Picnic Dinner

Pictures taken June 24, 2011

My mom happened to be out of town the week the kids were in swimming lessons.

We went to her house every evening and helped Grandma with dinner.

It was perfect to eat our meals there because lessons ended at 4:30.

Getting home and still needing to cook a meal would just be late into the evening.

We enjoyed our time with them, but were exhausted by the end of the week.

(Especially when one night turned into a visit to the ER for Grandpa.)

On the last day of swimming lessons, we had our own little dinner in the park.

We enjoyed the sun, and relaxed as our own little group.

Then we went home.

And it felt good.

Swimming Lessons

We enrolled the boys in swimming lessons.

They had a fun week.

Peter's bravery shined through.

It was obvious that he was intimidated by the water.

But he always did the things the teachers asked of him.

And he always came out of the water with a HUGE grin of self-satisfaction.

He was completely adorable to watch.

Ammon is the most enthusiastic swimmer around.

He clearly LOVES the water and enjoys his time in the pool.

As is consistent with his personality, he has no fear.

He swims with heart!

It was a fun week and I'll need to be sure to get my boys more time in the pool!

Red Heads

Pictures taken June 20, 2011

I will forever think of myself as a red-head.

Although many people who know me now think I'm crazy for saying so.

I guess my hair has turned a lot more brown than it used to be.

My brother understands my pain - his hair is exactly the same color as mine.

And people scoff at him when he calls it red.

But thanks to his lovely wife - who has vibrantly red hair, he got something I want.

He has two beautiful red-headed daughters!

These girls just tug at my heart every time I see them.

Because I would love to have a daughter.

And if I had a girl, I would love for her hair to be red.

I love babysitting these two beauties.
My heart melts and I love every second of  watching them

Even when the little one screams most of the time...

Father's Day

Pictures taken June 19, 2011

We had a fun Father's Day weekend.

We spent Saturday evening with some of my family and had a delicious Spaghetti dinner.

On Sunday we had dinner with some of Andrew's family.

On Saturday morning Andrew helped Derrick buy his new grill.

Then on Sunday we broke it in with some delicious orange chicken.

Ammon and Michael had a good time together.

Peter and Sophia enjoyed playing with the ring toss game.

Quincy mostly took a nap.

The rest of us visited and enjoyed the awesome food.

Andrew is an amazing father.

Before Ammon was two weeks old, he was running errands with his Dad.

Daddy is better at bed time than Mommy.

He knows Peter's favorite night time songs in just the right order.

Daddy gets the boys ready for church every Sunday.

(I don't know how I got so spoiled!)

The boys always have a nice white shirt because DADDY makes sure it's ready.

Daddy plays games, reads stories and has lots of fun with the boys.

They are lucky to have such a wonderful dad.

Thanks Andy! 

You are wonderful and we all love you so much!

Happy Father's Day!

Gardening With Grandma

Pictures taken June 18, 2011

On one of our frequent visits to my mom's house, I lost Ammon.

I'm pretty comfortable letting him run around inside and out, but I thought I should check on him.

I found him hard at work outside with my mom.

They were planting flowers in her front yard.

She was a good and patient instructor.

He loved playing in the dirt and accomplishing something productive.

Thanks for the experience Mom - he loved it!

Dinosaur Hunt

Pictures taken June 16, 2011

A couple of days ago I received an invitation from some friends to join them at the zoo.  I was pleased when it worked out.  We all lived on the same street a few years ago, but two of us have since moved away and it was nice to see them again.

The zoo put in a new dinosaur exhibit this year and has dinosaurs scattered throughout the zoo.  Ammon has been a couple of times since the dinosaurs arrived, but he hadn't taken the time to hunt them all down yet.  Apparently the last time we were there, he had found nine of the fourteen.  This time he was determined to get to all of them.

Ammon hunted down all fourteen dinosaurs one by one.  The younger children enjoyed all the animals we saw along the way.  They also had fun riding the carousel.

By the time we got back home, the boys were completely exhausted.  But it was a fun time and I'm glad we went.

