Crazy Cousins

Parker got to hang out with Wyatt, his cousin for a couple days. I picked up Wyatt yesterday and they spent ALL day hanging out by the pool and playing the day away.
They even managed to get a little puppy tormenting in
I'm so glad Parker has cousins his age that he can hang with. I just loved playing with my cousins when I was growing up. There's something about a cousin that is better than a friend and most certainly different than a sibling. I have many fond memories of playing barbies, tickle trains, backyard clubhouse, rollerskating.... the list could go on and on.
I hope Parker will always remember and cherish the fun times he has with his cousins too!

Like Daughter Like......

Where does she get it???
I know I always enjoyed singing and acting in plays in High School, so I may have contributed a little of that gene, but she also mutated some of her own!
Tonight we attended her dance recital where she performed "Bend and Snap" from Legally Blonde.
She had such poise, such character, such confidence, such personality and such a proud mom.

I may have to break down and purchase the professional taped video that they con parents into buying just so I can make sure it was really Miranda on stage and not an "acting double" standing in. She looked waaaaay too grown up to be my little girl.

Miranda also went early to dress as Cat in the Hat - to help with tickets and promote Seussical coming up.
Here she is with one of her fellow actors as "Mazie" Seriously, if she doesn't stop growing up so quickly I may just have to lock her up in her room, sit on her head and force her to stop.... think they'll lock me up for that?

Summer Line-up

Parker came downstairs the other day holding a large pile of books.
This, he said, is what I will be reading this summer....and in this order too.There were two more included in the pile, but one he already finished (In two days) and the other he is reading right now. He's quite enjoying the series he's reading and I'm glad to see him doing other things besides playing on the computer. I'll be quite impressed if he finishes all of them before school starts.

I have a couple books in the works myself. I try to read a bit each night, but my eyes droop before I get too far. Looks like I may need a day by the pool to catch up on some summer reading.

Budding Artist

I think I've mentioned before about Miranda's artistic talent. She never ceases to amaze me!
The other day she comes downstairs holding a canvas under a blanket.

"Want to see what I created?" she asked
Well, much to my surprise THIS is what she unveiled.......
Seriously, If I just had an ounce of artistic talent she has I would be happy.
I always encourage her to pursue this path. She's thinking about taking an art class in school sometime if she has enough electives.

She has her artwork displayed proudly in her bedroom. I just love to see the talent grow within her. Can't wait to see what else she has in store for us!

Wedded Bliss

Saturday we headed to St. George for the wedding of Ryan's nephew, Brooks and Tiffany.
It was a beautiful morning for an outdoor wedding.

Mr. & Mrs. Brooks DennettAshley & Courtney (Brooks Sisters)The Dennett FamilyLovin' on Grandma Dennett
Grandpa Dennett and Kalee

??????

Parker & Walker (cousin)

Ahhhh, too cute We just hung out for the day. We saw Star Treck, had lunch and did a little shopping of course. The reception was later in the day and the weather turned a little cooler, but still turned out wonderful. They had a delicious caramel mini bundt cakes that were to die for!!

In case you didn't notice, Miranda was missing from the day's events. She was at Warm Springs for a Young Women activity.

School's out for Summer

My kids have been counting down for the last month, but they can now say that School is officially OUT!!

Parker had his award assembly today. He did amazingly well. I couldn't believe he missed ZERO days of school this year...yes, all year! Parker also got Straight A's (all year) and a special award for getting perfect scores on the CRT tests in Reading & Math. (ok I'll stop now)

He had a wonderful time in 5th grade and loved his Teacher Mrs. Holloway. It's kind of cool that Miranda also had Mrs. Holloway for 5th grade. She has been a wonderful influence on both of them.

I checked Parker out of school a little early after the awards and we picked up Miranda and Brecken from school and headed to Olive Garden for a lunch celebration.

So now that the anticipation and excitement of school's getting out is over, I wonder how often and how long before I hear... Mom, I'm bored!

BFF ?

Sophie still torments Gus and chases him trying to bite his feet.
Gus steals her chew toy and taunts Sophie with it.

Gus has always been patient with Sophie and even moves away when she climbs onto his bed, but they have yet to lie down together.

However I am noticing signs of improvement....
Like what I found the other night...
It's not just any dog that Gus will let eat out of the bowl with him.