Laughs, Love, and so much fun!

I spent the past week with the Walker gkids while Mom and dad took off to Hawaii for a few days. Misha and Chuck came home tan and rested and had a terrific time, however, I think I got the better deal! The kids were great, Steph came home at the end of the week and we got to visit with her. Always fun! Joe had swimming EVERY night after school, plus taking care of Bella...and the rest of us. Jessica had tumbling one night in SL and cheer another over on Geneva road. AND, an early morning cheer class. I'm not really sure how she does it all and ALWAYS with a smile on her face! She found time to make us a WONDERFUL chocolate cake (pictureabove). It was so good. Lots of gooey chocolate thick syrup between the layers and a terrific milk chocolate frosting, lots and lots of frosting! So good! We tried to save a piece for Steph but...well, maybe another time. I arrived on Saturday night, after working, and Mish and Chuck and I stayed up almost till they had to get up and catch their plane, visiting. Fun to be able to spend some time with them. Anyway, we set the clocks forward and the next morning I awoke at 8:30. Their church begins at 9! We needed to be there early enough to be a good "reverent example". Well, that didn't happen but we did get there! The kids had Monday off and Tues David was SURE I was kidnapping him and taking him in the wrong direction for school. Gratefully his school isn't that far from home and so he only stressed for a few minutes. We took "Tiny Tim", the class turtle back and he showed me on Wednesday the route HE thought we should take to go to school. He got his report card and "got straight "A"s". He is so fun and says the most amazing things. He could give you dads a few pointers with the boyfriends! He told Steph's date, "Now, you're going to be her EX boyfriend cause she already has a boyfriend and he's on a mission!" When Austin replied, "Oh yeah? And does she talk about him a lot?" David said, "Well, yeah, like EVERY day." Bless Steph's heart, she laughed about it and wasn't too upset at him. I am constantly amazed at the relationship Steph and Jess have. They really are best friends, love being with each other, and hangin out. They went to see "Taken" on Saturday together. (They loved it!, of course). I could sit and watch/listen to them forever..and laugh constantly! Steph is having a good time in Idaho...it's maybe a little too tame for her but she is making the best of it.

Joe made the State Swim Team!

While I was with the kids, Joe got word he had made the State Swim team! He will be swimming in three events and is alternate for a fourth! He is excited and we're excited for him! What a worker he is. He took care of the dog every morning, every afternoon and every night w/o being asked! Besides that he did everything Jess or I asked for help with, took out the garbage, and made us all feel safe and protected with him around! He reads late into the night but the guy gets up and at it early in the morning. I am so proud of him; even on Sunday's he is up and to early morning meetings w/o a grumble! Grandma needs lessons!

Don't look Uncle Buff! - You'll hurt for a week!

Jessica doesn't have any joints! She can turn, bend, move and twist in any direction! I took some pictures of her at a tumbling class and I may post one but mostly, if she is moving, it is a blur! I was just amazed at the moves she could make and so when we got home I made her stretch for me so I could get some shots that you could see! What a fun girl! A well known photographer is coming here from Texas to do a mentoring class with the photographer in Walker's ward. He saw Jessica's picture on the local photographer's blog and left a comment. We looked, of course and he said, "Bring this girl to our shoot!" It wont be for a couple of weeks but exciting! Jess drove me EVERYWHERE all week. She's a very good driver and I loved not having to navigate. With her behind the wheel and taking a different route everywhere we went, I think I can find my way around their neighborhood now! I loved spending time with this girl!

David was Student of the Week and....

And, he got to take the class pet home to care for and feed for the long weekend! Tiny Tim stayed in his cage by David's bed. David kept him fed on salad greens and took him out on a regular basis for exercise. The kids didn't have school Monday so he got to keep him an extra day. I'm pretty sure it was because he is such a great kid to have in class.

And I got to go to the temple a couple of times!

After getting the boys up in the morning, I took a page from Melissa's book and showered and got ready for my day. I dropped David off at 8...once we could decide on WHERE his school was, and then didn't need to be back to pick kids up till 2:00. I met Rebecca a couple of days but also took some time to go to the temple while I was so close. They were so busy! The first day I went I wanted to do initiatories and it was so crowded I was asked to sit in the foyer till they found some space for me! I mean, the FOYER! The second time they told me they had 100 patrons at 6AM!And, did I want to go on a session and let things slow down. I only did the one endowment session because I has so many initiatories to get done. They only allowed FIVE names and then you had to go out, go to the back of the line and wait your turn again! Isn't there a quote somewhere that says someday the temples will have to be open day and night? That day isn't that far off at the Timp temple! Beautiful, wonderful and very serene. I did Grandma Green's work and that was special. Tons, TONS more names to do so when you are going let me know!

Braden's soccer match!

These pictures aren't the best but the best I could do. David and Joe and I went to watch Braden's soccer match while I was in PG last week. Braden's team won with a score of 9-1! Braden is a very agressive player and has quite a kick! At one point he kicked the ball so hard it flew into the face of another player. The child left the floor. I really expected Braden to leave and cry with him but he was tougher than I thought that tender heart could be and stayed in and kept playing. McKenna is unimpressed with it all. Her highlight was when her dad showed up and watching the fish in the foyer! Loved it!

Last Week - School lunch with the Jewkes kids!...

Last week I went over to have school lunch with Cedar and Chase. Grandma and Grandpa Jewkes hadn't thought they could be there but surprised the kids by coming. The kids were darling, showing all their projects to us and their rooms. It was a fun visit and even more so cuz I got to visit with Linda and Reese! Too fun.

Aunt Jenny

aunt Jenny changed her email address and didn't even tell me!

MaKayla makes the team!

MaKayla has made the team and will be playing softball with the High School this year! We are thrilled for you, darlin' girl and of course, we are SO proud of you!
And, news just in...she will be playing shortstop! Wow! Our little freshman will be backing up a junior in one of the most important positions of the game!