Swimming, Swimming, and More Swimming

Summer got off to a wet start and even 75 degrees seemed like swimming weather. But, it wasn't until the past week or two that it has legitimately been hot enough for hours and hours of pool time. It's like this pretty much every summer - swimming everyday in June and then by August they are bored with the "smallness" and "coldness" of the pool and it just sits there and literally rots. But, for now they are having a blast: Who knew that a two-dollar raft would entertain the boys for hours on end.
Kowabunga!

It sure feels good to have summer finally here.

Dallin's Birthday

Okay, so why sugar-coat the truth, right? Dallin gets annoyed with Cameron, and his birthday was no exception. I remember being 14 and Dallin is lucky that he only has ONE brother that annoys him. Being 14 is hard, I hope Dallin can rise to the challenge. At leat he humored me with a courtesy shot of him pretending to blow out his candles - oops, missed it the first time. We were happy to have Grandma and Grandpa over for dinner after church where Dallin was advanced to the office of Teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. A bit about Dallin:
Dallin learned how to play the saxophone this last year and has done very well.
Dallin loves lasagna and most food.
Dallin loves to cook - his favorite class this year was Foods.
Dallin isn't embarrassed to give his parents hugs.
Dallin can get good grades when he puts his mind to it.
Dallin hardly ever complains when asked to do something hard.
Dallin is obedient.
Dallin thinks he wants to be a mechanical engineer "when he grows up."
Dallin loves to swim - always has.
Dallin does NOT like to write or mow the lawn - who does?
Dallin would love to play video games all day, if he was allowed to.
Dallin is a great oldest brother and we're happy to have him in our family.
~
We're excited to see what the next year has in store for you as you continue to grow up. Happy Birthday, Dallin!

Summerfest 2011

For me summer isn't really here until we've been to Summerfest. There seems to be more and more people each year, but it's worth it! Of course, it all begins with the parade:Cosmo was a favorite....
as were the "pretty ladies" and floats.

A parade wouldn't be a parade without sirens - lots and lots of sirens.

After the parade is the most amazing fireworks show you'll ever see. NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE does free fireworks like Orem City. Each year is just as spectacular as the last and we are never disappointed.

It doesn't take long to use up an entire tube of glow sticks.

The first video is of the last 1 minute of the fireworks show. I'm not sure it was the whole finale since it's always hard to know when the finale actually begins. It seems like the show is one non-stop finale. The second video is one highlight of the parade. As the bagpipe band showed up, Leon's cousin started hollering super loud for them to play something. The band leader stopped, toyed with us for a bit as we all screamed and clapped for them, and then started up the band right in front of us. We certainly felt like he decided to play just for us, but I'm sure there was a plan involved. It was super cool. Jayden said, "At first it was kind of annoying, but once the song got started, it was cool." I think I'd have to agree just a bit.

Let summer begin!

Kindergarten Graduation

Yet another milestone to mark Landon's growing up. He was Mr. Serious when they first came in and later he told me it was because he felt awkward with all those people looking at him. We had to keep reminding him to smile - not something we usually have to do for Landon. We all sure love Mrs. Mullen. She has taught Cameron for two years, and now Landon. She's taking a break from teaching to be with her family and we'll miss her at Windsor. Landon says he's not sure how he's going to like First Grade without her.

Landon and some of his friends.

Landon and Eli Maile - don't tell anyone, but I think there was a small crush going on here.

Landon was so exact with his Graduation March - so cute.

Awards Assembly

Just for the record, I generally don't take too much stock in these end-of-year awards. But, my kids were SO funny about it this year, I just had to blog about it. That, and my friend convinced me to take pictures (my camera just happened to be in my purse from a prior event), and I usually feel compelled to post pictures when I take them.

First of all, Jayden got the 100% Attendence Award for the second year in a row. I cannot tell you the pressure this brings when it gets to be about March and he realizes that he's not missed a day yet. Way to go, Jayden!
Jayden also got the "Great Kid Award", which I'm not exactly sure what it is. As each award was explained, they all started sound a lot alike to me. But, I thought Jayden's pose was kinda' funny. "Great Kid"? Well, I think so, and he must have fooled his teacher, too.Both Cameron and Landon got "Top Academic" awards, which I'm assuming means they are smart. See, they get that from me. Ha! Landon was SO super proud of his "reward" and showed it to everyone, and I mean everyone, who came to our house for the next couple of days.

Good job, kids!

Jayden's Thriller

So, I guess I loaded 2 videos of Landon and not one of Jayden. Blogger would not let me add another video, so I guess Jayden gets his own post for his dance video.

Dance Festival

I realize that these pictures don't really capture the essense of the Dance Festival, but since I took pictures I feel compelled to post them:

Jayden's class did the 90s - "Thriller" - and may I say Jayden was one of the best dancers of the group.Cameron also busted some moves. One of his previous teachers was quite surprised to see him dance like that. His group did the 70s - "Heard it Through the Grapevine".
Landon's group did "Lollipop" which was very cute. Landon prided himself in doing the actions exactly right. It must have been the practicing he had me do with him - especially the spin. :)

If you're game, you just gotta' watch Cameron's dance. If you know his personality, you'll recognize that this is a bit out of character for him. :)

Just the Beginning

Landon lost his first tooth - just the beginning.

He was SO excited when he first realized it was loose and couldn't wait for it to come out. He's been watching his brothers lose teeth and was determined that he'd pull it out himself. And, he did - in the car. He even took it to "Show and Tell" at school - the very last one of the year - and was a bit disappointed when his classmates guessed right away what he'd brought (they hide their item in their backpack and give clues). I'm sure the gap in his mouth kinda' gave it away.

One more step closer to NOT being my "baby" anymore. Landon and the "Tooth Fairy" are soon to be good friends.