I hope you appreciate my efforts on this blog!

A few of my favorite things . . .

My guy

He makes me laugh

My three sons . . .

Stuck in the car at the rained-out Father & Sons.

Finished projects (wall courtesy of Craigslist)

Patience & love

That face!

Best buddies . . .

and wonderfully silly girls!

What a face!

Is there anything better than homemade chocolate frosting?

Yup! He's a cutie. His new thing is to say "wait, mom", as he tries to buckle his own carseat straps.

Need I say more?

Tilt Computer for best optical results

Yes, another derby! We did better this year. After watching the movie "Down and Derby" we improved our design and technique! Uh, I mean, Evan did better this year.

This is why I don't blog much. I don't know how to use a camera. Katy ended the year STRONG! She finished middle school with a 4.0. We are very proud of her. She is headed for a very busy freshman year taking an AP class and honors Algebra II. Can she really be mine?

She had a teriffic team of "brainiac" friends!

Yes, Claire, there is more to summer than swimming and hanging out with friends. Now it's time to really get to work! Remember all the fun of elementary school?

I spent my spare time this spring making this memory quilt for the gym wall at the elementary school. Each year the 6th graders get to go to "outdoor experience" camp. It's really for those r children who never get to experience camping. I was on the quilting committee. My expertise was much needed. I am responsible for the zipline, lettering and girl. Way to contribute!

At the end of the school year the Lone Tree Police Department teaches the D.A.R.E program to all the 6th graders. It stands for Drug Awareness and Resistance Education.

(The police Chief and Officer Ted.)

Claire was asked to read the essay she wrote on making choices and how this program has helped her. She recieved a special medal for excellence.

Gee, you'd never know Claire started the year in a class of kids she didn't know.

Claire participated in the district hexathlon on her school's girls team. They competed in 6 (thus hex) activities: 100 meter dash, 400 meter individual, 400 meter team relay, long jump, softball throw, tug of war. Her team did well but Claire rocked the 400 meter relay!! Way to go Claire!

Afterwards the team went to get some well deserved treats. Dis be da ganstas from da hood.

After sitting nicely in the bleachers for 4 hours we ALL deserved some ice cream.

Can we really be marching into March?

I cannot believe how quickly this year is going. I can't seem to keep up. Can you tell the stress is taking a toll? Yikes! So here is what's been going on with us. . .

Evan thoroughly enjoyed the month of love and hearts. He learned all about the human heart: that it has four chambers, each divided by valves that help regulate the flow of blood, that it can be repaired with ease, and that exercise is a cure for just about anything that ails you. He also learned that he has a congenital birth defect called "aortic stenosis". That just means that his aortic valve is thicker than normal and will need repair in many years down the road. So for now he is happy, relieved and enjoying all the things an almost 9 year old boy can enjoy. Biking, jumping, catching, etc. He was very disappointed to find out he can never be the quarterback for the BYU Cougars.

Hard to see, but Claire was one of three 6th graders to participate in the annual spelling bee. She was not excited. We were concerned she'd try to blow it. She didn't though and did very well. Here she is spelling "unconsciously". Good greef!

February began with a birthday. Benjamin turned 2.

Wow, the time has flown by. Terrific Twos here we come!

The first weekend in February Claire participated in the Optimist Brain Bowl. She was one of five team members with an alternate. They had to take a test to qualify for the team. Yes, she is one to two girls on the team. The other girl is her best friend, Dana. They practiced after school for months to get ready for the competition. They didn't really practice "knowledge" but mostly how to work as a team.

Claire's team competed against 26 other elementary schools from the Denver Metro area and placed 4th! Woohoo!

The questions were hard!

This is her school's third year competing.

The month ended with Grandpa Royle's funeral. It was a wonderful tribute to him and the legacy he has left. The day could not have been more beautiful. All the grandsons were pall bearers. It was quite a sight. He was buried with military honors which was really neat to see. Notice the helmet on the bayonette! They presented Aunt Nadine, the eldest daughter, with the flag that covered his coffin.