Just a whole bunch of fun

These pix are a little out of order but hey, you get the idea right?!?  Easter went by in a flash.

 For Spring Break my friend Tiffani & I drove with our kids (8 in all) up to Washington to visit our sisters.  We loved it!  Here's Shelby & Noah loving each other.

 Jayda & Jessi being soooo cool.

 Ian & Josh playing whatever electronic games they could.

 Quinn & Lexi even went to a Zumba exercise class with us at the YMCA.

 For a quick little weekend away - Amanda, Jesalee, & I went to Vegas.  We treated ourselves to the Bellagio (just gorgeous) and Cirque de Sol "O."  It was amazing!

 Its become a tradition that Joaquin takes Josh to the Monster Truck Show at the Holt Arena.  This year Shelby & I went too.  She was ready to go home after about an hour but the concessions saved her.

Joaquin even splurged & we all got to ride in this Monster Truck for about 60 seconds.  Woo hoo!

 Women's Conference down in Provo was short but sweet this year.  My friends Deena & Shy came with me from Am. Falls and we met Dana, Mom, Mindy, Lisa, & Amy there.

 Quinn is in an "I hate pictures" mood lately so this is the only one I could snap of her at her piano recital this year.

 These are my so wish it was summer kids.  I think the temp was around 60 degrees this day but they were determined to soak up the sun (in the driveway.)

Jessi had her Gymnastic Program that she absolutely loved!  She got a medal & a trophy.

 Jessi also performed a dance solo at her school talent show.  She rocked at the dance she choreographed herself.  She had cartwheels, walk overs, splits - it made me tired just watching.

For Mother's Day Weekend we took our "new to us" Motor Home on its maiden voyage to Glenns Ferry.  Jesalee & Kade rode with us so we had cousins & friends to visit with the whole way.  I can't remember the last time I sat on the floor with my kids for 2 & 1/2 hours reading books, building with legos, & talking.  Its definitely good for me, next time I'm thinking I'll drive and make it "good for Joaquin."

Glenns Ferry was pretty cold & rainy so everyone crammed in the hot tub to get warm & have fun.

Jesalee, Donna, Quinn, Jessi, & I met up with family & friends in Boise to see the musical "Wicked."  I thought it was just fabulous.  The sets, costumes, and of course the music was amazing. Can you tell Emily & I try to use any excuse possible to hang out more often?

Shelby & Jade had Pre School Graduation this last Saturday.  It was pretty painful for lots of us.  They sang 14 songs (Shelby was yawning by the 5th or 6th), Halle cried most of the time, and Kristin was in New York delivering the newest cousin during the show!  Why do we do "programs" again?!?

 Oh that's why, because Shelby was just so dang happy to be the center of attention for the day.  What a cutie!

Washington DC

I'm still amazed we actually went - how cool is that?!?  My sweet Mom volunteered to watch our kids so that Joaquin & I could take a trip.  Our good friends Casidy & Brinton Robison let us tag along with them as they showed us the sights & let us stay at their apartment (you'll see a pix of them down farther)

 The first night we saw all the monuments at night, just amazing.  Lincoln was the fave.

Here's the "Idaho" part of the WWII memorial

We were hoping DC would be a little warmer but not so much.  Joaquin mocked me when I packed my winter coat.  This first night I tried to be tough with my little jacket but after freezing I wore my mittens & scarf the rest of the trip.

Here's the reason why we got to be there.  Brinton is studying at George Washington - we're glad to have smart friends.

 

 The Capital was so amazing.  We were the geeky tourists with head sets on.

 Notice the scarf & mittens?

 Arlington was humbling - just the best word to describe it.

 Is that us kissing?  See what happens when you take me out to dinner every night for a week - I have a whole lot less work & more time to play.

 This Monet was one of my favorites at the National Gallery of Art.  I felt like a total prude though because I just hated seeing naked women everywhere.  Degas sculpted & painted tons of ballerinas, which you would think I would love.  PUT SOME CLOTHES ON and maybe.  Casidy & I were laughing when we walked by a beautiful sculpture entitled "The Reading Girl" by Magni.  Upon closer inspection her right breast is hanging out.  Do any of you read books with half your clothes on?  Joaquin said, well dah - the artists are all men.

 The Air & Space Museum was pretty cool.  Joaquin & I thought the virtual Space Station was fun to walk through.

 

Mount Vernon was George Washington's home back in the 1790's.  It was just amazingly maintained. 

Just chillin' on the back porch looking over the Potomac River

 These cool looking "breeze ways" connected main house to the kitchen & servants quarters.

 Had to visit the temple!

 "The Awakening" was just a great photo op.

 An entire store of "Peeps."  Mindy & Kristin I know are just drooling right now - they just loooove peeps.

 Went through the International Spy Museum.  Saw hidden camera's in rings, umbrellas, & purses that were issued by CIA & FBI years ago.  Spy manuals, door picks, disguises - it was actually kind of disturbing to be honest.  If they had those things years ago, what do they have now????

 

 The Natural History Museum would have been one the kids would love!

 Just loved that we went the week before the annual "Cherry Blossom" Festival.  The trees were all in bloom without the mass numbers of people.  It was just beautiful!

Last few note were from my Mom, bless her.  One day she was taking Shelby, Josh, & Halle to Costco.  Shockingly Josh & Shelby were fighting on the way over.  

Mom:  Shelby if you'll be kind I'll let you pick something out at Costco.

Shelby:  I want to be naughty, I don't want anything.

Mom:  Shelby honey, get down off the counter.

Shelby:  It's not your house Grandma.

Thank you, thank you for laughing & not beating the children!

Ballroom Dancing

I realize most of the people who read my blog live outside of American Falls but I still had to share some fun news - no I'm not pregnant (that wouldn't be really fun news right now).  I'm finally crossing something off my "bucket list."  I'm going to teach Ballroom Dance at Cope's Dance Studio!  It's only 2 nights so far which makes it lots more appealing.  Shelby's doing great, Joaquin's got an easier calling in church,  my youngest is over a year, & my last big event as the PTO President is this Thursday - Yahoo!  

Jesalee & Joaquin roll their eyes at me because my life is still pretty crazy but I've taught Ballroom to hundreds (maybe even thousands now) of youth & couples for free.  It's right around Valentine's Day - which, let's face it, is the only reason most men would be inclined to get up & boogie with their sweetheart.  So wish me luck & if any of you want to make the drive to American Falls - I'd love to have friends there.  I wanted to attach my cute little ad (minus the clip art) I put in the Power County Press (it runs tomorrow).

Ballroom Dance Classes

Searching for a great Valentine's Gift?  Have you ever watched “Dancing with the Stars” and wondered how football pro Emmitt Smith can make dancing look so cool?  Well you can too!

Sarah Smith combines fun modern music with the classical steps of Waltz & Cha-Cha so the next time you’re at a wedding or dance you can join in with confidence!  Whether you’re a beginner or Fred Astaire, you will love laughing & spending time with your sweetheart.  Take 2 hours for 2 weeks and become a star!

   Waltz:     Wednesday, Feb. 23 @ 8:00-10:00 pm

Cha-Cha:     Wednesday, Mar. 2 @8:00-10:00 pm

The cost is $25/per couple for each night.

Sign up both nights and the cost drops to only $40/couple. 

Both classes will start with dance instructions and end with a “social” of open dancing (refreshments provided).