Saying Goodbye to a Special Family Member

Yesterday was one of the hardest days that we have had in a while. We had to put our dog Bailey to sleep. Damon and Madison cannot remember a time without her. She was 12 years old (which is very old for a large dog) and finally developed arthritis so badly that she could hardly walk, and it was causing some other issues with the nerves that run along her spine. Unfortunately, all of these things don't make it easier to let go. So, as my way to deal with it and to help Damon and Madison cope, I have decided to post a few pics and some goofy things that she would do.

Bailey was like having a bear skin rug on the floor. You could almost step on her and she would just lie there.
She was so mellow, the kids could do just about anything with her and she would just smile and wag her tail. This included dressing her up, using her as a pillow, having her pull them in the wagon, and trying to get her to play house with them.
She loved to go out and play in the snow.
She sat near (took care of) Great Grandpa Larson when he lived with us and let him pet her and talk to her. I think it was good for both of them.
One year she downed two Easter baskets worth of candy that the kids left sitting on the floor when we went to church. (including the chocolate rabbits and the bubble gum)
She would wrestle with our other dog and then take off running out the door so that he had to chase her down or she would wait until the other dog set the dog toy down (because he was waiting for her to play) and she would grab it and take off.
She liked to swim in everything from the lake to the kids wading pool.
Last, but not least, she loved to be around the kids, including all of the neighbor kids. She was content to just be around them and watch them play and laugh.

Not that I think that dogs can use the internet in heaven, but just wanted to say:
We love and miss you Bailey

Finally, a free moment!

Okay, I think that the roller coaster, that we call life, has slowed down enough for me to hop off for a minute or two. I am not even going to try to catch everyone up to speed. Just know that things have been crazy as usual with jobs, school, jr high school, Mike's schedule change, and everything else in between. However, we have been very blessed this year and would like to share some of the latest events with you.

The kids and I are currently on spring break. We decided not to go anywhere too far because we have a lot of things that we need to get done, and we need to slow down for a day or two (hasn't worked yet but we try). We took the kids to baby animal days at the Jensen Farm in Logan. Even though it snowed like crazy for the day or two beforehand, we still went up to see the animals (Madi would never have let us live it down if she missed the babies). At least they had moved the animals inside the barns. (Pics: The kids holding bunnies, One of the baby bears being rocked to sleep, The kids petting one of the wagon horses that was tied to one of the trees, and The kids petting the pigs)

This last picture is for Grandpa Larson. (Not one pink flamingo but an entire flock) I am not sure what flamingos have to do with the farm on a nice day, but they looked very funny standing there in the snow! I think we may have to call the number and have a flock delivered to Grandpa.

Mike promoted to Lieutenant in December and we were able to go to the promotion ceremony on Tuesday. It was neat to have an actual ceremony. It was worth the wait. He loves his new job and is now experienced. He has almost four months under his belt. (That makes him an expert right?!) We are so excited for and proud of him!


Today we took the kids snorkeling at the Homestead resort in Midway, UT. You snorkel inside of the crater. We all had a wonderful time and really didn't want to get out of the warm water. It stays around 90 degrees which is a big jump from the 40 something degrees that we had today. I didn't take any pictures of the kids snorkeling because we have not had luck with digital cameras and water; we decided it would be safer to keep it at home where it was dry. (I don't feel like replacing another camera. Ha ha)

We are doing well, busy as ever. The kids are gearing up for summer and already planning the activities that they want to do. Mom is counting down the days until she actually can get more than 4 hours of sleep and doesn't have to fall asleep with red pen and papers to grade. Mike is looking forward to getting home earlier because he doesn't have to drop the carpool off before he goes to work.

For now, Damon is finishing up his 7th grade year and loves it. He has done well in his classes and really likes the variety that he gets to take. He is taking orchestra and enjoys the chance to play his violin with other kids, they went to a orchestra festival a couple of weeks ago and had a great time. He is taking algebra which is unusual for 7th grade but he and some of his friends were ready. He really likes the class and I like that it challenges him.

Madison is finishing up her 3rd grade year. She was sad to see her teacher leave for health reasons a couple of months ago but likes her new teacher, even if he is a boy teacher. She is doing very well in all of her classes and has beautiful cursive handwriting. (She could teach Damon and Mike a few lessons). She is still dancing but taking hip hop this year instead of ballet/jazz. She likes the attitude that hip hop has (I know you are all surprised by that). She is also still taking violin lessons and really likes her teacher. She has even passed off her last set of "Twinkles" and is excited to move on to other things.

