Connections

I stayed up way too late tonight surfing.

I was so excited to receive a post from a dear friend I met while living in Michigan (it was so good to hear from you, Jen!), whose blog led me to another friend I was excited to connect with (hello Corrie!), whose blog then led me to a bunch of great creative blogs and sites through her sister Callie - a lot of fun to check out! I included some of those I wanted to browse again in my "Branching Out" links, but you'll definitely want to check a few out directly from her blog store "Shop Calico."

Each of the blogs also had link lists that just kept me going, and going, and going... There are some great fabric sites and sewing ideas - not my highest skill (ironic, considering my amazing quilting mom), but many of my friends are wonderful with their machines. I have to admit, I've got the bug to pull out my embroidery thread again. Plus, lots of fun craft ideas for kids, baking and design.

Here's just a sampling:Just a side note: While surfing, I ran across this blog - La Vie Échangée. I would LOVE to do this! I'm not sure how Eli, Maggie and I would pull it off... but while I'm dreaming, I'll dream big.

Monica & Sara - the next generation!

Monica and her family are visiting Utah this week (they live in Seattle) and we are always excited to see them. Monica and I grew up next door to each other and have been friends forever, so it is so fun to see our two boys (same age) and our two girls (also the same age) play together.
Bronson, Maggie, Hannah, Emory, and Eli (not shown: Brennyn - Monica's 4 month old daughter)

Memorial Day

Visiting Great Grandma & Grandpa Hoellein's grave.

Bear Lake Weekends Begin

We had a fun Memorial Day weekend at Bear Lake to kick off the season. My parents have been up a couple of times, but this was the first for Eli, Maggie and I. It was a little cold for swimming, so we enjoyed warming up the 4-wheeler and golf carts, walking the beach, and showing Karolina (her first visit) around the "neighborhood."

Eli's First Tee Ball Game

Eli and his "bright orange" team had their first game tonight. They had fun batting and running the bases. Eli is getting pretty good at stepping and throwing as he's been taught. He is lucky to have great coaches - Andy & Evaline McCloy (two friends I've had for many years). Their son, Cragun, is Eli's age. Eli has had a great time learning the basics from Andy and playing catch with him (Andy played college baseball). Eli's favorite part is the cool shoes he gets to wear - fortunately they'll be good for soccer this fall, too.Maggie enjoyed the game as well. She insisted on bringing her baby in a stroller to watch - and of course, a few snacks.The only way to celebrate the opening game is with a giant ice cream from the local drive-up. Roy's is the famous "Burger Bar."

Ogden's Half Marathon - I did it!

Samantha and I ran the Ogden 1/2 Marathon this morning in perfect spring weather. This course took us through the mountains, down the canyon, and by the river right into downtown Ogden. I'm still convinced 13 miles is plenty. Justin (Samantha's husband) ran the full marathon and did great. My time was about the same as my first run last August, but I definitely felt better the last three miles. It was fun to have Maggie and Eli there to cheer me on. They now know why mom would always go exercise just after putting them to bed.

Looks can be totally deceiving...

Hopefully her birthday in August will truly mark the end of the "terrible twos." At least her good-night kisses make up for it all.

Eli's School Program

Eli's last day of school was today and he performed with his class some of the songs they learned this year. He was part of the "lead" for the hammer song - definitely an appropriate selection for him. Eli had a great year and loved his teacher, Mrs. Adams, who wrote him a very nice note to go with his report card (below). He is looking forward to one more year at Pages and is excited about having Maggie join him this fall.
"Eli, what fun it has been watching you grow and develop skills in new ways. You have gained more confidence in yourself and can express your ideas and thoughts. You have a fun and happy personality and can learn quickly. You have the ability to make friends and treat them kindly. I've enjoyed being your teacher. Love, Mrs. Adams."

Piano Princess

While Eli has chosen the guitar & drums, Maggie is definitely all for the piano. She loves to hear Shaylee practice and will usually go into the piano room to dance. Most days she'll find a few minutes to go play and sing (today's song was about her "beautiful dress").

Eli's View

Eli brought home some of the things that had been displayed on his school walls today (his last school day is Friday). I thought this "Family Picture" was interesting. I included his explanations for each as he told them to me.