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4.30.2016

A Whole Lot of Happenings

I have a lot to share on this post, and it's going to be a hodge podge.  Before we get to the photos, I have one BIG announcement to share~Andy is DONE with graduate school!!!!  He did his final presentation for his Capstone project on Thursday.   Graduation is next Friday but it is still so nice to know that we are done with furthering our education...for now.  After 3 1/2 years, 10 semesters, 20 classes, 140 weeks, 280 hours of commuting, and countless hours of reading, writing responses, working on projects, meeting with groups, we now both have our Master's degrees.  We can get back to "normal" in our family and it feels so good.  We are proud of all that we have accomplished in these past 3 1/2 years and, I'll be honest, there have been tears, laughter, frustration, excitement...a whole gamut of emotions through this whole process. Enough of my emotional rant...on with the photos!

My dad and aunt came to town over our Spring Break.  Of course we had to make a trip to the zoo.



Who doesn't like to ride their bike on the deck with gardening gloves, a dress, and snow boots?

My dad got to see the girls ski while he was in town.


Our weather has been crazy lately.  I am so ready for spring to come and stay.

While Andy was at class, you just never knew what could happen at our house?

Just one of the many photos we sent Andy while he was at class.

Kim is back in town until mid-June.  The girls are giving her a little check-up.

Our friend's daughter turned 5 so they had a rodeo birthday party.



This was pretty typical at our house on the weekends.  Not anymore, though!!

Ben had his annual crawfish boil.  These two...



We love that it stays lighter longer in the evenings.  We can actually get out on walks after school.

Our go-to has been a walk to these big, muddy puddles.




We've had some visitors recently.  We call her Grandma Moose.

Emma's kindergarten teacher is AMAZING!  The kids earned a movie night in the classroom.  Not many teachers would do that for their students.

Abby and I worked in my classroom for a bit and then decided to join in on the fun.  Abby scored~pizza, popcorn, and a cupcake.

These stairs were completely free of snow...until winter decided to return again.

The girls and I on our weekly stop at the library.

Emma made Andy this card for him on his last day of class.

She came up with the writing all on her own.  Congratulations Dad!  We are proud of you.  Have a spectacular last day of class.  

Finally, here is the latest writing from Emma.

4.06.2016

Camping Season Opener

I love camping!  It's like you take a step out of reality for a few days and forget about the responsibilities of being an adult.  You're forced to relax because you don't have all of the temptations of cleaning, laundry, work, social media, etc....  Our first camping adventure of the season took us down to the San Rafael Swell near Temple Mountain and Goblin Valley.  I'll let the photos do the talking on this one (and there are lots of them)...

I was trying to get the cooler ready to go...

our home away from home for 3 nights











very old mining buildings





Does anyone need a new car?



We hiked Crack Canyon one day.  Abigail carried her bear, Dennis, the entire hike.















Can you tell there were a lot of kids on this camping trip?!


Somebody loves s'mores!




The next day we hiked Little Wild Horse Canyon.



 lunch break



There were a few parts of the hike that got pretty narrow.  On this particular part, you also had to hike through ankle-deep (freezing cold) water.








awww...


They really did have a great time, even though their faces don't show it in these photos.
    

These two peas in a pod were just the cutest together.





our attempts at a family selfie


Temple Mountain is the one on the left.



We had an awesome time with fabulous friends and amazing views and scenery.  It was a great way to start our camping season.