We send all of our love to all of our family and friends. We wish we could see all of you all the time!

Love ya,
Michelle

It's Madi's big week

Well, the last week or so has been all about Madison. (Which is never a bad thing!) She had her second grade end of year program and her end of year dance recital. Her program was cute. The kids sang songs from America. ie. Buffalo Gals and Momma's little baby likes shortenin' bread. She was really rockin' out as they sang.
Her end of year dance recital is a major production. It is definitely worth it. The dances were awesome and the costumes adorable. Madison's class danced to "Fireflies" by Owl City. Madi says that one day she may decide to join one of the award winning competition teams.

Pictures (in order): Madison and her teacher Mrs. Milton (she is an awesome teacher).
Madi's school program.
Madi's school program.
The final pose for their performance. (pic taken at dress rehearsal)
Right before today's performance.
Dress rehearsal. (Madison is the one on the right that is in mid leap)
Recital. (back row, second from right)

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So, this is the scene that Mike came home to this morning. He drove home in white out conditions and then arrived home to see this. It is MAY!!!! (Nothing more needs to be said)

Enjoying Spring

Mike was off of work last weekend and we took advantage. We spent Saturday in Logan. We went to baby animal days at the Jensen Historical Farm, went to the Blue and White football scrimmage at Utah State, visited Gossner's to buy cheese, and went shopping at the sock and pajama outlets. The weather was beautiful, and the kids loved the baby animals. They were able to pet goats, pigs, horses, and sheep. They held ducklings, chicks, and rabbits, and then they rode the ponies. We also panned for gold and walked down to the pastures to see the buffalo herd.

My friend Britney, from New York, whom I haven't seen in a very long time was in town this weekend and we were able to visit with her and her mom on Sunday. We had a great time. Wish we could see them more. My mom's birthday was on Sunday and we had dinner and cake with her as well.
This week was also Madison's Greek festival. She decided that she wanted to be Aphrodite the goddess of Love. (She originally was going to be Athena, but decided for the goddess of love instead). Here are some pictures of her before she went to school.


We have one other piece of news to share. Chris, who is finishing up his doctorate, defended his work in front of the committee this week. They were very impressed with his work and experiments. Now, he needs to defend publicly and then he graduates. Congratulations Chris!

Sending our love to everyone!

Michelle

Easter

"I'm dreaming of a white Easter, just like the ones they have in Gnome. Where the eggs are frozen, and children listen to hear bunnies in the snow. Oh, I'm dreaming of a Utah Easter...." Yep, it was one of those kinds of Easter today. I'm sure the Easter Bunny had a blast hiding the eggs in all of the snow that we had. It snowed a good three inches of wet snow last night between about midnight and 5am. (Good thing we had an Easter Egg hunt with the Thuesons yesterday. Thus the pictures with the grass visible) Yuck! The bunny hid some neat eggs for the kids. They are made to look like grass, wood, and rocks. They blended really well with the white snow. However, Chris (who lives in San Diego---where it never snows) pointed out that the best camouflage would have been to use plain eggs and forget the dye.

Despite it all, the kids had a blast looking for eggs and had a good Easter. They had baskets full of goodies and had plenty of candy for breakfast. (That would be the breakfast of champions!) Then, we headed to my parents for lunch. We had a good time and were able to visit with them and then talk with Chris and Alicia on the phone (During an earthquake). We also were able to visit with Mike's parents on the phone (however, we are no longer speaking with them because we feel it is unfair that they are spending Easter on the beach. The BUMS!!!) j/k

Well, I am headed to bed. Only one more day of spring break for me. (Not sure that a Friday and a Monday off really count as spring break, but I'll take what I can get.) The kids are off the rest of the week so they can spend it pestering Mike. :)

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Sending everyone, that is away from us this Easter, hugs and kisses!!

Michelle

Science fair and basketball

So, lately we have been busy with science fair at our house. I have the science fair at my school, which involves me keeping track of 50+ kids progress on their projects. Damon has also been working on science fair for his school.
Damon and Austin did their project on how well Alka- Seltzer dissolves in different liquids. They did the whole thing themselves and did an excellent job. Their projects were judged on Tuesday and the boys took Honorable Mention. We are very excited and proud of both the boys.



Alka-seltzer in Maple syrup after 1 hour

We have also been gone to basketball games and practice. I included some pictures of that as well. Both of the kids are doing great in basketball. Damon is awesome at defense and has been able to polish some of his offensive skills. Madison has made leaps and bounds and will actually fight for the ball. And, mom is always the crazy one yelling herself hoarse at the games. :)