a whirlwind

Grace, Emma, Julie, Katie, Julia, Delaney, Kylie and Madison

 Saturday Grace and I went to Brownie encampment.  It was lots of fun.  They had a princess theme and lots of great stations and activities for the girls.  I was really impressed with how organized it was, what a great job the older girls did executing the activities for the little ones, and how conflict free and fun for all it was.  Among other things they went on a scavenger hike, did some team building activities, played games, made crafts, learned about fire safety and built a fire, did skits and exchanged the cutest swaps.
Grace and I didn't stay the night since we have many Sabbath commitments, including the one that says "honor the Sabbath day and keep it holy", so we left after dinner.  She was a little disappointed but we had such a fun time that she quickly got over it.

Grace and Madison during team building

Hannah, Grace, Raymart and scuttle!

 We got home from encampment with plenty still to do.  Hannah had her closing night of her play, actually they had two shows that day.  After the play there was an after party for the cast and crew at the clubhouse.  The play was a really good experience, they worked hard and did a wonderful job!

dancing at the after party!

 Saturday morning Hannah also attended the stake volleyball tournament!  Ethan and R went to Pete's to help him install a fish finder on his boat and to ready the boat for the season, then they went to a soccer game (we won) then they had outside chores to do.

It was a packed day for every one!  A late night and an early morning today.  But we got it all done and everyone was happy. 

This morning I got to go up to the White Plains ward to participate in the world wide leadership training.  It was really good, I love the new training videos and we had a great discussion.  I stayed for their meetings and enjoyed very much meeting with the young women and their leaders.  Awesome women!! It is a joy to serve them and to serve the Lord....even when it means getting up at 5am.

This afternoon I crashed! Took a nice long nap and it was wonderful! Now I am ready for one more meeting tonight and a new week :)

talent show

This week I have been working in Kindergarten, I will be there the rest of the year.  It's pretty fun.  They are little and cute and the day goes fast.  After school goes too fast too.  Especially this week. 

 

Tonight Grace had her talent show.  It was really nice.  They divided it into two shows, each one lasting about an hour.  Perfect.  Lu played two pieces on the piano and two on the recorder.  She was very cute.

 

After we went to the Middle School to watch the Little Mermaid again.  It was cute, again.  Tomorrow is the last night.

 

After the nights performances we went to Salsas for a late dinner.  We like to go there and always see lots of friends and neighbors. 

Grace wanted me to take this photo and to post it.  When we went to the Smithsonian we saw a group of cute sister missionaries on their P Day.  We went to chat with them and then Lu whispered to me that she wanted a picture with them because she is going to be a missionary some day.  So, here they are.  Cute girls all :)

The Little Mermaid

 

Tonight was the opening night of "The Little Mermaid" debuting Hannah as chef #3! It was super cute.  Grace and I went and I was very impressed with the sets, the costumes and the very talented kids.  We had a good time.  I sat next to the mother of frog 2 and we laughed at the cuteness :)

Ethan and Dad were at soccer practice.  I think they will catch a showing tomorrow night.  We have had a crazy busy week, more busy then in typical for us. I am looking forward to next week and a lull in the schedule.  Poor Z has spent a lot of time in her crate this week because we haven't been home.

from the comfort of our own home

 we enjoyed watching conference today!

 technology is both a blessing and a curse.  Sometimes it's a little too comfy at home!

random catch up

This weekend Rob and Pete are off fishing again.  I like this picture of him, it's very pretty there and when I talk to him on the phone I can hear the seagulls in the background.  So far he hasn't caught anything.  Thank goodness he feeds our family with his engineering skills and not his mad fishing skilz.  From all reports they are having a good time :)

In the meantime things at home are fine:)  My long term job for spec ed is over.  I enjoyed it.  This week I only worked one day but starting on Monday I am doing another long term, this time in K.  So while I was off what did I do?  I drove to Waldorf one day to pick up a washer part.  Our washer is very unreliable but handy dandy hubby keeps it limping along.  I called Laura and she and KT rode up with me and then we went to Café Rio!! Yumm-o!

Hannah had play practice every day after school.  She also has practice all day today.

 

Grace had talent show try outs.  She is going to be in a the talent show next week. 

 

My good friend Marcia is "in town" well, in Alexandria which is close enough.  She is a brand new grandma for the first time!  Shout out to Richie and Britni!! We met up for lunch and it was so much fun.  We talked and laughed and laughed and laughed.  I miss that girl!!Also our lunch was super delicious and I will definitely be heading back to the Thai Palace.

 

This morning we went to a soccer game.  We won! 6-2.  Ethan played keeper the first half, did a good job.  The second half he was a forward and he scored a goal!  It was a good game.  Chilly outside but whatevah.  After Lu and E both got invited to go play at Joe's house along with the Davis kids.  It's very quiet at home right now.  I am going to watch conference in a second, doing some laundry.  Strange Saturday to be home alone.

 

Last night Laura invited us over to watch Les Miserables.  She had a house full.  I was excited to go and see it.  The kids all ran around upstairs and outside playing while we hit the basement theater.  She also made snacks which were tasty and it was fun to visit with everyone.  I really really wanted to love the movie.  I actually have never seen it or read the book and I knew I needed to, if only from a cultural literacy perspective.  But I didn't love it.  I liked the story in that I loved Jean ValJean.  He was such a good man and did such good.  I love that.  Also Wolverine...easy on the eyes.  Some of the music was very stirring and at the end of the day I liked the story.  The actual watching of the movie was kind of long and the singing kind of not great, and some of the horrors, just so sad. 

Little Missy has taken up dad's spot while he's gone.  She's been happy to sleep there and I am happy to have her.

back from break

last night Hannah and I went to the movies, we saw "the Host" which I liked.  Hannah had not read the book so she thought it was confusing but she liked it.  We went after we dropped Ethan off at player development (read: bonus soccer practice) and left Lu there to help Dad coach (read: play on the playground and bug them :) )We've been wanting a date, actually we've been wanting to go to Georgetown but in the meantime this was good.  First we went to eat enchiladas and then to the show.  It was a nice end to a okay spring break.

The rest of the day was good as well.  The weather finally warmed up and Ethan played outside on the playground with a bunch of friends for many hours.  Grace played with Arden in the morning and Keean in the afternoon.  I did laundry.

Today everyone went back to school.  I thought I was working this week but after only an hour at school the lady they hired came, the principal didn't think she'd get processed so quickly but she did so I got paid for a half day, went home and had free time. (read: did laundry)

Easter

Chelsea, Hannah and cute little Alexis

 We had a lovely Easter.  I was feeling much much better, and everyone else was feeling good too.  The kids woke up to Easter treats from the bunny.  Everyone is happy to have a chocolate bunny to nibble :)

We went to church where the meetings were especially good, uplifting and interesting.  Sundays really are my favorite day of the week.

After church we came home and ate a light lunch, I did some cooking, kids did some playing.  Grace was working on her Lego creation, Hannah worked on memorizing her poem for school, R worked on taxes.    Then at 4 we went to the Martines'.   We had a deliciously yummy dinner!  I made a 7 layer salad and a fruit salad and a couple of kinds of spring cookies.  Colleen and Janene made ham, carrots, broccoli, rolls (Chelsea made the rolls actually) and brussel sprouts.  Everyone ate until they were good and full :) Then we played a fun game that Ellie prepared and enjoyed visiting together.  It was a happy day.

Ziva and her egg