4th of July 2013

We kept the 4th pretty simple this year. Just spent time with family.

Blue Belt Test for Alex (July 2013)

When Alex started Tae Kwon Do, he really wanted to get his black belt. We decided to support him in that, but encouraged him to make a goal that was a little nearer. He and we decided together that he would complete 18 months of participation. We'd see how far he could get and then reevaluate. He decided he wanted time for other pursuits like swimming and piano. So, the last belt he tested for was blue. I was more sad than him to stop Tae Kwon Do. I loved going and I have good friends there. I can't wait until we are in a position where I can start. I want my black belt!!

Our Bishop, Greg McNeil came to watch Alex. It meant a lot to him. Bishop always teases Alex about doing "Kung Fu," so he was very excited to have him there so he could show him what he really does. 

Way to break that board!

Melissa Turner also came. 

As did Aunt Katherine. :)

Alex and Master Karstadt. 

Chore Charts

I put together some new chore charts for the kiddos. They are really working well.

Brothers (June 2013)

Alex has loved and adored his baby brother since the moment he knew he was a boy. He is so good at playing with him, taking care of him, and being a great example. He even sings him to sleep at night when Ben wakes up crying. I love watching them together.

Diamondbacks Girls Night (June 2013)

In June, Megan Parkinson took a few of us girls out on a girls night to a Diamonbacks game. Her Dad owns 4 front row seats by the Dbacks dugout. It was really fun to sit and watch, but we mostly missed the game and talked. :)

Joseph and Alex Boys Night to the Dbacks Game (June 2013)

We were so lucky this baseball season to have been given several game tickets. The boys always had so much fun when they got to go. 

Alex's Last Day of Kindergarten (May 2013)

Alex had a wonderful Kindergarten year. His teachers were Mrs. Kelli Sneed and Miss Nora Samelson. They were both wonderful and he grew up so much. His teachers were amazing and really go to know Alex well. 

I helped Mrs. Sneed make these adorable hats for their songs.

The French teacher came in and the kids sang a song in French as well. It was so cute!

They had class ducks. The kids loved them.

 

He loves his teacher.

And he loves Ms. Samelson too.

Firm Retreat and Black Tie Event (May 17, 2013)

This year was Snell and Wilmer's 75th Anniversary, so for part of the yearly firm retreat, we got to attend a Black Tie Dinner and evening. Though I hated spending the money on the dress and tuxedo, I have to admit that it was a blast getting all dressed up for it. Though, I also have to admit, that when photo time came, I thought for a moment I was at high school prom. :)

Ben Ben's Heavy Clothes Day at Swim Class (May 10, 2013)

Ben finished up his first year of swim lessons with his heavy clothes day. He did wonderfully.

Tub Time (April 2013)

There are few things better or worse (for Mom and Dad) than tub time with 4 kiddos.

Taking Georgie Home and the Baby Chicks (April 2013)

Alex's Kindergarten class used an incubator and hatched s couple of chicks. The first to start hatching was Georgie, but needed help hatching. The class named her George Washington since she was the first. Mrs. Sneed asked if we wanted her and without thinking I said YES! Here is the day we brought her home from school.

Alex, Georgie and his adoreable and wonderful teacher Mrs. Kelli Sneed.

Then, we realized chickens won't lay for you unless you have at least 3, so off we went to get more. Worst decision ever. :)

Alex really loves Georgie

The black one is Lola (for Kaitlyn), multi colored is Sally (for Rebekah), and yellow is Georgie. We later added another black one that we called Pip.