2011 Memorial Day

The girls had wanted to go swimming today but I thought it would be too cold. Instead we went to a little park near the church building we attend and it has a water feature. So much for it being too cold. They enjoyed themselves and despite sunscreen, Keddi got burned. Everyone else seems fine. The baby wanted a nap so Joel stayed with her. We had already had grilled burgers and brats, and the like. When we came home we watched a movie together and then had a blueberry cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Good day!

Not to be remiss, we remembered to be grateful for the purpose of this day and made sure the little girls understood it.

Keddi's 10th birthday

Keddi gets a friend party this year, so we did family stuff last night for her 10th birthday. Like last year, Mardi had a band thing so we all went to enjoy the Jazz Band's music and the Olive Garden catered dinner. It was a fund raiser and Mardi had invited Wilson's. Desert was cake but I didn't bring a candle so after the event was over, we just sang and she opened the Wilson's gift (zoobles) and one of the gifts from Joel and I. (A journal and 100 piece puzzle)Joel has a trial today and headed back to work to finish preparing for it instead of coming home. Keddi opened a black comforter set (she asked for it!!) and a rock polisher that she can not wait to try. She likes rocks and especially shiny colorful ones. Now I need to see if I can find some way of displaying them.

Happy Birthday Keddi! I am glad you enjoyed your day.

Jazz Band Concert

Every year, Mr. Nakoba has the Jazz Band Concert catered by Olive Garden and the kids are asked to sell tickets. $8/person isn't bad for a full course meal and music! Anyway, the night was divided into two parts and we ate in between. After each song, he had the kids who had done solos stand or raise their hand to be recognized.

Except, Mardi's solo was at the end of the first half and he moved right into telling everyone how to get their food. When he was done, Tersa yelled out "Who did the solo?!" (I was so proud.) His eyes got wide and he apologized and asked everyone to wait a minute. He said that he had to force her to take the one solo (many of the kids did more than one) and that she had done it very well and didn't seem nervous at all. Then he introduced her and we all made quite the racket!
Several of the kids in the band are new to Jazz Band this year like Mardi. They did an incredible job. We were quite impressed and really enjoyed listening to the music.

Mardi

One of the first "parties" the girls had at our house was a photo shoot night with some girls in the ward. They had a blast. They did it again just recently. Tersa wanted to take pictures so she didn't have hers done. Bree did Mardi's hair and Mardi let Tersa put make-up on her. (She doesn't wear make-up and wasn't convinced to after this activity either.)

She's a beauty.

Mardi's Presidential Gold Award

Tonight was Mardi's 8th Grade Awards night. She received the Presidential Gold award for high GPA through all three years of Jr. High. Good job Mardi Beth!