The Proposal

(part 4 of 4)
Continued from Driving to Manti 

We were in Manti to see the Mormon Miracle pageant, and Andy had come prepared with chairs, blankets, games and food.  We began to unload the car and I was surprised to find myself carrying the awkward, (relatively) heavy chairs while he carried the blankets.  Andy had always been so chivalrous in the past and I wondered if perhaps he thought that the blankets, though lighter, were actually just warmer and too uncomfortable to burden me with.

We found a nice spot to set up our stuff and I immediately went to work on opening the chairs.  Now these chairs weren't anything fancy - they were the basic foldout camping chairs that everyone has.  And yet, for some reason, I could not get mine to open up.  I took it out of the bag and struggled and struggled to set it up.  I still have this exact same chair - I can throw it open with one hand.  But that day it would not budge.  Andy was behind me, setting up the blanket and, without turning around I expressed my frustration with the chair and said that I just might need his help in a moment.  Then, suddenly, it opened as easily as I would have expected in the first place.  I set up the second chair and turned around.

With the Manti temple in the background, Andy knelt on the grass with this quilt spread out in front of him.  In the center of the quilt was a ring-box with the most perfect ring.  I was completely shocked.  I looked around and saw that in the midst of hundreds of people we were having our own private, life-changing moment.  I remember thinking, "Oh my gosh - this is really it!  This is the real thing!"

I got down next to him and with trembling hands he placed the ring on my finger.  About this point the people next to us noticed the wording on the quilt and asked, "Did you guys just get engaged?"  We nodded that we had and they congratulated us.

Later Andy commented that I had never actually said yes.  I reminded him that he hadn't actually articulated a question.  And so he asked me if I would marry him and I, of course, said yes.  I was beyond elated and wanted to scream my news from the rooftops.  I wanted to rush home to tell my family in person.  Andy was pretty certain that he hadn't ridden all the way down here just to turn around and go home and so he convinced me to stay.  Getting engaged seemed like the kind of news to share face to face, but I was too excited to wait.  We called my parents and then my Grandma.  I have always appreciated Andy's wisdom in enjoying the rest of the evening together.  We held hands and snuggled and kissed while we watched the pageant on the temple lawn.  It was a beautiful evening still serves as a wonderful memory.

And every year on our anniversary, he is always sure to say, "Thank you for saying yes."

Driving to Manti

(part 3 of 4)
Continued from Telling Andy

On the drive to Manti, I was a giddy, love-sick girl and couldn't stop talking about our future together.  In my memory, Andy drove, patiently tolerating my unbridled enthusiasm, piping in on the conversation every so often.  He and I had both brought a stack of CD's for our road trip and I remember putting mine into his case saying that we might as well combine them now.

After a while I started lamenting about the fact that I didn't have a ring.  The ring had been an interesting point of discussion throughout our courtship.  At one point he suggested that we casually look at rings together, but I refused.  I had been "engaged" once before.  I use the word loosely because in retrospect the whole thing seems practically imagined.  A boyfriend and I had committed to marry and we had announced it to family, but nothing further than that had really happened before the relationship crumbled apart.  We (the ex-boyfriend and I) had gone out ring shopping numerous times and nothing ever seemed right.  I remember one time holding his hand (the ex-boyfriend) as we walked into the ring shop.  He paused unexpectedly at the door and it felt as if he was forcing me to look like the foolish girl pulling the un-wanting boyfriend into the ring shop.  That experience had always left a sour taste in my mouth, and I had refused to ever look at rings with Andy anywhere but online.  I remember a night or two when Andy was working that I sat at my computer looking at rings and I sent him links to the things I liked.  Andy would e-mail back, asking clarifying questions, and eventually he and I both had a clear idea of exactly what I wanted.

One time Andy's parents actually pulled us aside, offering us a family diamond in the case that we ever got to the point of engagement.  They had recommended re-setting it, which seemed unnecessary to me because it was a simple gold band with a solitaire diamond, which is exactly what I wanted.  Except that I wanted a square diamond and this one was a traditional round one.  Andy refused to accept it, saying that when the time came for something like that, he wanted to give me a ring that he selected and paid for himself.  Driving that day to Manti, though, I started to beg for that ring.  It didn't matter - I told him.  "I don't care what the ring looks like or where it came from," I explained.  "I just want something to show the whole world that I am promised to you!"

