Jonathan's Graduation

Well, what do you say about Jonathan's last day and graduation from elementary school?

I can't believe that he is only about a year away from being a teenager. He is such a special person to all of us and has done amazingly well in just about every aspect of being a student and a person. We were all a little bit sad and happy at the same time, but we all are constantly growing up and have to face the next chapter of challenges and exciting opportunities. We love you very much Buddy, and are so proud of you and thankful we get to call you our son!

The Lost Settlement of Roanoke

We had a good time seeing Jonathan's presentation on The Lost Settlement of Roanoke. This is one of the last projects (for Social Studies) the kids complete prior to graduation.

I helped Jonathan a little bit with the papers. We made them look old by soaking them in tea overnight and then burning the edges. Jonathan dressed up a little bit for the occasion. It was held in the cafeteria, buffet style, so people wandered around and listened to various presentations. Jonathan did a good job of capturing the story! 

Sudz on Wheelz

Go Jets

This spring Jonathan is playing NFL flag football with a few of his classmates and friends, Andrew and Cade. It's pretty funny to watch them play, as I imagine it's similar to what they did on the playground for recess everyday.

Jonathan usually plays wide receiver and defensive back, so he's on the field for most of the game. He is pretty quick, especially on defense. In the first game he got a "pick six"! Special thanks to Grandma for these great pictures.

Woodmen Valley Winter Camp

The kids had a great time this weekend up in the mountains at camp. Stacey and I dropped them off at church on Friday afternoon for the charter bus ride up near Granby, Colorado. While it was nice down here, it was still winter up in the mountains (they got a fair amount of snow). Stacey & I enjoyed a quiet weekend at home, included two trips to SmashBurger!

They were so tired when they got back from the really late nights and endless activities...

Pine Creek JV Cheer Tryouts (Flex)

Congratulations Julia (#36)!!! We are so proud of you!

2022 Spring Concerts

A Daughter's Heart

For several years Julia and I have been going to the Daddy Daughter Dance at our community center. Since 2020 the event hasn't been held, so this year we looked for an alternative. I wish we would have found this option a long time ago! Compared to our little community center, this was the real deal. Coat check, gourmet hotel dinner, prized, balloons, and an amazing 12 person band that played 1970s funk dance music.

Unfortunately, this might be the 25th and last year that they event is held unless someone else decides to pick it up and run with it. We had a great time together, especially during the dance and with each other. At one point a conga line was formed and we jumped on the train. When it fell apart we stopped for a minute and then decided to walk back to our spot (and Julia's shoes). After we picked our way through people I looked over my shoulder and realized that I had unintentionally started and was leading a new conga line. So, we did a few more laps with my at the front of the line with my daughter and a bunch of balloons.

I know Julia really enjoyed the event and our time together. I hope that we are able to do it again next year. Time is running short...

Disney World - Day Four

Our final day at Disney World started off similar to yesterday. We had made an advanced reservation first thing in the morning for another workshop for Jonathan, this time, a custom dried build. Stacey was able to join Jonathan this time while Julia and I went and checked out Toy Story Land.

The droid would interact with things at the park, although it was sometimes hard to hear in the backpack and with a bunch of people around. We're fairly certain that it let out a sad sound when we left Galaxy's Edge to get coffee, and made a happy sound when we walked back into the park afterwards. Jonathan and I discovered the "secret code" book and with this picture we were able to translate a lot of writings, including on his lightsaber case. 

After walking around a little bit more, and seeing a great performance/appearance by Kylo Res, we finally bit the bullet and hopped in the line for the ride, Rise of the Resistance. Oh man, words can't describe this ride. It's the best one I've ever been on. It takes something like 30 minutes to get all the way through, but that's because it's part walking experience, part people mover, and part ride. It just epic. After having our ship captured by The First Order, we boarded and walked through the enemy's shop to our holding cells. Oh, but this was after a real hologram  message from Rey. Anyways, the escape from the ship was the ride part that included life sized ATATs and Kylo Res trying to cut through our escape pod with his red lightsaber. Anyways, I could go on and on, but the point was it was a pretty epic production and a high point to end our trip.