spirit week, field trips, and soccer

A few weeks back was Spirit Week at school; one day was College Day. Our kids are planning on going to the UofU.





Last week I got to go with Anna and her classmates on the 2nd grade field trip to Red Butte Gardens. We rode the bus and ate lunch at a park and learned all the parts of a flower. We went on a walking tour and learned about different habitats. It was a warm, gorgeous day and we had a nice time together.
Soccer is a big deal at our house. Zachary (who is in 4th grade) is playing in a 5th-6th league, playing very well, and loving it!



I absolutely love this action shot of Griffin! This very intense kick was a goal!

professional soccer and Easter

In addition to Anna's baptism this last weekend, we scored a stack of free tickets to the Real (ree-al) professional soccer game at the new stadium about 2 miles from our house. The weather was bleak, but our seats were covered so we enjoyed the game minus the rain. Real won 2-1 and it was great fun to share this neat experience with our cousins!

We enjoyed an Easter egg hunt at our house and then another at Grandma Wright's with the cousins. The kids managed to come away with lots of candy. It was such a nice weekend.

Anna's baptism

Last Saturday Anna was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was a wonderful day. Anna was one of five children from our stake who were baptized.

We were overwhelmed at the tremendous support from our extended family and our friends. There are so many people on Anna's "important people" list and we're so grateful to all of you.

In February I started working on Anna's dress. She picked the pattern and the fabric and my wonderful friend, Sue, gave me some direction and help with the smocking. When it was all said and done we estimated, in addition to all of the hours of smocking, that there are 1900 french knots on the arms, neck, and back buttons. I was so pleased with the dress and Anna gasped when she saw herself in the full length mirror.

The picture shown is of Anna and her school teacher, Miss Ellison. I wanted to post a picture of Anna's dress and this picture shows most of it (even though the picture doesn't do it justice).

The spirit was sweet and Anna was so happy and beautiful. The spotlight that the Primary counselor read is:

Anna is very creative, loves to draw, make lists, and play school with her younger siblings. She writes kind notes to her family all the time. She has a style all her own and is artistic. Anna has a fun imagination and likes to make up and play games.

Music is important to Anna. She plays the piano and loves to sing, dance and listen to music.

Anna excels in school, enjoys story problems, reads late into the night, and is a good friend. Anna likes to be outside and is a great soccer player.

Anna is determined and driven and is a peacemaker. Anna is a very important part of her family.

Her favorite scripture story is Daniel in the Lion’s Den and she loves to sing in Primary. She has a testimony of the gospel. Anna is very excited to be baptized and make covenants with her Heavenly Father.

secrets of a Kindergarten teacher

Griffin came home from school this week wide eyed and very quietly said, "Mommy, I gotta tell you something. Mrs. Smith's real name..." (pause) "...is Teresa Smith." "Really?" I replied. He answered, "but she doesn't really like that name and that's why we call her Mrs. Smith."

my girls

How can they be growing so fast? Anna turned 8 last week and had a fun party with her friends. Aunt Sarah came with all of her polish and painted nails!


















Our Idaho cousins were in town for the weekend (it was their spring break). Part of the fun included going swimming, a favorite for our kids.



Anna loves to read and write notes and make lists. She is driven and creative and musical. Anna is a good friend and can be an amazing peacemaker.

Our Jane turned 4 the same weekend. She is a busy girl who loves to chat, sing, play, and pretend. She is a good counter and likes to color and paint. She is a joy.