Well Andy hated this whole line of conversation and continued to stand firm in the point that he wanted to get me my very own ring.  Eventually he admitted that he had already been to a jeweler and had a ring ordered.  I was absolutely shocked (and a little bit mad that he told me and ruined the surprise - poor guy can never win with me)!

Around lunch time we stopped at Arby's to pick up some food.  Then we drove to a nearby hiking trail that my mom had told us about to have a nice picnic.  It was one of the most uncomfortable meals of my life.  I could see Andy wanting to do something more formal to cement our engagement.  I felt like I was forcing him into an awkward proposal that he wasn't prepared for.  We were both extremely nervous as we ate and I was relieved when we finished lunch and got back on the road.

A few hours later we arrived in Manti.  As we parked and got out of the car, I had no idea that he was about to propose to me in a way that had been planned and prepared for well before I admitted having called the temple that morning.  In telling me about the ring, he hadn't ruined the surprise at all - he had tricked me!

To be continued in The Proposal

Telling Andy

(part 2 of 4)
continued from Scheduling the Wedding

I was mortified at my presumptuousness in scheduling our wedding without Andy's knowledge, and suddenly I was faced with the challenge of having to admit to him what I had done.  In about an hour and a half he was going to pick me up for a date where we would be spending the entire day together.  I realized that I couldn't wait, and I called him and asked that he come over immediately.  "We need to talk," I explained.

I met him out on the porch and we sat on the bench.  He was uncertain as to what to expect from me at this point and I nervously blurted out, "Guess what I just did?!"  (As if he could possibly have a clue.)  Of course he didn't guess it so I eventually confessed, "I just called the temple and scheduled our wedding!"  My hands flew to my mouth as the shock of what I just admitted hit me - it was as if I was trying to pull the words back in.  Ten years later, and I honestly can't recall exactly how the conversation went from that point.  I think I watched for his response, wondering if he would be angry and end our relationship right then and there.  He must have taken it fairly well.  I begged to know if he was really OK with it.  He said he was fine, but that he needed to get going to be ready for our date.  We hugged and kissed before he left and he rushed off to prepare for our day.  I ran back into the house and got ready for the day, amazed that the morning had gone this way, but not having time to process it at all.  By the time he left we had about an hour before we were scheduled to leave for Manti.

To be continued in Driving to Manti

Scheduling the Wedding

(part 1 of 4)

I woke up with one pressing thought on my mind: "I need to call the temple and schedule my wedding."  I jumped out of bed, ran upstairs and quickly retrieved the phone book from the kitchen.  I was back in my room, phone in hand, dialing the number before the absurdity of my actions occurred to me.  I suddenly stopped and exclaimed out loud, "What am I doing?"

The night before Andy and I had been on a date and somehow conversation had gotten me into an emotional tizzy.  The topic of marriage had come up due to some comments made by other people, and I was going on and on about all the reasons I wasn't ready to get married.  I had been distraught and upset and completely beside myself at the thought of "giving up my independence" and making a commitment of that level.  I listed all the reasons marriage would interrupt my life in an unwelcome way and why it just wasn't something I was interested in at this point in my life.  It had just been a theoretical conversation - we had no plans or intentions to cause serious concern.  But my distress at the thought was extreme and I made it known.  Andy had thoughtfully listened to me during probably my most horrific breakdown ever (in retrospect I honestly blame hormones for the craziness I felt that night) and after several attempts to comfort me, he finally offered to give me a blessing.  I don't remember what he said in that blessing - just that I felt a sense of calm come over me.  He left shortly afterwards and I immediately went to bed.

As I recounted the events of the night before, remembering that not only did Andy and I NOT have any sort of understanding of marriage, but that I had spent hours that previous night building up a case as to why I wouldn't be at all interested any time soon, well, it gave me reason to pause and I quickly slammed the phone back down onto the receiver.

