We did it, kids.  Another year in the books - and I am so proud of us!  This year we all faced some challenges (transitioning to A, B, C grades, concerts, students, navigating social groups) and even more successes (extra curricular academics, clubs, gymnastics, mentorship-ing, new friendships). 

 The last 172 days we have learned skills that we will definitely use in the future - but until then - let's do SUMMER TIME!!!!

We are counting down the days until summer vacation (6) and decided to kick it off Memorial Day weekend at Rose Lake.  Our presence was requested as Grammy and Grampy headed to Seattle and they needed someone to watch this pup.  Tobias is beginning to like us, and didn't even hide under the bed when we arrived!  He was a gracious host - allowing us to sleep in the big bed, having the fridge stocked and the keys in the boat,  and even providing hot hot sunshine!

 There were plenty of fish to be caught and released.

 And, paddleboarding in Mermaid Cove.

 Some friends even came to visit!

Thanks, Toby for the weekend!  We will be back soon!

Baseball season is in full force, and Number 10 loves that his bestie is on the same team, and hates that he needs to adjust his bedtime routine to include practice and games.  Bennett loves catching and has a great eye of seeing the field and being aware of those around him and waiting for his pitch.  I'm no expert in the game, but I sure do love watching him play.

Mama!!  MAMA!!  Watch this show!  Take a picture every time we yell, 'pic!!'!!  Ready - 'pic'!!

 PIC!!

 Pic!

  Pic!

  Pic!

Mother's Day 2018 was pretty great.  Every person decided to do something special for me, that they thought I would love.  Harper picked me some fresh flowers.

 And they also gave me a giant - unicorn of course - bag of gifts, including some gnomes, a turtle, and Britney!

 Bennett and I love to go to movies, so he planned a date with me and Boo and Maddux.  We were able to go to semi-inappropriate movie and have popcorn with too much salt and cold beverage.

 Harper and I love pedicures, so she set up a spa - that included calming music and treated me to the best foot rub and polish ever.

 This guy master-minded it all.  And brought home some sushi and fresh grapefruit juice for Mama.  Motherhood is a pretty good gig.💞💞💞💞

 Happy Number One, Jace Allen Ray!  No birthday would be complete without a giant bounce house and beaver decorations - and your Mama had it all!  Thanks for inviting us to celebrate!

 Spring Concert Time!!  Bennett straightened his tie and shined up the horn for his final concert of his 5th grade career.  And, we were happy to support - considering we've been listening to him practice 4x a week for 32 weeks.  The improvement has been exponential - and it really is amazing to hear these kids go from blurty blasts to identifiable Mozart.  Much credit to the amazing leader Mr. Martinson!

 The love of the before and after pics didn't fall far from this tree.  Bennett was quick to request a "re-do" from one of his favorite days in the city six years ago.  T was quick to oblige the boy who soon will be driving us around, and they revved up Elvis and hopped on for a cruise.  Some years have passed, but the grins haven't changed at all.  And, again, I am reminded how lucky the boy is to have trusted grown-ups in his life that are not his parents - ones who will challenge him to bend his straight line a bit, give him advice even when he may not want it, have his back at all times, and make him wear a helmet.