Speaking Larsen

So Catelyn went to Pine Basin and didn't die. ☺ Really, she had so much fun. We were so proud of her because it was a little scary to send her on her own. She'd never done that before and she's had little experience with 'roughing it.' In fact, I think it's the first time she's ever been away from home, on her own, without family.  She didn't have anyone with her in the beginning, but she came home with 40 new friends. On parent's night, when we arrive, she spotted us and came running up and hugged me so tight. Then she started bawling. It made me cry. Kyle got a little choked up, too, but he mostly laughed at us. We listened to Darrin (The Headmaster) tell us all about what the kids had been learning and doing, from water purification to the history of the Jackson Hole valley. We watched their skits and listened to their silly/catchy/annoying songs and each counselor took a minute to tell us about what he or she had been responsible...

Our Ward Campout is a chance for us to all hangout with friends and visit and we absolutely love going. This year it was up near Heise again and the kids got to do a little rock climbing again.  Landon refused to be in the photos, but what can you do? He spent most of his time playing catch with the football and kickball. Catelyn held babies and talked with her friends and the little girls giggled. Non-stop giggled. They were so silly.

We hit Chad's house on Sunday, and had all day Monday to play. We took the kids for a hike, and while we weren't quite prepared for it, we had a great time! They all jhung out on Tuesday while I met with my editor, and then when I finished we hit the Bean Museum in Provo. After two years of renovations, it was like new again. Dana took us to the most amazing park while we were in Utah, the second week of June. Even Catelyn and Landon were entertained! And that's saying something, because they are outgrowing the park, fast. Then we made a quick stop in at Costco. Our first visit, ever! They all had to try on glasses, and then they discovered the SAMPLES.   I'd turn around to see where they'd all gone, and it was to the next sample station. We started loosing track of them a little bit and were slightly embarrassed as they ran from treat to treat, but oh well. I"m sure they're not the first group of kids to do that. ...

The first grade Year End Party was a HUGE hit! I didn't take very many photos and I didn't get a single one of the bouncy obstacle jump house. Oh well.   Jocelyn's class and the other two first grade classes spent several house playing outside. We had all kinds of games, and then they had hot dogs, sno cones, cotton candy and water.   But this morning, when it was time to go to school for the very last day? Jocelyn was so upset. She was grumpy and crying. She didnt' want to go. WHY? Because she didn't want to say goodbye.   This mom teared up. it's hard to say goodbye to your friends and teacher when you're young like this. Those people are your LIFE at this age. But she went, and she made her teacher cry a little when it was time to go, but I think she's going to be fine!   Jocelyn's Other Mother for 1st grade! Mrs. Patience!

I didn't snag as many photo of Catelyn, but that's because all her big stuff happened mostly last week! But she's done with 5th grade and off to a great start for summer babysitting! She's been booked solid for the last few weeks and I am so proud of how hard she is working to earn her money for Pine Basin!  She's almost made all of the money she needs! She's going to miss Kelsey a lot, I am sure, but she has lots of fun new friends to play with too! She's looking forward to summer!

This kid. He's had the best year and I am so delighted for him. He's excited for 4th grade and summer! He absolutely loved Mrs. Julian, and so many of the kids in his class! I can't wait to post some of his prized pieces of homework! I took photos of many of them! The girls went nuts signing his shirt! This is Elizabeth, one of his favorite friends! Mrs. Julian! The craziest, funniest, cutest 3rd grade class around!

This cute girl was fine one minute... And then NOT the next. Brooklyn hopped off the trampoline, tripped and fell, and broke her arm, Friday night, May 31. I was positive it was a green stick break. And it just so happened to be the same arm as Jocelyn last summer, so we snatched up the brace and waited until morning to take her in for an x-ray. And sure enough, it was exactly what I suspected. Only it was on both the Ulna and Radius. She was shaky and cold, but in good spirits as we waited for the results. Since it was swollen, we had to wait a few days to get her little cast. See those dents? Nice, huh. This photo was taken at Chad's, but it captures her perfectly. It literally took the snap right out of her for a few days.