But the impression remained, "Call the temple and schedule your wedding."

I battled with this for several moments - the clear and blatant prompting vs the complete insanity of the idea.  Somehow during the night, my heart had changed.  I knew I wanted to be married to my sweetheart and best friend.  I wanted to spend eternity with the man who listened to my tirade with patience and stood by me to offer comfort and support.  I wanted to move forward, united in life with the man that I could share myself with so completely and honestly.  From the beginning of our relationship, Andy was a person with whom I could admit my most genuine thoughts more openly than anyone else I had ever known.  With him I could be me and from him I received nothing but love and acceptance.  Andy was thoughtful, tender, fun, intelligent, handsome, spiritual...  the list ran on and on.  He was everything I wanted - the discussion of marriage wouldn't have so terrified me otherwise.  And in the light of the morning sun I was no longer frightened.  I was suddenly willing and desirous to pledge my life to him.

Still, the realization that I wanted to marry my amazing boyfriend was a far stretch from needing to schedule my wedding.  But as I tried to wade through my thoughts and feelings, the prompting to do so would not go away.

I set aside the phone and knelt in prayer.  I prayed and prayed and prayed, pouring out my heart to Heavenly Father.  I explained my desire to always be obedient to His will, but also pointing out how ludicrous this seemed considering my most recent conversations and understandings with Andy.  The prompting remained and I finally finished my prayer committing to trust Heavenly Father in this ridiculous course of action and act in faith.

With determination I retrieved the phone and began dialing the number.  It had been easy to find - the phone book practically fell open to the correct page.  (In retrospect that has always been interesting to me as other times I needed that number it wasn't so easy to find.)  The phone was answered on the other end and I took a deep breath as I was transferred to the appropriate person to schedule a temple sealing.  

Although there had been no agreement between us, Andy and I had looked at rings and talked about wedding dates.  It had all seemed theoretical at the time, just playing with the what if's of life.  Based on that, I had fallen in love with an autumn date and so when the Sister at the temple asked when I wanted to be married I easily told her September 29.  She asked me whether I wanted a large room or a small room and I quickly said small.  She took down my name and then asked, "What is the name of the groom?"  Panic seized me.  "The groom doesn't even know about this!" I thought to myself.  "Will lightening strike me down as I have his name recorded in the most Holy place on earth, as an unknowing husband-to-be?"

"The name of the groom?" she prompted again.

I gulped and responded, "Andrew Christopher Shadel."  My ears were burning in humiliation and I was certain she would know my lie.  I had no right to be providing his name as someone who intended to commit his eternity to me.   After nervously giving his birth date, the phone call was over and I hung up wondering what I had gotten myself into.

Then I faced the most alarming thought of the morning as I wondered how in the world I would tell Andy what I had done.

To be continued in Telling Andy

Written on the ten year anniversary of the day it happened.

One Last Time

Pictures taken June 14, 2011

Andrew's parents moved to a new home earlier this year.

They love it.

The sale of their old home is finishing up this week (or next).

We went to move some final things and the boys couldn't help but gravitate to the backyard.

After Andrew and Derrick finished packing stuff into the truck, I couldn't resist.

Would Grandpa go out back and push the boys one last time?

These swings showed up in the backyard about as soon as Ammon was big enough to sit up.

OK- maybe not quite that soon, but early on in his little life.

They were there since before Peter was born.

Grandpa Derrick taught my boys what an under-dog is.

(Pushing the swing hard while running under it, through to the other side.)

And on many family occasions, he spent the afternoon indulging them.

I'm glad Peggy and Derrick are so happy with their new home.

But I'll admit, I got a little choked up knowing we won't ever be going back to this one.

Chili's

Pictures taken June 14, 2011

If you are ever in South Jordan and need some food, stop by the Chili's.

(Located by the SouthTowne Mall.)

Chili's is one of my very favorite restaurants.
I always say that I could go there every day for a week,
order something different every time,
and never be disappointed with what I eat.

Ask to be seated in Dan's area - he is the best waiter in the world!

(And my brother - isn't he cute!)

