Jam-Packer June

June was full of something every single day! The first week I was in teacher collaboration, so Amelia and Cooper had an entire week to lie around in their pajamas and really relax and be lazy.

The next week we had our Call Reunion at Island Park. It was so much fun to get together with all my siblings, nieces, and nephews! The house was perfect for everyone to hang out. It was rainy most of the time, but we ran outside during the breaks to have some fun.

Amelia riding the 4-wheeler with Joey. She ended up driving later on, and loved every minute!

Cooper tried his hand at driving also. It's a good thing we have a couple more years before he gets his license!

We also went to Big Springs and through Johnny Sack's cabin. Cooper was amazed he was as tall as Johnny. Speaking of height, Cooper is gaining on Amelia fast!

We also went into West Yellowstone to visit the Bear and Wolf Research Center. It was amazing to see this big guy! The workers would hide food under rocks and in trees. He'd come out and dig for it.  

Mostly, we hung out with family and ate ALOT.

After the reunion, Amelia and I headed all to girls' camp. (Like the very next day)!  After we got back we settled into summer lessons, hang outs (they are too old for playdates now), and lots of relaxing.

Wrapping Up the School Year!

I'm a little behind, but school let out for the summer May 24! Cooper is officially a 6th grader, and Amelia is a 9th grader. A FRESHMAN in high school! Except here 9th graders are still in junior high. Still, it's a big deal. :-) We were all ready for a break from school and all the craziness that comes with it. Here are some pictures:

Cooper had a science fair I managed to sneak over to:

Cooper had his guitar recital: 

And Amelia had her final orchestra concert. This picture makes me laugh, because it is so indicative of 14 year old boys and girls:

As always, we celebrate the beginning AND end of each school year at Pizza Pie Cafe.

Amelia's Final Ballet Recital

Amelia had her last ballet recital this last weekend. The performed Cinderella. Between the ballet and the showcase she danced 5 times! She was beautiful, graceful, happy, and very tired. :-) Here are a few pictures. We're so happy Nana, Jojo, and Lynnli could come up and watch the ballet with us! 

Amelia with some of her co-stars. They are such a fun, good group of friends. 

She was thrilled to have her first tutu for this performance. Apparently that means you're one of the "big girls" now. 

One of her dances was set in Paris. It was so cute! I think she'd do well in France. 

This recital is really long, and I was proud of Cooper lasting as long as he did. He managed to watch 4 out of 5 dances before succumbing to sleep. 

The ballerina after the show. She just beams when she dances! You can feel her love for it in every step.

I'll post a video of Amelia during rehearsal--she's not as graceful because her pointe shoe was coming off during the song and she was trying not to fall. 

Next up, Cooper's guitar recital and Amelia final orchestra concert!

Cooper's Last Concert

Cooper had his last choir concert this week. I was surprised when he came home on Monday and announced he had been chosen to sing a solo! I'll try to post it here. He did a fabulous job, and between his singing and guitar he may very well become the next Jon Bon Jovi. :-)

Here is a video of this solo. I had to trim it to a minute, even though I recorded the whole song. Notice he starts to get a little nervous and swallows a bunch before performing. Alos notice his smile when he finishes. Love this kid!

Birthday Wrap-up!

We made it through birthdays!  I still find it hard to believe I have a 14 year-old and an 11 year-old. Here's a few pictures from the celebrations:

First, Amelia's birthday:

BEST. VIDEO. EVER!

Second, Cooper:

Next up: final recitals, concerts, and field trips!

Oh My Heavens, Cooper's 11!

Cooper Flynn turned 11 years old today! ELEVEN YEARS OLD! He's knocking on 12's door! Excuse me a moment while I stop the hyperventilating. 

Cooper is full of charm, mischief, and outright fun. He is such a happy, kind, thoughtful boy and we can't imagine life without him. There is never a dull moment with him and I love him more than words can say! 

He's been a charmer since birth, still loves to never wear pants, and has a smile that is contagious and gets him out of a lot of trouble! Happy birthday, Coop! WE LOVE YOU!!!

 

Bon Jovi 2018!!

I am happy, excited, thrilled, ECSTATIC, that I was able to go to my THIRD Bon Jovi concert s few weeks ago. I was ON THE FLOOR, 20 ROWS AWAY FROM THE STAGE. I could see facial expressions, I could see guitar strings, I COULD SEE HIS MARACAS!  I went with my friend Shari and had a fabulous time! I thought being on the 20th row would be the most satisfying concert ever, and it was--but now I want to be close enough to actually make eye contact with Jon someday! It was a great concert, and I am so happy I could go! Here's a few pictures:

Can't wait for the next one!