Guys, school here gets out before Memorial Day. It is super early--and it makes for a really busy month. Year-end concerts, graduations, parties, etc. It's a lot, and it's not something we really considered when we had a boatload of kids. But, alas! It's also super-fun.
First up was a brief visit with Tyler's favorite brother, Andy.
He's also Tyler's only brother. But he really is pretty awesome and REALLY FUN! The kids loved getting time with Uncle Andy.
Tyler took the day off and while the kids went to school, we hiked the Y. We basically conned Andy into carrying Eliza up the stinking steep Y trail. He and Tyler still made better time than Micah and I did. But whatever, you try hiking with 3 year-old-sized legs. We actually had to abort the hike early so we could go pick Cole up from Kindergarten. Curse you, half-day kindy!
Micah was a great sport, especially when there were dogs on the trail.
Hey, Andy, do you see who used to own Micah's hat?
May is the perfect time to try out some new fashion
or even a new art installation. On your sister's face.
I know, Micah, I know. I was shocked as well.
All good things must come to an end, including half-day kindergarten. Cole had the perfect teacher to transition him into school. He LOVED the experience.
He even got to experience carpooling! One day, his carpool buddy was singing "Baby Shark." She kept going until Cole finally lost it and shouted, "You can't keep singing that! You're ruining the economy!" Too much NPR?
Mothers Day is always a day of heartache (that my mother isn't here anymore to be honored, that I am not the mother I wish I were) and joy (that I get to have these awesome, crazy kids in this full, amazing family). I'm always grateful to get even one picture where most people are looking at the camera and I am not blinking. Tyler and the kids spoiled me and we knocked out some landscaping stuff on Saturday, so it was a winner weekend.
Jack had his final band concert of the year and some awesome friends came out to support him.
He was shocked and really touched to receive one of two awards for his band--he received "Most Improved" for his hard work in going from beginning flute into the intermediate band. We were so proud of how hard he worked and pushed himself to reach that goal. I guess that shows what powerful motivation it was to have his best friend in the intermediate class!
(Interject picture of Eliza with a monkey stolen from Jack. She even looks cute in mug shots...)
Sheridan had her final choir performance. She took voice lessons at the end of the year and really enjoyed the improvements she was able to make.
Of course, it wouldn't be 4th grade without studying state history! When I was in 4th grade in California, we chose a Catholic Mission to replicate in miniature. Here, they do an epic, song-and-dance performance celebrating Utah State History. Henry dressed up as a mountain man and could not resist goofy poses. He gets that from his dad's side (I'm lookin' at you, Uncle Andy).
Cole celebrated his freedom from school by sitting on his little brother. I told him he was too young to babysit, and he retorted that Micah isn't a baby.
Amelia's wildest dreams came true and she got to have her bob lopped off into a "boy haircut."
Of course, it totally suited her. Look at those eyes and cheekbones! It did make us realize how much she looks exactly like Henry, Cole, and Micah. The Vigue genes are strong with this one.
With school wrapping up, there was a lot less homework and a lot more time for fun. Later night games were a no-brainer.
Trips to Thanksgiving point were also a no-brainer. Micah loved his first time riding a pony!
Eliza was focused and mostly ok with her first horse experience. Dad made sure she didn't fall off.
One of the cutest parts of Farm Country are the pygmy goats. The girls all thought they were adorable (Amelia maybe thought they were terribly stinky, by that expression).
(Interject picture of Eliza trying on a couple of non-matching cute heels. The girl sure has a bold fashion sense!)
We wrapped up the month with our kids' community theater production of Hansel and Gretel. Sheridan played the titular role and SLAYED it. She had the role of bossy, responsible, smart big sister down pat. Some siblings might say she didn't even have to act. Others say it was pure theatrical genius. Jack played the role of (wait for it...) Jack! Jack be Nimble, that is. Henry played the Latin Lover, Jorge Porge (or Georgie Porgie, for us English speakers). They sang, they danced, they fell under a witch's spell! It was awesome to see their confidence increase and their love of performing morph into passion.The theater, the theater!
We were so grateful for supportive friends and family who came to cheer them on!
Happy May, y'all!
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