Other June events - somehow life was still going on

 June is Kate's Birthday.  Here is her Monster High Party.  I didn't even know what that was, so we had to learn quickly.  It ended up being really fun to plan.  We got to do Halloween things in the summer!

I am starting to get a little weird on my little Kate.  I was fine with her 6 year old status, but the turning 7 years old is just too old.  I am very sad that my sweet little one is growing up.  I know I should be happy for her, but I am sad for what that change means for me.  She really is turning into a fine young lady.  I just have to learn how to let go.


One of six posters we created

School got out late this year, and on the first day of summer vacation, we got word that my mom had passed away.  That changed many of our plans.  While I flew to Texas, the rest of the family went on the Iverson Family vacation without me.  They stayed with all of their cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in a cabin in the mountains of the St. George area.  The pictures make it look like a wonderful time.  They were so excited to play with their cousins all day (and night I am told).

Chad somehow survived being Mr. Mom.  Grandpa caught him sleeping on the job, however.  How cute is that!  My two boys needing a little shuteye together :)


 The kids are learning how to make dinners this summer.  Each one has  a night of the week, and they do ALL the work.  I am just a consultant.  Here is a sample of Carson's Greek Pita he created for all of us.  They were very yummy.  This is true joy for a mom.  Teaching the children something important, having a positive result to show for our effort, and excitement on their part for what they created.  Very good times.  I plan on putting the picture together with a recipe card so they can remember what they have made.

 The Wasatch Back (Ragnar!).  I ran this race again, Here are the members of our van at the top of Guardsman pass.  I am the one currently running (in the pink shirt), so as soon as this picture was taken, I took off running down the mountain for 7 miles.  What a crazy thing we do every year! 

Audrey tried out and made a competition soccer team (Go Chaos!).  She practiced though out June, and had her first games at a tournament this last weekend in June.  She played so tough, we are so proud of her.  Despite never playing goalie before, she got the tough job 1/2 of each of the 4 games of the tourney.  I couldn't believe how well she did.  It was a little miracle.  We are loving to see the growth in her.  Not just in soccer skills, but she is maturing into a woman with goals who is willing to work hard and even suffer a little for longer term rewards.  That is very fulfilling to see.

And yes, the last few days of the month of June, it finally felt like our summer vacation could begin.  We went swimming at 7 peaks!  The poor kids have been dying to go, but doing laundry and packing occupied most of the days we were home this month.  It was a relief to just spend time with the kids at last.  We put together a fun calendar for July and August.  Now we are excited to just get at the fun of summer.