Spencer or Skyler?!

Two shots from Kylene's recital that were too cute for me to resist! When Kyle & I both saw these shots of Skyler, we said, "Spencer?" It's amazing to us how much they look alike (at the same ages). The biggest problem is, they are wearing all the same clothes. I totally remember (and loved) when Spencer wore this red "baseball" shirt. They are always going to be called the wrong name, I'm afraid, by people who can't tell them apart. (As well as their parents, who can!) Alas!

Kylene's Ballet Recital

Kylene has been doing ballet once a week for the last 2-3 months. She signed up at the same time as two of her good friends, Rachel & Gwen, and it turned out they were the only students in that class! They have had a ball going each week and dancing and twirling together. It has worked out so well to carpool, and only have to drive every three weeks, although I must admit it was a bit of an adjustment (and another big step for me as the mommy) to "send off" my oldest on her own! I don't know that I am ready for Kindergarten, even if Kylene is!

The studio she attends holds a big dance recital in June, but since we started late (it usually runs the school year), and we are going to be out of town the weekend of the recital, Ms. Sara, her instructor, agreed to hold a special "recital" for Kylene's class. She taught them a very short dance which they performed and the remainder of the class time she had the girls show us what they had learned. Besides giving a talk in church, this was Kylene's first ever "performance". She was nervous but very brave, eventually relaxing and really enjoying herself. It was darling to watch her.

My parents came, so my dad kindly agreed to take a few pictures. As you may guess, I now have 253 great pictures to choose from! So, here are a few of my favorites (not in order).

I love this still shot of her, with the mirror showing her back.

The "grand" audience. Alyson, Brent, and family had arrived the day before from Colorado for our family reunion this next week, so they joined us! Yea for family!

Rachel, Kylene, Gwen preparing for pony gallops.

Getting ready.

Memorial Day Reunion

The amazing couples! Michael & Memory, Kyle & Amyanne, Beth & Randy
I love you, too, babe!

Nicole (7-months older) and Kylene always have so much fun together. Here they are devouring blueberries.

Our darling baby boys! Ethan, Skyler, Parker, born four months apart.

May 31st was Memorial Day. My two best friends from high school, Beth and Memory, and I get together a few times a year and go out to eat and reconnect, but we rarely get all of our families together. So we decided we would make it an annual Memorial Day tradition. We met in Cornelius at Beth's home and had a houseful with Randy and Beth and five kids, Beth's parents, Michael and Memory and three kids, her mom, and Kyle, myself and three kids. We had a yummy barbecue lunch then relaxed and talked while the kids played. Everyone had a great time. Thanks so much for hosting, Beth! I look forward to next year.

On the way there, we also took the time to stop at Michael & Memory's first son, Dallin's, gravesite. It has been several years since I had been there and it was special to be able to take my children, tell them about Dallin, and talked to them about eternal families. The cemetaries are so beautiful on Memorial Day with the flags and flowers everywhere you look. A wonderful tribute to those who have given everything for our country and our freedom. I hope we are able to preserve it in the face of so many things threatening it. But I won't digress for now. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful chance to visit, no matter how brief.

Eagles Concert

A couple of weekends ago, Kyle & I got free tickets to the Eagles in concert at the Rose Garden. You could say I'm not really much of a concert goer (one other in my life that I remember!), but hey, free tickets in a suite with several of his co-workers...it sounded fun to me. And it was! We had a great time laughing and chatting with his co-workers and watching this "old" group. They have been going on tour for 40 years! They joked about how this was the geriatric tour. The lead singer is 62. Maybe that's why I loved their music so well. It was really fun. We forgot our camera, but I'll post a picture from one of Kyle's co-workers if I can get it:).

Right before the concert, we were able to go to the Temple. Which was wonderful. (A bit of a contrast, I must admit.) Jana & Scott watched our kids for us while we were at the temple (thank you!), then we took them to my parent's house for the concert. Since we were getting back so late and they were putting them to bed for us, we just decided to make it a sleepover:). It was really fun going home and going in to my parent's room to "report" just like I did in high school. Only this time my date was coming home with me! It doesn't get much better than that:). We had a fun time talking together late at night and it was all very nostalgic for me. The next morning we relaxed a little before heading home in time to get ready and go to church. It made me excited for our family reunion coming up in just two weeks!

Our Preschool Graduate

Kylene is officially "graduated"! Way to go, Kylene. You are definitely ready for Kindergarten!

For the graduation "ceremony", we had a fun field trip to the Oregon State Capitol. The children all went on a photo scavenger hunt around the Capitol grounds, stopping in the middle to go inside and see the rotunda, etc. We finished at a horse statue (one of the first circuit rider's in the West), had popsicles, then a small graduation ceremony (with Dollar Tree hats, certificates, and all)! The kids loved it. We ended with a picnic, then playing in the street fountain across from the Capitol.

Here are the kiddos on the steps right in front of the Capitol entrance.

Right after the ceremony.
Kylene, Jacob, Gwen, Emily, Gabe, Rachel

Lunch time.