The Seven of Us

McKenna loves her new gymnastics class! She says it is better than her old one. She says that because her old teacher didn't help her, and it only had two mats! Her new teachers are Kendra Tim and Megan Colglazer. The class is held in the Colglazers quanzet in Holyoke. You would expect it to be dusty and dirty, but it was painted pink snd purple and there were words all around it that had to relate to gymnastics, there were also two wall sized mirrors! The equitpment was better than just mats,in fact there were mats, a balence beam,a high bar and a low bar, and McKenna's favorite, a volt! McKenna said it was worth driving to Holyoke for it! Well I think thats enough to tell you. Gymnastics is awesome!!!

Almost two weeks ago we had a heck of a hail storm. Taylor was at a track meet that I'd planned on going to, but because of tornado watches and yucky skies I came home from Sterling, where I'd been shopping, instead of going to Akron to see Taylor run. All worked out; the track kids had okay weather and I was home to pick my kids up and "save" them from the hail, which was beginning as we pulled up in front of the house. These pictures were taken just a couple minutes later. (The picture of the backyard, where the swingset is, actually shows more apricot blossoms on the ground than hail.)

Too much time has passed since I've written about Taylor. Tay's winter has been busy, filled with lots of good stuff kids her age are often involved in. At school Taylor is involved in NJHS (Natl. Jr. Honor Society) and in Student Council, where she represents her class as the 7th grade class president. She stays plenty busy with these activities. Taylor helps plan school activities and spirit days, works in the Bulldog Store on Thursday mornings, and is involved with other junior high functions. Her teachers look to her for leadership. One good thing about Tay is that she is kind to and tolerant of everyone--even those she'd rather not be around. She does a good job of maintaining and explaining her standards to her friends and teachers. Taylor played basketball and worked hard to earn a spot on the 8th grade team...most of the time.  (Her coach gave her slot back to an eighth grader in the final tournament, explaining that the other player deserved a final chance to...

McKenna turned 10 on March 24. Because that was the night of the Pinewood Derby, we celebrated on Tuesday. Kenna got lots of clothes for her birthday, along with some cards and gramma and grampa's traditional "singing telegram" (over the phone). Kenna is in a difficult position--the middle child, surrounded by 2 older and very competitive siblings and 2 younger, very particular (and sometimes wild) brothers. We love Kenna and are amazed at what she brings to our family. She's especially capable with Corbin, who often asks for her, and she has an amzing ability to empathize with others.  Kenna also has a talent for baking, cooking, having fun with friends, and doing well in school. Happy Birthday, McKenna! Celebrating with our family.  She had plenty of help. Celebrating with her friends Dawson, Sloan, and Riley (a trio of unusual names, but nice friends).  Wearing a dress from Gramma and  Grampa Droddy. Caleb did an amazing thing today after church: He fell ...

This afternoon Isaac decided he wanted to plant his pumpkin seeds. As he was working he told me, "If you're getting your hands or your fingers dirty then you know you're having fun." And I agree.  I miss having as much time for yardwork as I used to.  One day I hope to have a bzillion flowers planted!  But here's Isaac making his garden grow: `

I seem to have catch-up-on-posting-itis, so watch out below. I liked these two quotes and wanted to post them here: There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms. -George Eliot (1819-1880) A cynic can chill and dishearten with a single word. (makes me think of Elder Holland's talk from conf. a few years ago). -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

We usually try to do something fun as a family during Spring Break, especially because Jared's busy season begins a few weeks later. The kids have really started to look forward to this time (and offer lots of opinions about what we should do). The tradition began in 2006, when Isaac was just 2 1/2 and was crazy about trains. That year we stayed at the Drury Inn in Centennial. We went to the Butterfly Museum, where the kids each held Rosie, a Tarantula, and learned about turtles, a rainforest ecosystem, and various sea creatures. We also went to Casa Bonita (we were disappointed) and to the Boulder Train Museum. The following year we stayed in Fort Collins and went shopping for spring clothes and attended a hockey game. In 2008 our spring break trip was forfeited because we went to Washington for Josh & Jade's sealing in February, but last year we resumed the tradition with a day at the Denver Auqarium and dinner at the Olive Garden. This year we tried Fort Fun in For...