The Pool - Summer 2011

This year we finally did it. We had been threatening to get a pool for several years but kept talking ourselves out of it because of worries about little kids. This year, however, we decided that we would just have to be careful because we needed a pool.
So, after much looking, we opted to get this one...

There was much rejoicing. After a couple of hours, the pool was up. After a couple of days, the pool was filled. Then, after a couple more days, the chemicals were just right, and in we all went. It was so cold at first. Nick found us a solar blanket to put on top. It took a few warm days, but it really worked. In fact, it worked so well that we didn't keep it on everyday.

The kids (and us) loved the pool all summer. We had many friends over, and friends or not, there was much swimming going on in our backyard.

Of course, the girls still enjoyed their little pool (it had a slide). Grayce and Emma got pretty good at swimming in the big pool on their tubes. However, they were good to play with Maggie in the little pool too. It was just a fun summer of swimming for us.

Kindergarten Graduation - May 2011

It is kind of a funny thing that we make such a big deal out of kindergarten. It is as big of a production as high school graduation. Well, okay, not as big, but almost. I guess it is good that the kids actually graduate from kindergarten and move on to actually school.
Having said that, it was a really cute production the kids put on for all of the eager, picture taking, families. There were songs with actions (of course we got all of that on video), spoken parts (many of which could not be heard because the microphone wasn't working at first), cute faces, and a whole lot of pride in the production!
We are so proud of Tyler though. He has been such a great kid at school. His teacher tells us how well behaved and kind he is there. We know he is a great kid, but you never know for sure what is happening when you are not there.
Great job, Tyler - we are so proud of you!! Onto 1st grade!!

The Petting Zoo with Grandma and Grandpa - May 2011

Grayce, Emma, Maggie and I went to thet petting zoo with Grandma and Grandpa. It is at McKee's in Pocatello. It is a nursery/pet store. It is free and they do a great job of having it set up so that they kids really enjoy it. Grayce and Emma thought it was especially fun. Even though their personalities are often opposite of this, Emma was the one that wasn't afraid to feed the animals. Grandpa and Emma did a lot of feeding.

Grayce did a lot of watching.

Maggie wanted to keep feeding the animals, but she needed a little help and encouragement.

There were swings too - of course the kids had a lot of fun on those. They probably wore Grandma and Grandpa out pushing them so much.

We got to see some brand new baby chicks too.

It was fun for everyone! What a great time for the girls to spend with their Grandparents. They sure have a special place in their hearts for Grandma and Grandpa.

The Dance Festival - end of school year 2010-2011

Each year at the end of the school year, the classes (by grade-level) all put on a dance festival. The parents come and they do their dances by grade. It is fun to watch and they usually come up with some great choreography for the songs.
This year, Tyler's class (kindergarten) did "The Chicken Dance."

Bryant's class did "Kung-Fu Fighting."

Abby's class did "The Square Dance."