Kindergarten Graduation–June 14

Landon’s last day of Kindergarten was June 16, but on June 14, they had a special Kindergarten graduation in his classroom.  It was fun to go and see Landon with his friends, in his graduation hats they had made.  He had a great experience in Kindergarten, with a wonderful teacher and amazing friends.  I can’t believe he is already done with his first year of school!

 

Landon sitting on his spot on the carpet, waiting for his name to be read.

 

Landon with his certificate, and Landon’s good friend Luke

 

Class of 2023! And a picture of Landon with Miss Kimbel

Before she read each student’s name, Miss Kimbel said some special things about that student.  I was videoing each one, but then we had a small crisis as Davis turned up the volume all of the sudden on the itouch game he was playing, and that was of course right as she started talking about Landon.  I caught the end of it, but she basically said that he had a great sense of humor and always made her laugh, and that he got the award for going “above and beyond” because he would do more than asked, including asking to read during choice time.

Grandpa Morris’s Funeral–June 3

As we arrived at my parents’ house late on the Friday before Memorial Day, we learned that my dad was making plans to fly to Utah and drive to McCammon, Idaho early Saturday morning to visit my Grandpa Morris in the hospital.  My grandpa had been taken to the hospital a few days earlier with what we now learned was a massive stroke, and it soon became evident that he would not be alive much longer.  My dad was able to fly out and be with him as he passed from this life.

His funeral took place that next Friday, June 3, so as soon as I got back from Ashland late Monday, I did my laundry, packed, and made arrangements for the kids as just James and I would be flying out late Thursday to attend the funeral on Friday.  Thanks to a wonderful husband, and awesome brother-in-law, and some great friends, I was able to go without worrying about Landon and Davis at home. 

The funeral, as all funerals are, was as sacred and special experience where I learned even more about my grandpa and the amazing man that he was.  He was extremely afraid of speaking publicly when he was younger, and so instead of turning in his papers to serve a mission, he first entered the military and served during WWII, where he had several faith-proving experiences.  When he came home, he started back to work on the farm, but everything just seemed to be going wrong until he finally realized that he needed to serve a mission.  He developed in his life an ability to speak in public, overcoming that fear and eventually serving in several callings that required him to speak often, especially a calling on the stake high council.  My dad and his siblings each wrote of a memory of grandpa, and they all mentioned how they would hear their dad singing in the shower, as he got ready in the morning, and throughout the day.  I guess I now know where my dad got that from! 

Overwhelmingly, as I listened to my two uncles tell stories and memories of my grandpa, I was struck with how much my dad is like him, and how much of an influence he has had on my dad’s life in helping him to be the dad that he then is to me.  All of the children also repeatedly mentioned how often they would find Grandpa and Grandma kneeling by their bed in prayer, both morning and night, and my grandpa liked to say it is much better to wear a hole in the knees of your pants rather than the rear.  I loved my grandpa because of his humble and unwavering faith.

           

Taking a walk with Kallie and Bennett, and playing high five with Kallie at the church

I drove up and back to the funeral with Camille and Bryce, and the next day I stayed at Becky’s since it was cheaper to fly out Sunday.  I was lucky and go to be there on Saturday to go to Camille’s bridal shower!  It was fun to be the with her, meet Bryce’s mom and sisters, and learn a little more about Bryce and Camille.  I was glad the trip ended with a happy experience!  I also got to meet Becky’s new baby Ryan.  James especially was excited to see him, and I had to keep him away from him a lot of the time!  Here he is playing with Ryan in his swing.

Olympic Racer

For Family Home Evening on Monday nights, we take turns with the various responsibilities of the scripture, lesson, activity, and treat.  Whenever it is Landon or Davis’s turn to choose the activity, they always want to play a game together on the Wii (probably because normally we only play on Saturdays).  Most of the time, they choose to play Mario and Sonic at the Summer Olympics.  I posted on here earlier a short video of Davis playing, but I thought we needed a longer one so everyone can get a true understanding of how funny it is to watch him play.   Enjoy!

Here is one more, from a non-FHE time.  You can tell from this one that Landon is not much different than Davis when it comes to playing the Wii!

T-Ball

Landon has played t-ball for the first time this year.  He had a lot of fun playing for the cubs, and got a lot more confident as the season went on.  His best friend’s mom was the coach, and she did a great job teaching them the basic skills and helping them understand the game.

   

The coach would yell out, “Cub, be ready!” and they would all get into this position.  It was good because at first, most of them (including Landon) were off in la-la land not watching or paying attention. 

Landon and Luke

 

Getting his trophy and signed ball after his last game.  He loved his trophy!

And a short video of Landon getting a hit:

Memorial Day Weekend

I am definitely behind on my blog, so be prepared for a few “catch-up” posts over the next few days.  Hopefully by Sunday I will be all caught up!

For Memorial Day weekend, we went to Ashland.  The weather was not too great, but we still managed to find a few fun things to do inside or outside during dry moments.  The hardest rain fell while I was doing the second half of my 11 mile run with Shane.  Stacey started out and ran the first 6 with me, then Shane graciously agreed to cheer me on and run with me the second half.  It had been dry and pleasant with Stacey, but just after Shane and I got running, it started raining – really raining.  I could hardly see as I kept having to wipe away the water that was pouring into my eyes!   I was about to give up and go back home, but Shane let me wear his hat, and we kept going and finished the 11 miles. 

The rest of the weekend activities are pictured here.

Saturday:

James and Ethan enjoying some high chair time together.  They are becoming pretty good buddies.

                        

James relaxing with Shane, and the kids playing on Mom’s elliptical machine.  It brought back memories of all the times we would play on Grandma Morris’s treadmill.

 

Reading books to the kids before bed:

 

Monday:

Playing on the playground at Helman school:

     

The boys had a little pull-up contest.  I won’t say who won, but I will say my husband is quite impressive.  :)

A t-ball/baseball game following the playground play:

       

The play of the game happened towards the end.  Most of the kids had gone and sat down, and the big boys were hitting the ball together.  Dad was going for a catch from way out after a big hit, and he didn’t realize Davis was still standing on the field.  He took off in a full run for the ball, rammed right into Davis, and sent Davis flying into the air.  We all cheered for Davis as he got up, hoping to distract from any fear or pain he was feeling, and it mostly worked, because he didn’t even cry, just got a little sad face.

Weenie Roast in the Park:

     

It was a fun weekend and we’re glad we got to go and relax there together!