Blueberry Season - June 8th

Well, since I hadn't gone into labor I told the kids I would take them to pick blueberries.  This is one of my favorite things about summer - picking our own berries.  The only thing that would have made this better is if this had been my own yard.  Picking berries in the summer makes me long for Oregon - the mecca of all     u-pick berry farms.  Stina probably enjoyed it the most.  We picked berries and she just ate from our buckets. She totally reminded me of that kids' book "Blueberries for Sal."  It's exactly what she looked like!

Sam's Piano Conquests

Sam has been taking piano lessons since November.  He is loving it so much and has an awesome piano teacher (Megan Pettus).  In March he had an opportunity to be in a piano competition.  Because he was younger than 10, he didn't get to advance to the next round.  His piano teacher told me that they didn't want to let him compete because he had only been taking lessons for 5 months, but she convinced them he could do it.  The judge was very impressed with how much progress he had made for having had lessons for such a small amount of time.  Sam got an outstanding for his marks.

On our way to the competition (at Auburn University) 

The kids waiting with Megan for Sam's turn to play. 

We had to wait while Sam performed - it's too bad we didn't get to hear him play. 

 Sam right after his competition.  I don't think anything really phases him - he said he wasn't even nervous.

Sam also had a piano recital in the beginning of June.  He did a solo piece (called My Day) and a duet with his teacher (Take Me Out to the Ball Game).  He did a great job and made everyone laugh with his deep bow at the end of each performance.

 Playing the duet with his teacher

Miss Megan and her piano students after the recital.

Camping - May 10th & 11th

This year we made our annual camping trip to Chewacla State Park.  It's the ideal location for camping with a small family . . . because it's less than 5 miles from our house!  This year the Brownings and the Bubbs joined us and it was a lot of fun.  The kids had so much fun.  We had a little rain in the wee hours of the morning, but nothing bad enough to send us packing.  The only bummer was that Sam managed to get a tick while we were there - totally gross, but at least we got it!

Dayne and Abby Bubb gathering wood for the fire. 

 Dinner that night was hot dogs.  Not necessarily nutritious, but definitely the easiest.  Sam really scarfed them down - I think he had 3 or 4.

Ben was telling ghost stories and I think that he spooked himself!  Afterward he consoled himself with some s'mores. 

The next morning we had eggs, pancakes and bacon.  The bacon was Sam's favorite.  I think he had more than anyone else.   

And of course, the worst part of camping, the clean up!

Turtle Time - May 1st

The other day while Ben was watching the kids they found a turtle in our backyard.  It was so thrilling for them, but especially for Stina because she loves them.  It's one of the words she actually will say on demand.    Reagan and Dayne thought it was pretty cool as well.  Lexi and Sam were bummed that they had been at school when the turtle made its appearance.  

Dean Road Talent Show - April 27th

Alexis and Sam participated in the Dean Road Elementary talent show this year.  I was really proud of their efforts.  Alexis did a head stand (which she's extremely good at) and Sam played one of his recital songs (it's called Trumpet Tune).  Everyone was really impressed . . . especially me!

Sam and Alexis waiting for their turn to perform. 

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Dayne and Stina - the groupies!

Pinewood Derby - March 24th

Ever since Sam found out about the Pinewood Derby he couldn't wait to start Scouts.  He's been chomping at the bit to get into scouting.  Lucky for him he only had to wait a few weeks past turning 8 to participate in the Pinewood Derby.  I think Ben may have been as excited as Sam to make the car.  It was pretty amazing.  Sam ended up getting 3rd in the Wolf group (for the whole area) and 7th in all.  Pretty good for his first time! 

Ben (and Sam) putting the finishing touches on the car. 

Sam watching the race with his friend George. 

Sam's car leading the pack. 

Sam with his trophy and patch.

Riding Lessons

Alexis started taking horseback riding lessons this spring.  It has been the best thing ever.  It's only $40/month and someone in the ward is teaching her.  She really loves it and is coming along well.  She recently learned how to drive a buggy - how cool is that?!?  Stina and I were there for that lesson so we got to ride along as well.  It was so much fun.  Raydeen Ryden (her teacher) told us that the horse and the buggy were bought from an Amish community in Tennessee.  Living in the South is like living in a different world!