Happy Birthday Cameron!

Amber's boyfriend Cameron celebrated his birthday May 27th. The kids had a swim party for him at our community pool. It was a lot of fun and I think Cameron especially liked the Princess cake Amber bought for him. Actually Cameron's sister Caitlyn wanted him to have the Princess cake. I'm secretly thinking she wanted it for herself!


The gang!


Jakes head, Cameron and Scotty


Maggie and Amber


Hunter, Cameron and Caitlyn, Cameron's sister


Carlie and Amber


Dave taking out Jake and Scotty


Amber and Cameron


The Crew minus Zack....where are you Zack?!!?!?!?!?!?!!

Seminary Graduation...no more early mornings for Amber!!

Fours years of getting up early and attending Seminary has finally come to an end!! Amber completed all four years and hardly missed a day until this year at the end due to somehow getting Mono. We are proud of her dedication and willingness to get up each morning to go and learn more about the gospel. There were a few rough times, but she continued to go saying something would be missing in her day if she didn't go. I know starting her day off learning of Christ and His ministry helped her get through the muck of high school.
Good job Amber!!


Proudly showing off her Seminary Diploma

TAKS test are done, let's party!!

Here in the GREAT state of Texas, the schools have these state mandated test (TAKS) that the kids have to take. TAKS test are a HUGE deal, not only for the students but also for the teachers. I am NOT a fan of the TAKS test. If the kids don't pass they don't promote to the next grade. They do give them a chance to retake them during summer school. It totally stress EVERYONE out, especially the kids. This year the principal decided that since the kids worked so hard and did so good on the test that she would reward them by letting them have a field trip to the park. Our city just put in this new awesome park this past spring and it's within walking distance of the school. It also has a splash area which was perfect for the kids after the walk over. They played, splashed, ate lunch and played some more.



Since we have NO beach in site, the next best thing I guess is the sand in the volleyball pits.




cooling off in the splash area after the walk over.



Warming up after playing in the splash area.


Playing volleyball with the teachers.

Field Day at the elementary school

Ok I'm now chaperoning my third school event in the same week. CRAZY!! It was the annual field day for Taylor and Hunter. Since both of their grades went at the same time, my group consisted of kids from Taylor's class and some from Hunter's. The weather was actually quite mild for most of the morning. It started to get hot and yucky right at the end which was PERFECT! There were all kinds of things for the kids to try. They could dribble a soccer ball, bounce on a big, bouncy ball, throw a football and several slides and bounce houses. Right before it ended and we had lunch, they gave each of the kids a Popsicle. It really hit the spot!


At first I thought they had invited Dave, but then realized this guy was wearing Army green NOT Marine green.


My group





I LOVE Hunter's face in this picture!


LOVE this picture, not only because my kids are so dang cute, but because my friend Sariah in the background is making a super funny face!

8th grade celebration

So far during the last full week of school, Amber and Taylor had field trips to Sandy Lake. Now it was Jake's turn. He was a bit surprised that I had signed up to go on his field trip. I guess he thought I was going to cramp his style! They took the 8th graders to Park Lane Ranch in Dallas. I was expecting a ranch, you know with horses, cows, etc. Not so. It was a miniature golf course. There was also volleyball nets, basketball hoops and an area to play some waffle ball. The teachers brought water balloons, bubbles and hula hoops. I think the kids liked the unlimited soda's, fajitas and ice cream the best! Of course Jake did his best NOT to have his picture taken, but with my WONDERFUL lens that I got for Mother's Day I was able to get a few of him.
Everyone seemed to have a great time and the best part was they didn't have to wear their uniforms!


I gotta lot of pictures of his back.



I was able to get a couple of him goofing around without him knowing.

Sandy Lake competition

Amber's choir competed again this time at a place not too far from where we live. It is a mini amusement park and schools from all over come and compete. In fact Taylor's choir went the day after Amber's went. Anyway back to Amber, their choir received a one and where able to bring home another trophy. Unfortunately I wasn't able to go and watch them compete so therefore I have no pictures to share. Way to go Concert Choir. This has been a GREAT year for you!

As I mentioned Taylor's elementary school went the next day to Sandy Lake to compete. I was able to go with Taylor and she had a fun time riding the rides and NOT being at school. Their mixed grade choir sounded SO good. It was the first time I'd heard them sing. They received a one and awarded a nice, BIG trophy! GOOD JOB!!


Taylor and her friend Brianna before the ride started. Note how calm and happy Taylor is.


Brianna made the cage turn upside down and totally FREAKED Taylor out! This was the one and only time Taylor let Brianna flip it.


On the Spider. This ride couldn't go upside down!



Dave used his lunch time to drive out to Sandy Lake and surprise Taylor.


Competing


Mrs. Mintor and Taylor holding the HUGE trophy they were awarded.

FINALLY! I'm updating!!

So when I said I would be updating my blog last Monday, I secretly meant I would be updating it a week later. Just when I thought things were going to calm down after Amber graduated, things just kept going crazy! Hopefully this week will slow down and we can enjoy doing nothing.

Several weeks ago, Amber was able to go to San Antonio for a choir competition. Her ensemble made a one, which is great and they received a HUGE trophy! Several days later it was her choir banquet at the high school. It was VERY nice and Amber received several awards. One of the awards that was given to her was a box of SpongeBob band aids because she is always needing a band aid, her individual trophy for the win in San Antonio and a Cert. of Merit. It was a great night and we had fun with several of her choir friends.

Posing with the trophies



Ashley presenting Amber with her box of SpongeBob band aids.



Showing off her trophy she got for her group winning in San Antonio



Certificate of Merit



Amber and Cameron

Amber and Ashley


Choir friends