Preschool Performance

Danny had his end-of-the-year preschool performance today. At his preschool (the one all of our kids have gone to) these performances are held quarterly and they are called "visitations", which is an odd name that has always made me think more of prison than of preschool (hopefully that's not foreshadowing where Danny's future is concerned!) Anyway...it was a cute little performance of some of the things his class has been learning this year.

Brad

I had to post this picture of Brad for his family - they will truly appreciate it! He got asked to M.C. a youth lip sync a couple of weeks ago, which gave him an excuse to go to the Goodwill and find himself a special M.C. "outfit". He created a nerdy Canadian alter ego named 'Chuck DaCanuck' and put together some stand-up-type material for in between acts. It was a fun night!

Erica's Bridal Shower!

This was a big weekend for us because the girls and I (minus a recuperating Haley, who was home watching movies with her cousin, Kyli) got to attend Erica's bridal shower in Portland! Erica is my brother Scott's awesome fiance. We feel so blessed to have her join our family!

Fathers' and Sons' Camp Out

Friday night was our stake Fathers' and Sons' Camp Out. Brad and the boys went and had a great time! Since Brad had to work Saturday morning he and the boys skipped the tent and slept in the suburban.

Here they are all tucked in for the night (nice s'mores-covered faces!) This was Jacob's first Fathers' and Sons' Camp Out and he had a lot of fun. Last year just Danny and Brad went. Danny got lost once and then over did it on junk food and threw up several times in the night, so kudos to Brad for being brave enough to give it another shot this year...and with one more son, too!

Haley's Surgery

Haley had knee surgery at Seattle Childrens' Hospital last Monday. She had been having knee pain (on-and-off) for well over a year and after her doctor ordered an MRI done he saw why. She had a knee condition (with a really long name that I won't try to correctly spell) that needed to be repaired. Everything went really well and she is feeling good (albeit a little sore). The hardest part will be that she can't put any weight on that leg for 6 weeks!
Here she is on her crutches with her good friend, Natalyn (who, in a display of solidarity, found some old crutches at her house and 'crutched' over from across the street). Natalyn has been coming over after school every day to apprise Haley on what she's missed - not academics, but the truly important things like, Who-Wronged-Whom-On-The-Playground, Who-Got-Sent-To-The-Office, Who-Has-A-Crush-On-Whom...etc. This is important as Haley was very concerned about getting (socially) behind at school.

I can't say enough about Seattle Childrens'! Most of you know that this is not our first experience with them :) They are always so great - easy to see why they are ranked one of the best childrens' hospitals in the nation.

It's Like They're All My Maids!

I love Mothers' Day. It's totally a day off, which is such a treat for me at this stage of life. This morning Brad and the kids made me breakfast in bed and when they were bringing it into my room Danny said, "Hey, it's like we're all your maids!" Exactly, Danny. You have perfectly described why I love Mothers' Day so much. 363 days of the year I feel like your maid and on my birthday and Mothers' Day - you are all my maids! Don't forget it ;)

Happy Mothers' Day!

Just a shout out to all the mothers in my life who set such great examples for me!

In particular, Happy Mothers' Day to my own mom (Joanne "Nana Jo" Williams) and my mother-in-law (Barbara "Nana 'Bawb'" Nielson). More than any other people they have shaped the mother I am and the mother I aspire to be.