Sadie's Family

We found some baby tadpoles at the lake and Miss M just could survive without a new pet! Of course common sense told me to resist the urge to capture several unsuspecting tadpoles. But the school teacher in me kick in and I thought about what a great experience it would be to let Miss M see and document this amazing transformation. Needless to say about $30 later, after a small aquarium, blood worms, fish food etc. We had three baby tadpoles as pets. I did save a little common sense and got a commitment that when the tadpoles had legs they needed to be returned to their home so they could continue the circle of life. Anyway, it was fun to see the little things grow legs and turn into frogs. They still had small tails when we set them free but it was all good.

Early in June the family (well, most of the family) got to participate in a Pioneer Trek. It was wet, and muddy and amazing. The youth were so great, we all worked hard and had a great experience. I love, love, love camping and being outside - this trip was no exception even with the rain, hail, mud and mosquitos. Sometimes I think I was born about 100 years too late. But then I slip on my Keen shoes or take a hot shower and brush my teeth with toothpaste and a soft toothbrush and I realize "No it's all good."

Doodle got to take an amazing three week Church History tour after graduation. The tour stops at almost every significant site in Mormon Church History. She had an amazing three weeks. This is a picture with her Heritage Tours Family before she left and a welcome home poster from her little sisters when she returned. I need to get some pictures of the tour itself from her. More to come.

A few weeks ago, ManageThis got to fly to Hollywood and compete in Fortune 500's Battle of the Corporate Bands. It was so fun! The competition was held at the Key Club in Hollywood. Tom and the band played out of their heads- it was an amazing night. They sounded terrific. It turns out that they won and so now they get to go to Cleveland and play/compete at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! I think the next competition is in October. ROCK ON!

This is the Key Club in Hollywood where the competition was held.


My favorite guitarist.


The band.

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Our hotel was right on the Hollywood Walk of Fame - so I took a picture of someone the kids could really appreciate!

The other morning I was up early and went to the basement to do some exercise. As I was exercising I kept hearing the pitter patter of little feet in the kitchen above me. When I finally finished and went upstairs I found sweet Miss M making pancakes for the entire family. She had done the project start to finish, getting out the stuff, mixing the batter, pouring the pancakes, flipping the pancakes, setting the table - it was amazing. Especially if you consider what a little thing she really is.....talk about Short Stack!

We got to do a "sisters" trip to Phoenix. It was the first time back since my mother-in-law moved to Utah. We went to the cemetery in Mesa to decorate Bud's grave, attended church in the old ward, visited relatives and of course ate MEXICAN FOOD at Jordans!

Doodle graduated from Lone Peak at the end of May. I can't believe we have 2 kids out of High School already. It was a lovely evening, we had a nice dinner at The Macaroni Grill and then off to the Marriott Center for the 3 hour ceremony - but what can you expect with close to 700 kids graduating! It was a great night and then Doodle was off with her friends for the all night party.

When AB was a baby and dressed in her blessing dress, it was spring and the Phlox in front of the house were in full bloom. We set her in the Phlox and took her picture, she was only 2 months old. Every year since then we have taken her picture when the Phlox was in bloom. These are just a few of the pictures that I could locate quickly. Where has the time gone?

A few weeks ago we drove up to Salt Lake to run in the Race for the Cure - benefits go to help find a cure for breast cancer. It was amazing. How cool to be there with my cousin and 4 beautiful daughters and about 18,000 others all uniting for a cool cause. Below are some of my favorite pictures of people on race day!





After the race we got together for a girls, girls, girls day and went up to This is the Place State Park - just a note, it doesn't get into full swing until the last part of May, but it was still a fun day.

The school gives out an award to the children who read 50 Newbery books - the award includes a cool trophy and $50! AB has been working on this for a while and although it came down to the wire, she made it. She was very proud of herself and so was I - it is quite an accomplishment. Way to go AB!

Ahhhh spring is in the air and Doodle has been feverishly sewing a dress to wear to Prom. I was sceptical at first and not as supportive as I should have been but her persistance won me over and in the end, the dress worked out and she looked beautiful as always. Apparently it was a lovely evening, the perfect final dance of her school career. When she got home she said, "It was so perfect. I don't want to go to bed, I'm afraid that I will wake up and find that it was all a dream." Ah to be 17 again!

Friday Doodle had the opportunity to take a ride over the valley in a hot air balloon. I thought it was a cool opportunity and a great blog moment so I got up early and followed them to the park to get some pictures. Lucky girl!