Jeff was gracious enough to share Father's Day with my birthday this year. We had cinnamon rolls before church and a little R&R after church. Two power outages couldn't stop dinner. Jeff fired up the grill to warm up the beef brisket and boil the mashed potatoes. After dinner we had my birthday cake and let the kids run around in the backyard. Jeff got some fruit pies and a multi-position ladder. We are so grateful to have a loving husband and father. We love you Jeff!

** Side note- Ethan passed the Sacrament for the first time today. It was very special as it was my birthday and Father's Day. A day to remember!

Ethan was given the Aaronic priesthood on Sunday and ordained to the office of a Deacon. It's hard to believe that he is old enough. We were lucky enough to have Grandpa Petersen and Great Grandpa Lewis there to make 4 generations of priesthood holders. Ethan says it felt even better than when he was baptized. I am so grateful to have a son who makes good choices and is striving to live the gospel. He is looking forward to fulfilling his priesthood duties of passing the sacrament and collecting fast offerings. Father's Day Sunday (also my birthday this year) will be his first week to pass the Sacrament- that will be a  special day to remember.

My Miss K has graduated Kindergarten! Her program was so cute. The 3 kindergarten classes all sang some songs while wearing their paper hats (morterboards). Katelyn was so happy and excited. She has loved school and her teacher Mrs. Coles. K has come a long way this year and is caught up academically to where she should be. She is looking forward to first grade and the promise of getting a lunchbox.

It's hard to believe that I am the mother of a 12 year old! Ethan celebrated early with us on Saturday at Tucanos for his birthday dinner date with just mom and dad. He got to pick the place and we all enjoyed a delicious feast. Ethan expanded his palate by trying a passion fruit lemonade, filet mignon and chicken hearts. Today we celebrated big. There was no school because of Memorial Day. We hosted the family BBQ at our house and had lots of fun with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. We have expanded our family this week to 10 people with the addition of 4 cousins while their parents are out celebrating a wedding anniversary. Because of that we decided to host rather than travel. Ethan received lots of wonderful gifts including a Lego set (wouldn't be a birthday without one), a Newton's cradle, plasma ball, fun cards from the cousins, and cold hard cash. He really wanted all money, but wasn't quite ready to give up all the opening of real presents. So he settled on a compromise of a few gifts supplemented with moolah. He is growing up! He wanted an ice cream cake this year (Reeses, yum!), and he even was allowed to man the lighter to light his own candles.






I am so proud of Ethan. He survived his time in Primary. The last month hasn't been easy, but he has kept a positive attitude. He is a great example to his younger brother, sisters and cousins that look up to him. He earned his Faith in God award for church. He is a good boy and is maturing into a young man. I am excited and apprehensive to watch the transition. I am not ready to let him go, but know that he needs to make his own choices and learn things for himself. It can be tricky being a mother. He has a giant piece of my heart and will forever.

His summer plans include band (trumpet), youth conference, scout camp, lots of time swimming and hanging out with friends. On to the next phase in life- Jr. High!