Another month, another sport and seeing James like never before.

Erica wanted to sign up for track because her best friend wanted her to do it with her. Then I asked my boys if they wanted to do it too since it's all at the same time and they agreed. But guess who's friend has been to 1 practice and 1 track meet?

Sigh. At least it's pretty fun to watch. The practices are too long, according to my kids. The meets are little long, also according to my kids, and my back.

But it's a pretty fun environment. There is a lot going on and there's just something so inspiring watching these little ones try so hard. And trying to spot my kids on the field from the stands is like looking at a Where's Waldo book.

This is George Washington drawn by a kid in my class. I love it so much. He told me he hated it but wouldn't let me have it so I took a picture instead before he threw it away.

James made this map of the US with a bunch of information about migration. Pretty sure 2nd grade is harder than I remember.

James and Sarah had their piano recital. They did so good! I know it's not a competition but they won.

Another track meet. Henry is going for the high jump. He likes the field events more than track. I have to bribe him to race.

Saturday Sarah had prom. She went with a boy from her seminary class that she didn't know all that well and she borrowed a dress from our neighbor.

 

I thought her corsage was especially pretty.

And she made the boutienniere boutoneire boutonniere. She and her friends got together Friday night and made them. I was impressed.

She didn't know her date very well even though he's a sophomore too. They were in a group with his brother who's a senior and a bunch of other seniors. She said everyone was really nice but it was awkward at times and felt long. But she said she had fun and she had some funny stories to share.

James got his expander take out! He's been looking forward to this day since November when it was put in. Here's the last "before" picture before we headed to the orthodontist. Those prongs on the sides are where the headgear attached. His lips always got caught on them while speaking and eating.

As a reminder, here's how he looked last fall:

 

He's always had an underbite, even as a baby with his baby teeth.

Okay, now I'm just posting cute pictures of him and making myself sad.

 Anyway, here's his x-ray last fall.

3 months of widening the pallet expander and then two months of nightly headgear and here we are! No more prongs and he has all the space in the roof of his mouth back. 

Now it's just a watching game to see if he needs braces. Fingers crossed.

And now we gear up for May. We've got more track, mother's day, Henry's birthday, end of school, my aunt's wedding and then the Dyes leave for Alaska! 

Easter 2025

First off, here's some tulips I grew for you to admire and get you in the Easter spirit.

And some blossoms that I thought were ever so pretty I found whilst on a walk.

And a gigantic lemon from my aunt's California lemon trees. I think having a lemon tree is the only thing I'd like about living in California.

Okay, more random stuff. The ice cream scoop on the left is one that Justin and I bought with a giftcard from our wedding. Nearly 19 years later the handle is pretty gummy and the metal is kind of pitting. So I ordered a new one. I had to take pictures of it before I gently placed it into the garbage can. That scoop got used more than any other utensil in our kitchen, for sure.

 

 Now we can talk about Easter. The seeker crew was a little small this year. They are just growing up! Some of my grown nieces and nephews better be replenishing the seeker group pretty quick or there's going to be no egg hunt here in a few years.

 

 

 

 

Sunday morning. Justin was home so that alone was cause for celebration. I cut some fresh flowers for the table and I got breakfast started. Pancakes, buttermilk syrup, bacon, and scrambled eggs.

After breakfast James opened the tomb that we closed on Friday.

These kiddos clean up pretty well.

Yes Henry's tie is the color of a Peep. His request.

After church I finished up the carrot cake for dessert and we watched a church video about Christ's atonement and resurrection then we went to Justin's parent's house for dinner. All of his brothers and their families were there and his aunt. After dinner we had an egg hunt, of course.

And then we served dessert. Erica was sad I didn't make the bunny cut-out cake like last year but instead made a triple layer cake. I told her she could make ears for it anyway.

Happy Easter!