mia is Jason's saving grace - she prepared last week for her first triathlon! Our rec center did a novice race (6 lap swim, 2 mile bike and 1 1/2 mile run) for all beginners. Mia watched Jason do his race a few months ago and was determined to try it. After just a few practice swims with dad and one run with me she hit the starting line (with Jason doing it along side of her). It was amazing to watch her in action - and her super competitive face. She finished in great time, and she even received a blue ribbon for her FIRST PLACE finish in her age group.

So, in the down time Piper's performance for the week was sitting and watching her favorite show - The Backyardigans - and just being happy to be home and out of her car seat. :)

We also had a fun visit from some of our Texas friends, who now live in Las Vegas. It was so great to have them with us for a few days! We took the girls downtown for dinner and to see Temple Square on Monday night and we went up to the rooftop of the conference center. What an amazing view and interesting to see the gardens and waterfall that exist on top of the roof. I had never been up there before, and the girls loved it.

(Rebecca, Mia and Lily)

Extra Long Weekend Without Kiddos

Jason and I get to go on a fun trip each summer with his company - no kids! This summer it was in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. What a beautiful place! If you have not been (and have no interest because it is in Idaho) think again. I want to go back and take the kids. The most amazing scenery with lakes, trees, mountains, incredible weather and a cute little town. One of the famous spots is its floating green - we got to go hit a few balls the first night and try to hit it - no luck! I always look forward to these trips because an early summer break from being a mom is nice, but we have friends we only see on these trips and that makes it all the more fun - catching up, eating desserts together and sharing crazy kid stories. It was a great weekend. But Saturday was best. Sleeping in, a long run/hike a late leisurely breakfast with friends and strolling through stores. Jason and I love our time away together, but it is fun to get home and see my girls, too!! After a little relaxation we are now ready to tackle 2 weeks in Florida was the kids. Sounds like that should be relaxing, but when we add Piper to the mix there will be no sitting and reading by the water. We will be running and chasing that girl. :) The Floating Green. A view from our hotel balcony. I had to add this photo of Lily and Piper playing outside - like mother like daughter - Piper has her diet coke cup (its empty!) while driving in her car.

One Year Later

Our lives have changed a lot in the past year! And this past weekend we had to time to reflect on that fact. Friday, June 1 was one year since Jason's dad passed away. In a lot of ways it seems to have gone really fast, but when you realize how many changes we have been through, and all of the events he has missed, you realize a year is a long time. From the time of his death - we left Texas, moved into a new home, started new schools, have new friends and have had many family dinners/get togethers with Jason's family now that we are so close. And it is hard to think that grandpa hasn't been here with us for any of that. And now that it is summertime, the girls are sad there will be no camping trips with grandpa!! On Saturday we went to the grave with Jason's mom and put out some new flowers and the girls wrote messages for grandpa on balloons that we let go. It was a beautiful morning and great time to be together. I love this one of Piper looking at the headstone - so intently!! Letting the balloons go into the air. Watching the balloons go up into the clouds.