Memorial Weekend

 It rained most of the weekend, which bummed me out because all I wanted to do was take Darin to Patsy's Mine and Flag Rock.  I think Miriam had call backs for next year's play, and possibly this is when Darin took Byron bike shopping,  at some point we all went to see Solo, but it's all kind of running together in my mind. However, Monday was free and clear with rain only forecast for the afternoon.  

So we did it!

We made it to the flag

We explored the mine

I took lots of photos of wild flowers on the way down.

We stopped by Dick's Market for their freshly grilled Ribs + corn and salad (which meant I didn't have to cook).  I was one happy woman!

Then it did rain.  Hard.  So I took a nap.  When I woke up we delivered our flowers to family who are buried near to us, and while doing so, thought of all those loved ones who have gone.

and then it rained again....

LPA's Dance Recital

The final performance of all the dances through the year + a few new ones the new team will learn next year.

Miriam, Savanah, Max and Josh choreographed and danced a small group number as well.

(no photo...kind of chaos after the recital)

Miriam found out she was chosen to be the girls captain for next year! She is over the moon excited.  Her good attitude, and hard work have payed off big time.  

We were lucky to get to see both sets of Grandparents for the performance.

For the first time ever we let her stay up till midnight partying with the team at IHOP.

Miriam said to me the other day "I can't believe how much a life can change in just one year"  and it's so true in this case.  Miriam walked into her first ballroom team meeting terrified and intimidated,  she felt like everyone thought she was stupid and didn't want her around. 6 months later, she is one of the captains for next year! 

Mother's Day + Birthday

I made a list this year. 

 I really did.  A list of how I would like the day to go.  It started with please don't wake me, and no phones/TV/computer until after 3:00 pm.

One thing on my list was a hike. It rained the day before, so we improvised with a boardwalk and bird watch. 

We came home to linner....and then had Tuxedo cake for a late snack.

Last item on the list was watching Masterpiece's new version of Little Women. check check check check.

I had a fantastic mother's day! I especially loved the artwork and notes from the kiddos.

Darin's birthday was the next day...a Monday.

 A Monday where he couldn't take work off and was working longer hours than usual.  So, we celebrated with toast and eggs amidst the chaos; early morning ballroom practice, piano practice getting ready for the school and work.

Darin requested In-N-Out for dinner, and since it was raining hard Soren and I ran to get take out.  We opened his gifts, and then celebrated with Haagen Dazs.  Darin got his very own pints because its a genetic Ray trait to eat scoops of ice cream late at night with a fork.  The gift of nightly fork scoops for the rest of the week.

Soren's Baptism

It was a gorgeous day.  Lots of family and friends came to celebrate Soren, and we all felt loved.

The kids sang The Miracle along with 2 of our friends beautifully, so well in fact they have been requested to sing in sacrament meeting.

Soren's baptism and conformation was wonderful, the Cinco De Mayo nacho after party was great...just a really easy peasy great day.

I took a very laid back approach this time around.  The music was important to me so I made the kids practice a lot, and asked my sister to play, my mom to lead...but other than that I had no preconceived notions of how the day should go. I just enjoyed everyone.

I was perhaps a little too laid back, I didn't gather everyone up for a photo, and I sent Darin home to get the food heated up before I even thought to take pictures.  So we don't have photos of a lot of our guests, or the cute neighbor Soren was baptized with.

We finished of the day with our very last ever piano recital with Molly.  

 We feel so blessed to have had access to her knowledge, patience and kindness. She can't be replaced but we will move on.

Birthday Weekend

Miriam had a school ballroom competition where she was required to enter the novelty Disco dance off.  Soren made a slick disco partner and they went 3 rounds to the semi finals.

Just Miriam and one of her partners chillin before the comp started.

Soren chose Pin & a Jelly Jar for his Birthday dinner.  

We had a family Just Dance/karaoke party but the celebration continues Saturday with his baptism and Cinco de Mayo nacho party!

Soren's Photo Shoot

Soren at 8:
First of all....Soren has always been old soul in little boy body.  He has never been a run around crazy kind of kid, he likes boundaries, and communication. The other day when I suggested we invite certain friends over he said "I don't have the energy for them today...they are too hyper".  See what I mean?? Communication master.  Makes me laugh, but also limits how much he plays with other kids his age.  He much prefers his big brother.
Soren has a huge imagination, and a witty sense of humor.  He is very unique, has a heart the size of Texas, but is also fears the size of Texas. Just going to school everyday is an act of bravery for this guy.  Last night before bed his fears started creeping in so we sat on the couch and talked about it.  I asked him what he does when he feels that way at school.  He is more resilient and brave than I ever knew.  He said he walks slowly around a tree a few times, running his fingers around the trunk, and then runs his fingers up and down his forearm to feel the contrast in rough and smooth.  Just the other day I heard a therapist talking about this very idea to combat anxiety....she had other ways like squeezing fingers tightly, or running palms on thighs but it all does the same thing. It brings your mind away from where it was running and back into the present moment. Soren is one smart kiddo.
He also told me he would sing if it wasn't embarrassing. I work with a child who is autistic and he sings at the top of his voice during recess all the time. When I mentioned that to Soren he said "that would be the benefit of having a disability...you just don't have to worry so much about being regular".
That made my heart hurt for many many reasons, but mostly I am just proud of how brave and kind Soren is, and I am impressed by his insight.

Favorite Color: all the colors...he is undecided 

Favorite TV show: Teen Titans Go

Favorite Book: Micheal Vey series

Favorite Subject in School: his SEM class 

Soren LOVES music, he has a strong clear voice and a pretty darn good ear.

Greatest Showman, Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen....he is constantly asking to listen to something.

Piano practice is hard on him, having a good ear kind of keeps him from learning the notes but he has great rhythm, and plays with feeling. We are working on the hard stuff and enjoying the music along the way.

This guy is super creative.  He is never happier than when he is creating something and using his imagination. He especially likes to create gift for others, sometimes he doesn't even know who he will be giving his creations to, he just loves to create and give. It is VERY common to find notes from Soren under our pillows.  He has to take action when he sees pain...he is incapable of sitting by and doing nothing.

Soren loves water.  He will get wet at any time, he is always up for a trip to the pool. He loves science experiments, slime, gak, mud, anything that makes a huge mess.

He enjoys to preforming. He is a good little actor and shines on stage when he is in plays, or on his ballroom dance team.

Soren is a loyal, fierce defender of his siblings. They fight for sure, but at the end of the day Soren would take a licking himself rather than see his brother or sister get in trouble. 

He is VERY generous with his money.  Perhaps thats because he doesn't quite understand the value of it, but when he sees a gift he feels a sibling would want he does not care how much of his money it will take, he has to give it. 

We all love this kid to the moon and back. 

I am lucky I get to be his mom, but if I wasn't I would want him as a friend. We would sing at the top of our lungs, make huge goopy messes together, or maybe just sit and talk.