June

June brought end of school events, a family temple trip, the beginning of reasonably good weather and continuation of walks and bike rides around the neighborhood, another Prom for Aubrey, and the introduction of movie-making Joseph.

VSAA Prom

 Aubrey hosted 4 friends at our house for a get ready party for the school prom. Because she attends an art school with mostly girls, most of the girls go to the Prom as groups of friends. On the day of the dance the girls primped and prepared in our master bathroom and then got dressed in beautiful gowns. I took some photos of them at the gazebo in our neighborhood. That night I chaperoned the dance, which was held at a hotel downtown.

 I Love to See the Temple

 We were all able to attend the temple for youth baptisms! It was a wonderful experience. Dan and I helped and both of the kids did baptisms and confirmations.

 Not sure why my phone camera was fuzzy looking and cloudy for awhile.

 Four friends, all age 12 or 13.  (Alex and Chase Kartchner, Jayden Astle, and Joseph)

 Recitals

Joseph's recital was in early June, and he was able to share the spotlight with some of his best buddies, including Alex (who moved to Utah within a month). Joseph played Canon in D Major truly beautifully.

Mid-Spring Aubrey decided to take some more piano lessons before college. She started lessons with a very accomplished and demanding teacher. She has really jumped into difficult classical pieces and practices for many hours, playing complicated songs with gusto. She participated in a recital (in which pieces had to be memorized) and wasn't happy with her performance. But those of us in the audience were none the wiser when she skipped over one song in favor of another. Afterward, we drowned disappointment in Yo2Go and Burgerville shakes, which is simply never a bad idea.

 Last Day of School photos

Joseph's last day of 6th grade and Aubrey's last day of Junior year!

 After school we had no-bake cookies!

Joseph's Summer of Fun

Joseph had friends over every possible moment during the summer. He and his friends frequently walked to the park to meet up with other school friends or rode their bikes to nearby neighborhood parks. Along the way, Joseph started using the GoPro he got for his birthday and all the other cameras he could find to take snippets of video. Then he taught himself how to edit the clips into fun little movies. Way to go, Joseph!

 

 Aaaah, Savoring Summer

The day after Activity Day Camp the kids and I spent an afternoon at the Fairgrounds Park. We enjoyed the beautiful weather and read books while eating snacks. It was about time for us to start relaxing!

Sisterly Love

Aubrey drew this beautiful picture of Bailey and wrote a beautiful card. She had me mail both to Bailey at college.

Helping Hunter

We were the parent representatives at Hunter's high school graduation, and afterward we hosted a party at our home for him, including another family who has helped him very much.

 The end of August we helped gather food and apartment supplies for him. He is off to college in Tacoma.