Averi's Dance Recital

After a year of dancing jazz/tap/ballet, Averi had her end of the year recital. She had been practicing for a couple of months now, and it was held at the Bakersfield Fox Theater. She was so excited to be able to put on full stage makeup. She looked so grown up! Steve came to the recital straight from work, and when Averi was on stage, he didn't even recognize her. She definitely didn't look like his little Pumpkin Pot Pie! She was scared but did a great job. It was so good to see how proud she was of herself after the recital. I think she liked the flowers and teddy bear the family gave her even more....Averi, we are so proud of you!

Snow Cone Stand

The boys, along with their neighborhood best friend Gavin Michael (I have to call the boys by their middle names to distinguish them from each other) wanted to make a lemonade stand. I had a better idea, and decided to let them use my new snow cone machine. They were determined to make some money. They trudged this cabinet down from Gavin Michael's house, set up the extension cord to the garage, and went in business. I was proud of them, and now they don't have to ask me for money all the time!

Our First BBQ

We invited the Hull family over to BBQ with us last month for Randy and Kyra's birthdays. It was our first chance to entertain at the new house. I am used to seeing Crystal everyday, so it has been kind of an adjustment now that she doesn't just live around the corner. Kyra brought a friend and Michael Reyes came up with the Hulls. Steve was in charge of the bbq, and we had some delicious tri-tip, with a ton of other food. Crystal brought over two pies from Marie Calendars, and we were all so full after, that I didn't eat again until dinner the next day!
The kids really enjoyed the backyard. It is nice to be able to kick them out there on the swing set so the adults can converse inside the house. Luckily the weather was perfect and not too hot yet.

Wyatt always loves to see Crystal!

The swing set was left here by the previous owner, and I was glad to see it hold up with a bunch of kids all playing on it at one time!

Good company!

Crystal is always amazed with Regen's fat rolls!

Looking forward to having the crew over again for a Father's Day BBQ!

Just Call Me Dorothy!!!

For those of you who do not know my mother, let me tell you a bit about her! Growing up, one of her best attributes (that I took for granted) was the fact that the house was always clean. Now, I don't mean just clean, but you could basically white glove it at any moment. Never did a dish sit unwashed, or clothes go without being folded, and never did the floor go without being vacuumed daily, or the kitchen floor washed! I don't think in all my years growing up that I ever crunched across the kitchen floor. When my dad came home from work and walked into the house, I swear she would sweep the floor after him, and it was always funny cause she would basically sweep us out the door if we were leaving on a vacation!...All of this as she worked full time, taught early morning seminary or was Relief Society President, and managed to cook dinners and attend all of our kids events!...Yes, amazing.

My Clean "Dorothy Johnson" Kitchen!!!!

Now, moving into a nice clean house to begin with has been a wonderful experience......It has taken 35 years, but I realized yesterday that my mother's influence has finally paid off!...On Friday, as the kids were eating breakfast, I was cleaning up after them right away. Their bowls were immediately washed and put into the dishwasher, the table was wiped down, the floor swept under them, and then after vacuuming the house, I swept Ethan and Gavin out the door to school! I went to mop the kitchen floor, which I can proudly say was done twice the day before. I rung out the towel (another Dorothy thing, as she never used a mop, but always a wet towel to clean the floor)...that I realized.....and had to laugh out loud as I said,..."Oh My Goodness...I have turned into Dorothy Johnson!".....I immediately called Steve to tell him how funny I thought it was, and his reply,..."Thank Goodness!"...Yes, it has only taken 35 years!

Now, is it exhausting...yes, but it sure is wonderful and makes me happy to have a very clean home. And I love when Steve comes home and dinner is on the table ready for him. I take great pride in this new house!

PineWood Derby 2010

The PineWood Derby was a big success. I was so proud of the scouts! They all participated in a couple of skits for the families to enjoy. The one about the invisible bench was my favorite.
Waiting for the cars to come down the track.

Ethan loved his car this year. Last year his car was not fast at all and he didn't win any of the races. This year, Steve put a lot of time into the car and even called Grandpa Smith for advice. He was up late shaping wheels and polishing nails, and I am not even sure what else he did to the car, but it worked. Ethan had the fastest car this year. It was great to see the big smile of pride on his face.

Easter 2010

We went up to Pappa and Nema's (Wyatt's new word for Grandma) house for our Easter celebration. Since we don't have a television, we wanted to catch some of conference, which didn't happen since Wy started to act like a Wild Guy. But, it was fun to have an Easter Egg Hunt up there. Ethan and Gavin still enjoy looking for eggs.
We had to hold them back for a bit though so that the younger kids could get some.

Could Wyatt look any more like Steve????

I think Averi ended up eating most of everyone's candy from their eggs!

Grandma had to help her reach a couple of the eggs.

Wyatt thought they were balls to throw!

Such a nice day for the family!

Reagen's New Bikini

I had to get Reagen a new bikini for summer. She can only get away with it when the fat rolls are still cute! All ready for the beach!