Keaton's Viola Concert

Keaton had his viola concert during May, yes, I am late at posting all of the happenings. I am so proud of him and sticking to the early morning viola classes at the school. The concert was fun, with a little screetching here and there, but you could actually discern what piece they were playing this time. Good job Keaton. Next year he wants to play the cello! Mom's not sure about that. Sadie wants to play the Cello too, but I told her that you need to be able to carry your own instrument and since even a jr. cello is bigger than her, we'll wait another year.

Piano Recital Time

We had our annual paino recital last night and the kids did a fabulous job . . . take a look! (You'll have to scroll down and 'pause' the music on the right hand side so you can hear the piano)

Alex masters Waterfall by Jon Schmidt

Keaton is amazing at A Whole New World

Sadie rings the Distant Bells

Anniversary #17

Last month was our 17th year anniversary. I know, 17. . . can you really believe that? Glen has always been the one to plan a surprise anniversary. . . I am lucky to remember it. This year he wanted me to take the day off and pack an overnight bag. In the morning he brought me some beautiful tulips and a note that said, following my appointment at the beauty parlor for my hair, to report to the day spa! I LOVE THE DAY SPA!

So, I had a nice color job for the hair, boy, at this age, I really needed a color. Then off to the day spa. I checked in and they knew exactly who I was and had a big facial session scheduled for me. I LOVE FACIALS! It was so fabulous I didn't want to leave, but when I did, they said, "happy anniversary" and handed me another note with a hotel key! So I went off to the fancy hotel where he was waiting to take me to dinner to my favorite place. I LOVE MARKET STREET GRILL!

We had a great meal including dessert - we hardly ever have room for dessert but we did. He said we could go to a movie, but I was so so relaxed and comfortable, why leave the fancy hotel? We just talked and laughed and talked. It was a great night. The kids were all arranged for by having our neice Anna come over to stay with them and get them off to school. I LOVE ANNA! Thank you so much. I slept in, had breakfast while Glen went off to work. I want to make that type of anniversary a tradition for sure. I don't think I need anything more. I gave Glen a book that hopefully he will enjoy, I did. And 17 reisens (reasons - thanks Heather for the idea) that I love him. Maybe I'll post them too. Looking forward to another 17!! Love you Glen.

Keaton Earns "Power of One" Award

It was Keaton's turn to earn the "Power of One" award last week. Keaton has been a Safe School Ambassador for two years now helping the kids learn about bullying and being a positive influence in and around school. He has been taking early morning viola lessons and performing in concerts throughout the year. He has hardly ever brought home homework and still his teacher says: "Keaton is Excellent in every way". I worry that it will go to his head, but for now he is enjoying the recognition. He has always had good friends, even girl-type friends. He looks out for the little guy and is the very most sensitive kid I know. Good Job Keaton - We are very proud of you and love you so so much.

Dad didn't teach me . . .

On Easter, Glen thought it would be fun to do some pigeon shooting with Grandpa Anderson's shot gun. Everyone that wanted a turn had a turn and did pretty well. With a lot of encouragement, I stepped up to the plate . . . or the gun. Glen told me to keep it away from my teeth . . . notice where it is . . . then "PULL" . . . I just want to make it known that not only did I shoot the gun well, handled the kick with grace, caught the shell flying away from the gun . . . BUT . . . I HIT the pigeon too!

After the shot, everyone ducked for cover and quickly took the gun far away from me.

Las Vegas Trip

We went to Las Vegas with our family to support Alex's basketball team. We had a good time with all of the new "cultural" experiences of the Las Vegas Strip. While the weather was a little cold it was nice to be together. We walked and walked and walked. The kids had fun on the roller coasters and at Circus Circus. We were really facinated by the "Stone Man" who was actually real. The kids got their first taste of the culture of casinos and the street trash that was handed out at every turn. I was very proud of it when Alex said that he was disgusted and didn't want to return soon.

Easter with the Andersons

It has been a couple of years since we have been able to celebrate Easter with the Andersons. Strangely enough, it was a beautiful day because it is usually cold and windy. As many people that could be there were there. We had a great dinner made by Grandma Anderson and the annual Easter Egg hunt for the kids. Okay, "kids" amount to anyone who isn't married . . . I think the rules keep changing. Grandma hid nearly 200 eggs around the yard and we were off to the races. Enjoy the fun photos.

Solution by Sadie

Sadie's Solution to making cinnamin rolls . . . supervision. Sadie helped to direct Keaton in making his first batch of cinnamin rolls. The kids just ended a week of 'Drug Free' activities at their school. Sadie and Alex were talking about some of the activities that they had and what Sadie had learned. Alex was talking about the recent drug bust of 7th graders at his school and smokers that hang outside the school. When asked Alex about what he would do if someone offered him drugs, Sadie immediately piped up and said "That's simple Alex, just tell them you are allergic"!

Sadie's Solution to end the world's issues. . . make her the news anchor. She and good friend Kate headed to the Children's Discovery Gateway to have a girls night out. I surprised them with a fun night out, dinner, and ice cream. We had a blast, it was "the best GNO ever" according to Sadie. Sadie's Solution to watching ANOTHER basketball game. You can see her dancing to the tunes on her ipod on the far side of the court during the basketball game. I love that she is still uninhibited. You rock Sadie and I love you!

Sadie's Solution to a good time with her sweet cousin Anna. Anna asked Sadie if they could hang together one day. They got their fingernails painted, walked around the mall, and then to have some yogurt. This was especially fun because Anna is the only female cousin nearby for Sadie and Anna made her feel extra special. Doesn't Sadie look just like Anna? I think so! Wasn't it yesterday when Anna was little? Thanks for a great day! We love you Anna!

Family comes to Sandy

Last weekend we had some basketball games, what else is new. But fortunately for us, Bear River was also playing in the State championships. Grandma and Grandpa Anderson brought down Shaylie and MaKenna for the games and stayed overnight for their championship. We had a lot of fun together "hanging". Grandpa busied himself at Cabella's - didn't even get lost, and we hung at the mall for a bit before the games.

Sadie, Grandma, and Keaton take a relaxing moment at the mall massage chairs. To bad we didn't have a dollar to make them work ;)

Alex, MaKenna, Shaylie & Keaton right before Keaton's game. Keaton played a great game and they won!! Aren't they cute together? They are growing up. I say that a lot now days.

Looking good Shaylie. She was busily texting all of her boyfriends ;) A good sport to hang out with the younger cousins. Alex then played his own championship game and WON!!! It was a pretty amazing feat but the TAZERS pulled it off. Because of Alex's championship, we weren't able to go with them to the BEARS game, but they won too!!!

GO TAZERS & GO BEARS

Power of One Award

Sadie was honored by her school teacher for "doing well in all subject area, and being kind to others". Ms. Larson says "I enjoy having Sadie in my class." She received recognition from the principle and parents, along with a Power Of One pin. Sadie is always thinking about her friends and how to make them happy. She loves to involve everyone in her activities and worries about others' feelings. She is loving math and is a great reader. She is super great at writting notes to her friends and family. We find them everywhere. We love you so much Sadie, keep up the good work!