Lately, Chili's has been running lots of printable coupons online for kids to eat free.

One came out yesterday, and my sister and I both decided to hit it up.

The kids had a BLAST going out to dinner together.

Dan kept us well-stocked on chips and salsa.

And no one ever got thirsty with the drinks he brought non-stop.

(Don't you love the tower he built with all the kids empty cups!)

What a fun night!

Birthday Girl

Pictures taken June 14, 2011

The boys had so much fun at the park last Saturday that they wanted to go back to the same one.  We ran some errands in the area and realized that we were driving right past my nieces home.  On her birthday!  We realized that her little sister was probably napping, but we called and asked if we could bring her to the park with us.  It turned out well.  We got to party it up at the park with the birthday girl, and her mom got to work on her cake.  After we were done at the park I asked if she wanted to go home, or go visit Grandma Lynn.  She was very definite about going to visit Grandma Lynn.  We had a wonderful afternoon with her and can't wait until her party on Saturday!  Happy Birthday to my cute little niece!

Brothers in the Bounce House

Pictures taken June 11, 2011

On Saturday we went to the West Jordan City Park where the county library system was putting on a grand 'ol party as an opener for their summer reading party.  I emphasized to the boys that I wanted them to stay together, and they did a marvelous job.  My heart swelled with pride and joy as I watched my children standing in line side by side and sometimes hand in hand.  They waited to get on the bounce house where people were being allowed on one at a time.  In their most sincere efforts to be obedient, they arrived at the front of the line and told the person in charge, "We're brothers."  Fortunately she was able to translate their meaning and asked, "Do you two want to go together?"  They grinned really big and nodded that they did.  These two are so independent of each other in so many ways that it is just precious to me when I see them playing with each other so flawlessly.

We were later joined by my sister and her three children.  The playground there contains a really fun castle structure that the kids love.  They enjoyed running around and had a great time.  We also stopped by several booths, one of which provided us with some great coupons for Famous Dave's, where we had never been.  Since we had planned to go out for dinner anyway, we decided to use them.  We LOVED that restaurant and had fun trying something new.  It was awesome that Ammon and Peter both ate free and that our meals were discounted.

After dinner Andy dropped me off to do some clothes shopping (something I NEVER do) and took the boys home.  Peggy (MIL) came to pick me up and she and I headed to a Scentsy party at Rebecca's new apartment.  (It was the first time I've been there.)  I was planning to just ride Trax home, but Peggy insisted on driving me after the party was over, which was very nice of her.  It was a great day and the only thing that could have made it better was finding a shirt to go with the new skirt I bought.  But I'll work on that this week.

Visiting the Zoo

Pictures taken June 10, 2011

With the zoo being a simple half mile up the road, you'd think we would go all the time.  But we don't - not as a family anyway.  On Friday we decided to take advantage of the fact that we were all home at the same time and head up there.  We still split up in our travel arrangements.  Ammon was ready to go first and wanted to walk.  Peter was slower to get out the door (which is very unusual - it is typically Peter who is quick to leave and Ammon who is lollygagging behind) so Ammon and I headed up the road on foot while Andrew continued to help Peter get ready.  It was a pleasant day and Ammon and I enjoyed the walk (even though it is a pretty brutal uphill climb).

The zoo was very crowded and people were parked almost all the way down the street.  I wondered if Andrew and Peter would end up just walking most of it anyway, but as we got to the gate to enter the zoo, Andrew and Peter were right behind us.  They had been able to find a parking place with no problem and the timing of their arrival was perfect.

Ammon was excited to see the "spitting dinosaurs".  He had been to the zoo the previous week on a field trip and had seen some of the new dinosaur display.  Peter and I had been a few weeks earlier than that, so we new what he was talking about.  Andrew was just confused because he had never seen dinosaurs in the zoo.  The boys were excited to show them off.  Peter was braver than he had been the first time - having his big brother by his side seemed to help him feel a little more bold.  But he still didn't want to get too close to the dinosaur that spits water on the crowd of people to help cool them down.  He quickly passed that area clinging onto Daddy's leg and we headed to the Elephants, which is what he wanted to see most.  We got there during the elephant show and watched them do their tricks.

