Happy Memorial Day!

Traditionally Memorial Day is a day for us to relax and spend time together as a family. But, as Dave reminded us during Family Home Evening, it's more than that . . . it's a time for us to think about all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom! Today we have thought a lot about Grandpa. Every Memorial Day his family has a reunion at the old homestead in Holden, Utah. Unfortunately, our little family has never been able to attend. I liked thinking today that Grandpa was having his reunion on the other side -- able to see his parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters who have also passed on -- his brother Leslie in particular who was killed in the Korean War. We are so grateful for the freedom we are blessed with!

For the last 3 years Dave has participated in the Saguarita Lake Triathalon on Memorial Day. He did it again -- even though his time is tight these days with his many responsibilities. Way to go Dad!!



Emma spent the afternoon running an ice cream and cookie stand with Caitlynn. They both made $17 -- not bad!






Hope it was a nice day for all of you, too!

Friday Field Trip

When I ask the kids what they think of when they think of "summer", they all included "Friday Field Trips" -- a day we look forward to all week when we will go exploring and find something new and fun to see. Today we went to see a fairly new museum in Tucson called "The Mini Time Machine" house of miniatures. It was a pretty cool place, though we were in and out in 1 1/2 hours. There were literally hundreds of miniature displays from around the world. I can't imagine making such intricate pieces! We got to search for a fairy who was hiding in 5 different places throughout the museum -- the kids found them all, and as a reward they were given miniature erasers -- fun touch!

book of the week

We're following our summer tradition introduced by Aunt Cristin a few summers ago . . . book of the week. Yesterday we read "Dogs Don't Wear Sneakers" and made fun animal clothespin magnets. Initially I had intended to read "An Animal Strike at the Zoo . .. it's True", but misplaced it and had to think of a quick alternative. It worked out well. Another fun option would be to have the kids draw their own funny and imaginative animals, but the kids were set on the clothespin animals so we just closed our eyes to imagine funny animals.

You Know It's Summer When . . .

You can stay out at the park until 8 pm! We have had ABNORMALLY cool days this week -- like in the 80s! That is crazy for Tucson in May, but we're loving every minute of it! We checked out a new park by our library, and it was a blast!

Summer Centers

This summer we're trying a center rotation to stop our brains from going "mushy." We spend 15 minutes at each center every morning.

Writer's Workshop - creative writing and illustrating

Reading Center with or without ear phones in our comfy corner.

Math Workbooks (not a favorite of a certain someone).

Mom's Depot (one on one time -- speech with Sarah, phonics with Briant, and Big Words with Emma and Bennett)

High on the montain top

We escaped the 101 degree weather by going up to Mt. Lemmon for our ward camp out this weekend. My favorite part of the camp out was the 70 degree weather and hearing the wind blowing through the pine trees. Dave enjoyed seeing a horny toad on our hike to "Lookout Rock." Emma's favorite memory of the camp out was a pine cone war with the boys. Bennett loved making spears with his pocket knife and capturing the girls. Briant loved playing with "Snakey" his new stuffed snake that Emma bought him from her class store. Sarah loved playing in the tent -- a portable house!

Aawwwoooo !!

Bennett completed all the requirements for his cub scout wolf badge! He gave us a GREAT howl at pack meeting when he was presented with his awards! Bennett is looking forward to working hard on his scouting over the summer and attending cub day camp in two weeks.