2015 thirty-one

We started our day by finishing our January family goal...Random Acts of Kindness

Brooklyn hid $1 bills in the toy section at the dollar store.

Then we headed to the Draper Care Center with two bouquets of flowers.  We asked the nurse who could use some flowers.  This experience alone was worth the entire month goal.  We fell in love with two sweet ladies.  I was too shy to take a picture of Nie Nie, but she needed someone to just talk to.  She told my kids all about how she loves animals and how she loves to wave to people who are passing by.  Bonnie (pictured) was such a sweetheart.  After we talked to her for awhile and got to know her, I asked if she needed a hug.  She said YES.  It was the coolest experience watching all four of my children dive in for a hug.  Her wheelchair started moving and she said "Wow, and I even get a ride".  As we left her eyes filled with tears, as did mine.  She said "thank you so much for coming and bringing me flowers, please come visit me again."  I hope we visit both these ladies often and I hope my children remember how they felt on this special visit.  I know I am changed. 

 Later, we attended Elizabeth's friend's birthday party.

(Yoyo Chang in the batman costume)

Her host family invited all the families to the Lowe's Xtreme Air Sports in Provo.  

Brynn, Blake, Brooklyn and I had a great evening.  I loved getting to know some of the other Host families and soaked in all the "hosting" tips I could get.

2015 thirty

Brynn, Brooklyn & I took Elizabeth to the high school basketball game tonight.  

It's been a long time since I've been to a high school basketball game, but so much fun.

If you look really, really hard you can see Zack, Max, and Blake in the student section.  

2015 twenty-nine

Brynn's first Orthodontist visit and consultation.

Today...Spacers

 During our trip to the library, it took me a minute to find the girls.

2015 twenty-eight

A little after school paper boomerang lesson from Blake.

Elizabeth's friend, Yoyo, came home from school with her.  

All the Chinese students went to the Jazz basketball game tonight and it so happened that Jim had four 2nd row VIP tickets for the same night.  So these lucky three had a date with dad.  

2015 twenty-seven

Tonight for mutual we had a "PPP" night.

Personal Progress, Pizza, & Pajamas...and popcorn, pink cookies & pop.  

We passed off the entire value of integrity and planned our Integrity projects.  

It was fun to have Elizabeth join us.  

 The lacrosse team spent the evening conditioning at the community pool.  

Races, treading water with bricks, and lots of fun games and drills.  

The loved it and hated it at the same time.  It was better then just running for 2 hours!

2015 twenty-six

Brooklyn's homework location for the day

2015 twenty-five

Sunday baking

2015 twenty four

I didn't even realize Brooklyn was missing until I received this text from my neighbor.  

She told me she was practicing for when she babysits her in three years and that her mom was able to get tons done.  

That's my cute stinker!

2015 twenty-three

Bonding time before LAX tryouts

2015 twenty-two

We welcomed our Chinese Student from Taiwan today!  Her name is Elizabeth Ho.

They kids showered her with love and games

2015 twenty-one

Pack meeting.

He received two more beads.

 Two of his fellow scouts received their Arrow of Light tonight.

Very cool ceremony, fire and all!

2015 twenty

I spent my day as a chaperone on the 6th grade field trip to the planetarium.

Very fun and educational.

I was hoping for a little Led Zeppelin Light Show blast from the past...but didn't happen.

2015 nineteen

Two excited boys refueling before their high school lacrosse tryouts.

I hope they make it!

 When they returned, this was waiting for Max.

I can't believe he will be 16 and dating!  HEELLLLPPPPPP!

And now we are the proud owners of two fish...I guess. 

2015 eighteen

I forgot to snap a picture on our campus tour so when I picked up Zack we illegally parked and took a quick picture of the famous Drexel Dragon.  It was pouring rain!  We then attempted to attend sacrament meeting at the Single's Ward but the chapel was empty.  A kind lady from the family ward informed us that it had been cancelled.  I asked "do they usually cancel church when it rains?"  I guess it was more than rain.  It was freezing rain and there had been a 60 car pile up earlier in the day.  

So we headed back to the Liberty Bell so Zack could see it.  

 The Minneapolis airport is super hip and high tech.  Every seat had an iPad in the entire area.  We ordered dinner from our iPads and surfed the internet.  Fun fun!

2015 seventeen

While Zack hung out with the team, Brynn and I toured Old Town Philadelphia.  Including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Ben Franklin.  In the afternoon we met Zack and took a tour of Drexel and then ate dinner with the coaches and a couple of players.  It was a great day but soooo freezing! Especially with a lot of walking.

2015 sixteen

We left at sunrise and arrived at sunset.

Zack invited me on his college visit to Drexel and I invited Brynn to be my friend.

Zack stayed in the dorms with the Lacrosse players and Brynn and I stayed in this high rise.  

The views of Philadelphia were beautiful.

2015 fifteen

A creative way to keep your hands warm during practice.

2015 fourteen

End of the semester treats for me!

Painting 1

Now where to display them?

2015 thirteen

Fear Factor at YM/YW tonight

So Gross!