TWENTY!!

Stephenie is no longer a "teen". Twenty years old... how is it possible that I have a 20 year old?

Unfortunately, Steph wasn't feeling too great on and around her birthday, so she didn't want to spread germs by blowing out her candles. She decided to give Alex a chance to practice since his birthday is exactly 2 weeks after hers...

I'd say by this intense look on his face that he is quite ready to blow out his 5 candles on June 28. Love this picture!

Preschool Graduation

Alex Lilly, Preschool Graduate

The students performed some of their poems and songs they learned throughout the year.

Miss Tami presented each child with a special award, Alex was deemed "most creative" because he always had very imaginative ideas to add to their curriculum.

My heart aches just a wee bit at the thought of preschool being over, and the safe and cozy feeling of it all. (I'm sure I'll be saying the same thing in a year as Kindergarten is ending.) Alex loved preschool so much and learned a ton. He is very excited about going to Kindergarten. Our goal for the summer is to work on his handwriting, because his Kindergarten teacher may not be quite as understanding as Miss Tami was when Alex would tell her he couldn't finish his work, because his "hand was tired"  :)    Here's to hoping for a fantastic and fun filled summer!

 

Farewells and Farms

Well, a few weeks ago we said good bye to yet another Eide family missionary. This is Jakob, currently in the MTC but soon to depart for the Columbus, Ohio mission. My first thoughts and feelings are of sadness, another sign of our lives changing so much as all these kids continue to grow up and move on. This is my selfish side coming out, but of course ultimately I am so incredibly proud of these young men, and grateful for the example they set for my children. I have no right to boo- hoo over it though, as I think of my sister Lorna who is an absolute solid rock. Jakob is the second of two sons who she has sent out in the past 16 months. Two sons gone at the same time? I can not fathom it, not to mention that she has 3 more sons who will serve over the next few years, some who will overlap each other or leave as soon as the other one gets home. Maybe this is why the Lord blessed her with so many sons, because He knew she could handle it. Like I said, she is a Rock!

I know it's hard for Steph to see another cousin she is close to leave, but I know she is so proud of him too.

I don't think Alex looks too happy to see his "Jakey" go!

On to funner matters at hand... Alex's last preschool field trip of the year to Wheeler Farm. He had such a good time. He is sooo unlike his mother, loves to touch and pet the different animals. This baby goat kept trying to chew on Alex's sleeve, which Alex thought was hilarious.

Steph is out of school for the summer and came along.

I can not believe how fast this year of preschool has passed. I am not ready to see it end, but glad that Alex is excited at the prospect of beginning Kindergarten.

"All About My Mom"

At church, Alex "filled out" a questionaire about his mother in preparation for Mother's Day. I really got a kick out of some of his answers.

How old is your mom?  12
What is your mom's favorite color? green (he got this one right)
What is your most favorite meal that your mom cooks?  mac 'n cheese
What do you like to do with your mom?  play games
What is your mom's favorite thing to do? (this one really cracked me up...)  work  (Not!!)
What color of eyes does your mom have?  purple (interesting...)
What's your favorite thing about your mom?  good at playing games (He probably said this because I usually let him win!)

I was quite flattered that he thinks I look so youthful... or maybe he's just trying to butter me up!

Alex's Soccer

I'd like to introduce you to the latest and greatest soccer team to grace the Salt Lake Valley. These are... The Green Monsters! (I love the names that some of these little kids come up with. Last week we played the "Sparkle Snakes". That coach was obviously trying to appease both the girls and boys on the team.)

It's fun to see the progress Alex has made since playing for the first time last year. What a difference a year makes.

This is Alex scoring his first ever goal!!

He was so excited and so proud of himself. (As demonstrated in the above picture!)

In fact, he was so impressed with himself, as I was taking his picture he struck this pose completely impromptu with no coaching from me. The look on his face says it all... he wasn't trying to be silly either, he was dead serious with this expression which seems to say, "I am the bomb".

Hangin' Out Downtown

A few Saturdays ago we went downtown to the Church History Museum to check out a new interactive exhibit for kids.

Alex had a good time, they had some pretty cute stuff.

I had to get his picture in front of the gorgeous flowers. We also went across the street to check out the new City Creek shopping center. Wow, it was really impressive. I think Salt Lake City has hit the big time.

Easter 2012

The Easter Bunny must have pulled some strings at my work this year. I was supposed to work all night on Saturday, but since it was a slow night, I got to go home at 11 p.m. I was so grateful to be awake and well rested for Easter Sunday.

One of my favorite parts of Easter is looking for a new outfit for Alex. I thought he looked especially handsome this year in his new suit.

The "popcorn" popped just in time for Easter on the tree in our front yard. Gotta love this time of year.