Last day of school

My friend Emily picked up the kids from school on their last day and she said this was such a funny moment. Both Gwen and Brielle got in the car and started to cry, then looked at each other and started to laugh. It can be hard to say goodbye to all their friends knowing that they both were leaving school and each other… these girls were such good friends for each other — and close neighbors too!

We felt very  lucky to have all of these kids going to the same school this year (especially sending Cannon off to big school— I was comforted knowing that he had his big brothers and sister looking after him) it was nice that Connor and Brecon were selected in the 6/7 and eighth grade class offered at the elementary school. It was a smaller group class size and great team of teachers working with this age groups was fun for them. One of Brecon‘s teachers brought up the many compliments she would hear about the help that Brecon would provide in the different classes or areas of the school that he would help during his “leadership” class time. We were proud of all of them and the good learning they did at Ladd elementary :)

 

B.E.S.T Homeschool graduation

 

Memory lane with Cael

I spent a few days going through photo albums to get a few pictures for a graduation slideshow for this handsome young man. How is he graduating from high school??? 

And how is he getting ready to turn in his papers to serve a mission???

He is my FIRST and my OLDEST-- where has the time gone by?

9th grade Eagle Scout- Hawaii

West Point

Family photos Sept 2020

primary photo shoot in Germany

7th grade in Hawaii

 

Painting away with Tom

This winter I decided to explore some of my artistic abilities and take a watercolor painting class with Tom Nixon. It has been such a good therapeutic season when the dark and the cold set in. I knew that I had something planned every week, and I got to go with one of my very best Alaskan friends- Emily. 

Tom is such a storyteller-- at 80 years old he is painting/teaching almost every day of the week, sometimes 2 or more classes a day. I think part of the fun of painting class was listening to wise words of wisdom from "grandpa Tom".

 I really did start off painting so much more than what I am painting now. I had no idea what I was doing and so I was making all sorts of mistakes along the way. But I was trying and giving myself the chance to do something for me. After so many years of only taking care of small babies and children, this was a chance to try something.. It felt refreshing. It is hard to put yourself out there I guess. And now here we are at the end... I am starting to get the moving bug and so I don't have the "energy" to just paint anymore. My last class will be the end of April. This time painting and listening has helped me endure the Alaskan winter and enjoy my time at home.

Happy birthday girl double digits

OH boy! My birthday girl is 10!!

We had a family party and then invited friends to join us at the swimming pool. The brothers picked out some sweet treats for gifts-- which is perfect because Brielle is a sugar-momma!

A traditional birthday card from Gma Gpa Platt with $5 inside. I wonder what Brielle will get?? more candy of course!!

Trying to the these boys to smile nicely for their sister was like pulling teeth, they couldn't look normal for one, so we had to keep trying... which made them look even worse and then I had to try again. GAHHH....

Okay... this one looks "okay".... but you can see the frustration on Cael's face. He was ready to be done.

The Carr girls came over after swimming for brownies and ice cream. An easy treat to have all ready and prepared when we got home from swimming. 

Lathrop Ballroom dance team 2022

This was Cael's second year on the ballroom dance team, although last year was such a weird "covid" restriction year--  there weren't any shows throughout the year and half of their practices were "online". It really was a difficult thing to see any progress until they were able to practice in-person. The final performance really was so impressive, even though the dancers had to wear masks the entire time. By the end of the show the kids were sucking air from all the cardio they were doing. Poor Cael had the worst mask-acne from dance :(  I got emotional at the end of their performance thinking about everything they had done to practice and pull it off. I was touched by their hard work and dedication.

This year was so fun- a fast and furious 8 week season (compared to an all-year season) and I know that the team had a fabulous time on their week-long tour down in Arizona. All the adults that I spoke with said how great it was- there was no drama- everyone just having fun and cheering each other on. What a great group to be a part of! During the final show intermission, they played a slideshow with all of the great photos they took on the trip and playing some music. I had to tell myself "get back in there, tear!" 

I'm sure there were some funny moments on the trip as well... but since I didn't go as an adult chaperone I don't know what they are.. sad. 

Towards the end of their final performance show they brought out the seniors and gave them each a bouquet of flowers. Cael got some light pink roses and they smell quite lovely on our kitchen counter.

It is crazy that this is an end of the dance era for- Cael's senior year is coming to a close and graduation will be here before we know it!

Cael and Jenna Curry

Looking pretty GRAND if I do say so

"Sold" Country swing- Cael was the spotlight in this song with a dance solo with his partner and some great tricks/flips