The boys got out their maps and studied them hard deciding where to go next.  The dinosaurs are scattered throughout the zoo, but have several of them clustered in one particular area, so Ammon wanted to head that way.  While we were going that direction, we passed by the gorillas.  There was one sitting just inside the glass and Peter and I stood a foot away from a full-grown gorilla!

Then we rounded the corner into the area that Ammon wanted to be at when we noticed that a show was going to start in about ten minutes so we got some seats and stayed for that.  Afterwards, we played at the playground and spotted more dinosaurs.  Soon it was time to head home for dinner.  It was a short trip to the zoo - just an hour or two, but we had a good time.  It was fun to have all four of us there together.

Celebration!

Pictures taken June 08, 2011

In honor of Ammon finishing first grade, we had a fun family night.  He requested Bagel Pizza for dinner.  Afterwards we went to our favorite ice cream shop, Leatherby's.

Ammon wanted to go BIG, so we let him order off the adult menu.  He and I both got banana splits - mine is from the kids menu.  The man sitting at the table next to us said that the ratio between Ammon and his ice cream was the craziest thing he has ever seen.  He even offered to give Ammon five dollars if he finished the whole thing.  As it was, Ammon only ate about one-third of what he ordered.  In fact, Andrew was the only one who didn't bring ice cream home to enjoy for days to come.

About the pictures:  both of the boys were extremely happy with their cherries.  They proudly held up the empty stem after eating the fruit.  Andrew also thought it was great that he went to take a picture of me just as I was sneaking a taste of Ammon's ice cream.  I am famous for eating off of other peoples plates - even if we have the exact same food.  (Although in this instance, Ammon had different flavors of ice cream that I was wanting to try.)

It was a great end to another school year, with more family memories made.  This will be our annual tradition, and I am already looking forward to next year at Leatherby's.

Shadel Cousins Visit

Pictures taken June 7, 2011

Ammon was the last of his cousins to have his school year end.  For some reason, his school district seemed to drag it out and he had several short days in those last two weeks.  We took advantage of his half-day, and my sister-in-law brought her kids up to play.  The plan had originally been to go to Heritage Park, but when they arrived, the kids were all happy to just hang out with each other and play outside.  We eventually got moving, though, and still made a quick stop to ride the ponies and pan for gold.  We're looking forward to several more visits over the summer.

Later that evening, we had an opportunity to have the other cousins from that side of the family visit us.  We spent most of our time outside letting the kids play.  My brother-in-law and sister-in-law took their two youngest children and went to a viewing down the road.  They weren't gone for very long and came back and we visited for a while before they left.  It was nice to have them in the area - of all our family, they are the ones we see the least.

I love that my kids have been surrounded by cousins so near in age and geography.  Its a great way to raise a family!

Summer is Almost Here

Pictures taken June 4, 2011

It has been a cold, wet spring, but the weather is warming up.

We made sure to enjoy our perfect seventy+ degree weather on Saturday.

In the morning we took a family bike ride to the local library.

As a child, I frequented the library often with my mom.

As an adult, I find the library too costly.

I don't go nearly often enough, and always end up with fines and late fees.

But I am hoping to turn over a new leaf.

With us being able to walk/bike there as a family, I hope we get there at least once a week.

We had a great time.

(And if you follow me on Facebook you know about the surprising book Ammon checked out!)

After our library trip, we headed down to say Happy Birthday to Gramma Peggy.

The boys really wanted cupcakes and I found this cute cupcake cake.

It was perfect.

We had a nice afternoon with fruit, veggies and treats!

We had planned to go over and use and abuse my parents grill for dinner.

(Something we do often.)

But the boys wanted to get some food from Panda Express.

Andy wanted something else, but when we saw that Cafe Rio was in the same parking lot, he was sold.

We went to the separate restaurants, ordered our food, and took it to a nearby park.

We had a great time playing and eating.

The park actually sits just East of the Jordan Parkway.

If you take a bridge over the river, there is a second park.

