#19 on the road

 Karsyn flew home on the 28th so she could go with us on our National Park trip. We left on the 29th, so she had her birthday on the road. Her breakfast choice was a stop at Ziggi's for an Iced Caramel Macchiato.

A lunch stop in Eagle, CO

                    

We made it to Grand Junction where we stayed for the night.

Her choice for dinner was Texas Roadhouse. We got her cheesecake for her birthday treat. I know it was different, she was a good sport. We couldn't bring her gifts on the road so those would have to wait.

                                   

Last Days of the craziest year:)

 The 8th graders had their last day before the rest of the middle school. That's how it is when you are the top dogs;) I am blown away by the changes in this beautiful girl during this past year.

My little Abi from last year, came to see me on her last day of elementary. I just love this girl and will miss seeing her in the hallways.

 I was given all sorts of appreciation gifts, including a paper pet that I adopted.

Calista

This is one of those kids that is a teachers dream! 

So much about her reminds me of my Kars at that age.

Kendall

Oh my ... this kid stole my heart. He is bright and sensitive and is definitely the sharpest dresser. He brought me the cutest little birdhouse and diffuser set, and he cried big tears when he said goodbye.

 I will never forget him. 

Charles/Charlie

So many students I wish I could keep. These three were my EL students and were so patient with me, and helped me with my Spanish.  

Kamila, Genesis and Diana

We ended our half day with ice-cream sundaes and a video I put together of our year. Lots of tears.

I am so thankful to have gone through this crazy year with this group. 

I really had the BEST CLASS EVER!

I will miss them all terribly, but I am looking forward to (trying) not thinking about school and focusing on my favorite little tribe for a couple of months.

The Eagle Soars

 Emm had her 8th grade Promotion on May 20th. They held the ceremony outside to meet health guidelines. It was great with the exception, that the field borders a main street through town making it a little noisy at times. She was recognized for Honor Roll, WEB Leader, Stand For Courage and nominated for the Soaring Eagle and Growth Mindset Awards.

Meeting up with some friends after the ceremony.

Bella, Emm, Sara, Jaque

These two have been friends off and on since meeting in 2nd grade. 

It has been a hard year for Emmrey in more than one way. Ending middle school having only attended in person half of the time was not good for her. Being at home without her sisters has also been pretty crummy for her. All of this along with the struggles of teenagerhood.

We are so proud of this girl! She is a creative soul with so much good in her. I wish she could see her beauty the way we do. I hope that this next chapter is the best ever and that she has the opportunity and allows herself to grow.

Our Rad UW Grad

Get this ... Bay graduated from College. Yes! College. Holy moly how did that happen?

Initially we were told the ceremony would be virtual. After some push back, the University decided to have in person with some restrictions. Bailee was allowed 2 tickets. 

A few weeks before the graduation, she was informed she could have 4 tickets. 

So perfect that all of us could attend.

Waiting for the graduate walk.

The College of Health Sciences was on Friday evening.

The ceremony was short and sweet ... lasted about an hour. 

Crossing the stage

I feel like it took longer to find our little bug afterward.

It was so worth every minute waiting outside in the wind.

She received a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology

The proudest momma in the whole arena!

                                 

She really didn't want a big celebration/party. Just dinner. I couldn't resist making a little fuss;)

We struggled with getting a reservation. Every restaurant I called didn't take reservations on Friday night's. Colin joined us for dinner.

We expected it to be busy, but her 1st choice was a 90 minute wait. Mark walked over to her next choice and they could get us in 15. We enjoyed some delicious food at Jeffrey's Bistro.

Words can't really express how proud this girl makes me. She has a great future ahead. She is driven and intelligent and has such a good heart. I am in awe!

                          
 

Millennial Move + Mother's Day

 Karsyn decided she really wanted to try a new flavor of student housing after completing her first year. Once we resigned to the idea that staying in Logan was the best option for her to gain residency, we had a lot of juggling to do. She had to be moved out of Davis Hall by May 8th and had a few days before she could move into her new housing ... Millennial Towers.

A quick look at Bear Lake

We moved her out on May 8th. 

My head is spinning thinking about her already completing her first year of college. 

We had some wood fired pizza at Jack's for dinner

and went on a little walk up the canyon.

Sunday was Mother's Day and we spent most of the day driving down to Salt Lake.  

Emm made sure I had a little something to feel appreciated. 

We stopped for lunch because I really wanted to try the cauliflower gnocchi at Noodles. 

It was a little too salty for my liking. 

We stayed with my parents that night so we could be there for Brent's service the next day. My mom got these gorgeous yellow roses from my dad. We wanted to get her a dinner of her choosing. She really wanted a chili cheese dog;) So off to Wienerschnitzel Mark went!

Speaking of Mother's Day. Jill had this plate from when we cleaned out my grandparents home in Heber years ago. Just the most precious thing I have ever seen.

After another night in Salt Lake, we took our car full of Lu's things back up to Logan so she could move into her new place. We also took her to get her second dose of vaccine at the Health Department. 

Fun fact = her first dose was given by her cousin, Landri.

We got her things unpacked and semi put together. 

She was going back to Colorado with us to attend Bay's graduation. 

We met one of the five roommates she will have this summer. It will likely change in the fall, it sounds like at least a couple of them are planning to leave on church missions. 

After a quick bite at the Old Grist Mill we were on the road ... again!