The kids love hanging out in the 'clubhouse' as they call it of their new swingset.
Dad spent a couple Saturdays and some weekdays in between to drill, screw, hammer and piece together a playset for the kids to expend their energy on. 
It was well worth all the labor. Just look at these happy kids at play :) 
Elaine posed for a picture with Mom on the day of her graduation from Kindergarten. ( I was going to put a shot from the program on, but hesitated putting kids picture's on the internet w/o parental permission). Elaine was excited for her big day. All the kindergarten classes sang some songs and then the teachers read the names of their students. It was a sweet little program. The day before her teacher sent home a DVD with pictures taken throughout the year set to 'very sentimental , make mom teary eyed' music. Elaine enjoyed sharing it with the family. I am a little sad about her growing up and going to school all day next year. But, I'm thinking by the end of summer with everyone home all day, I'll be ready to let go :) 
Dallin had his first piano recital this day. He did a super job! He had practiced hard. He played a solo and then later a duet with his teacher. I am so proud that he sticks with it even when he gets frustrated at learning new key signatures or pieces. Practice can be a tough time somedays, but its rewarding for both of us when he finally 'gets it' and is so happy about it. 
Kirt and Dallin enjoyed going camping with the ward Friday night. They got up to the campground friday afternoon and went on a fun hike. They had a good time around the campfire that night acting goofy(like a bunch of guys do when they get together)and enjoying hot chocolate as it was quite chilly. 
Dallin found a horned toad which he had to show everyone in the campground. Kirt just thinks this picture is so funny as he asked these guys to act really surprised when Dallin shared his little critter with them, they were obviously happy to oblige.
Friday morning I got a nice Mother's day gift. As Dallin and Elaine were getting ready for school they are bragging to each other how Mom is going to be in their class today. (I was going to a Mother's Tea at Elaine's at 9:00 and to read a story to the class at Dallin's at 10:00) Then one stated, "Well, I guess its both of our lucky day". I count myself 'lucky' or rather very blessed to have such neat kids. I can't imagine my family without each one of them in it. Yes, that is easy to say right now as they are all quietly tucked in bed :) They've been sweet sharing homemade cards and showering me with hugs and kisses. I know it's sappy, but I love it! Also, Kirt is getting me a bike for a mother's day gift as I've been wanting to go on rides as a family, as well . . .
He made me a key lime pie today-yum! It is a 'raw food' pie, in that the crust is made from crushed up dates, macadamias, walnuts, and coconut. The filling is avocado, limes and honey. To be honest I was a bit nervous to try it, but it was surprisingly delicious. Tastes sweet and limey and good, very rich. It was nice that he took the time and forethought to make something special for me on this special day :)
This weekend I went to Flagstaff with some friends for a Women's retreat. Our Relief Society president, Tina has a cabin there and hosted all of us. I rode up with Lori, and Jen and Erin(who joined us on the return trip). It was so nice to get away and be surrounded by pine trees and cooler weather and fun friends. I haven't been without kids by myself overnight in about 8 years. We just laughed and ate and laughed and made little baby hats for humanitarian center and stayed up until 3:00 am, which is probably why we laughed so much as everything is funny when you've had enough sugar and are sleep deprived :) On the way home we went to the outlets in Anthem to shop and have lunch and then to a Boutique for more shopping. Among other things I bought a Family Home Evening board and the lady was asking names to put on the tags for the jobs and I start to give my first name and Kirt's and she asks"wouldn't you rather have it say Mom and Dad?" Oh, yah I hadn't been called Mom in over 24 hours, just Melody , sort of forgot for a second. It was refreshing to return home and Kirt was Super Dad. All was in order and he took the kids to swim lesson and even squeezed in donating blood(no pun intended). He jokingly commented it wasn't hard at all, I don't know why you get frustrated. I'm thinking great I should go away more often. Any takers? :)
Just hanging out!
Traveiling buddies, Jen, Erin, Lori and Me.