Ammon found a trail that followed the path of the river (although higher up).

He was so thrilled to explore.

After initially scouting it out, he came back to retrieve the whole family.

He was insistent that we all come explaining,

"Mom, the end of the trail is the most beautiful sight!"

I'm glad my boy is such a nature lover.

It was the perfect end to a nearly perfect day.

Memorial Day

Pictures taken May 30, 2011

Despite waking up to snow on the ground, we had a Memorial Day BBQ.

We even had cousins traveling through town and they came to eat with us.

Sadly, I didn't get many pictures - I was too busy cooking, eating and visiting.

It was a great afternoon.

Thanks for stopping by, Sam and Stacy!

Family Hike

Pictures taken May 28, 2011

I have been interested in exploring the area around us.

I often walk with some friends in the evening and pass a trail head.

I've been dying to discover more about what is back there.

The Saturday of memorial day weekend was the perfect time to venture in.

Ammon, who usually prefers indoors, LOVED hiking.

It matches his adventurous spirit.

Peter, who is my outdoor boy had some hiking struggles.

He enjoyed it at first and I was really proud of how well he kept up.

But as we got further from home, he got more and more anxious.

He became really obsessive and controlling about keeping us all within about two feet of each other.

(Which isn't a very fun way to hike.)

I finally sent Andy and Ammon up ahead and Peter just had to deal with it.

While we were working through all that, we watched a hang-glider land - just feet in front of us.

I think that helped pull Peter out of his distress.

On our way down the trail, I received a phone call from my friend.

(I thought it was funny that my phone worked, but as I said, we were just minutes from our home.)

She had just been in a car accident and needed some help.

Fortunately no one was hurt.

I brought her boys home with me, and Andy stayed to help her with the car.

After our adventurous morning and afternoon, we headed down for a visit with family.

Andy helped my mom work on the loft in her shed.

My sister and her kids showed up so we played.

We grilled hot dogs and ate watermelon while visiting with my grandparents.

It was a great start to a fun weekend!

Digger

Pictures taken May 26, 2011

Our third trip to Heritage Park was a double date.

Peter and I were joined by my sister and her four-year-old, Isaiah.

They had so much fun together!

The two previous times we went, we headed straight to the ponies upon arrival.

This time was different.

Peter wanted to go see his friend Digger.

Digger was there to pan gold our first time at Heritage Park.

Peter was disappointed when he wasn't there the second time.

We jumped on the train and rode it to the correct area of the park.

We introduced ourselves and I explained to Digger how much Peter had missed him.

He whispered to Peter that he had been at Disney Land with his family.

The two boys loved digging for gold.  They each found several pieces.

Digger paid them for their gold with candy.

After making the exchange, we headed on our way.

We explored, rode ponies and played in the play houses.

But the highlight of the trip was Digger.

Spring Concert

Pictures taken May 25, 2011

The first grade at Ammon's school put on a Spring Concert for the parents.  It was really cute.  They learned all sorts of songs about rain and sun.  Ammon has terrible allergies and they were going crazy that night.  We spent a lot of the evening watching him wipe his nose.  We were pleased when he at least used the tissue he had in his pocket.  We were mortified when he didn't.  I was certain that when he got up to the microphone to say his part it was going to be a very public and spotlighted nose-picking.  But it wasn't.  He did a GREAT job!

I think he must have gotten his choreography abilities from me.  At one point they pulled out rain jackets and put them on.  He spent the entire song trying to figure out why his wasn't fitting right.  He had put his head through one of the sleeves and never got it fixed.  Later they wore yellow vests.  His had gotten twisted around on the right side.  He spent a while trying to remedy that, but eventually gave up.  One of the songs they sung with the vests on was You Are My Sunshine.  He told me later that when he was singing that song, he was singing it to me.  Talk about a melt your heart moment!  I am such a lucky mom and couldn't be more proud of Ammon.  I love the person he is - runny nose, terrible dancing, and all!  I am constantly being told what I sweet boy he is.  He has the kindest heart and it shows!  Having Ammon in my life is one of my greatest blessings.