Middle of Summer

After the reunion we felt we could finally get into the swing of things. The kids started swimming lessons, including Talmage. I think he was excited he was finally old enough that he didn't have to sit and watch his siblings anymore.

Usual shenanigans. 

A couple of times we've gone to Provo Beach to play on their big, indoor (air conditioned) playground.

We've gone to the cabin here and there when we can.

And don't forget the fireworks at Mamie and Papa's.

The kids love going to BYU and getting a chocolate milk. 

Or going to the top of the Kimball Tower and trying to spy our house (we can't, just the trees in our neighborhood).

Or the Bean Museum. Talmage is absolutely terrified of the growling grizzly in the lobby. He kind of has this thing with bears, lately.

This is the elevator; they just wanted to lie out in the "forest".

Sometimes we'll go to the church and play around there.

Travis still takes the kids on their one on one birthday outing. Violet wanted to camp this year.

I bought an $7 bag of sand at home depot, put it in an old bin and it's been one of the biggest hits this summer.

More swing in the shade.

And more time at the splash pad. This time we brought popsicles!

Anderson Reunion 2024

 Chad and Wendi hosted a wonderful reunion in St. George. It was so nice and laid back. Poor Travis had to work during most of the days, but at least he was available to come down and be with the family in the evenings. Jaxon was at BYU Math Camp, so he was unable to join us but had fun staying with my parents for the week.

We hung out at the backyard pool with cousins...

Violet and I went scuba diving for the first time-I wasn't able to get a picture of it, but this was just in the lobby. She asked me beforehand if she was going to be able to find any buried treasure. I assured her this was just a public pool, and there would probably be no treasure. Obviously, I was mistaken, for she found a quarter on her dive and bragged the whole way home that she found treasure after all.

We also went to Sand Hollow. The water felt so great!

Talmage had lots of fun in the sand and just lounging and eating way too many snacks.

Before we knew it, it was over and we were on our way home to meet up with Jaxon again.

A Start to Summer 2024

To be honest, it felt a little difficult getting summer up and off the ground this year because we had a lot going on. Violet had a birthday party on the last day of school (to catch everyone before they left on vacations), Travis had a campout, we spent a week at the cabin, and then I did a stint at girls camp. Then after one normal week, we had a family reunion and Jaxon was at BYU Math Camp.

We love the splash pad. I know I have a picture of Jaxon as a toddler reaching up for these controls, but I haven't been able to find it yet.

Lounging and chatting about nonsense.

Ginger started piano lessons! She was so excited to start.

Popsicles on the swing.

And then we were on to the reunion in St. George!

End of School Celebrations

It seems like this was a big year for our kids. They each accomplished some major things! 

Of course there was STEM Fair for Jaxon, and Stage Crew. But he's also done with elementary! Not a big deal maybe, but I think back to his first day of kindergarten and my heart aches a teensy bit...but on to the next chapter: middle school!

He was asked to stand and be recognized at his 6th grade graduation for STEM fair.

Afterwards the students showed us their traditional 6th grade May Pole dance.

Violet competed in Battle of the Books again, and again led her team to district where she won second place!

She also entered a pioneer essay contest for all 4th graders in the district and she was one of the three winners! She wrote about her great×5 grandfather and the Panguitch "quilt walk". She won $50, but is still deciding if it was worth it sitting through a fairly long awards dinner/presentation to get it. This was the best picture I could get.

She also won STAR reader award for the upper grades and already spent her Amazon card on a stuffed animal she's been wanting for some time.

The 4th graders did a parachute dance for the dance festival.

Ginger had a very successful first year of Chinese immersion. She was probably more ready for it than my other kids. She loves Chinese and is so happy she can now participate in Chinese conversations around the house with her older siblings. She also won STAR reader for the lower grades.

They did their traditional Japanese fan dance.

Ivy officially completed preschool! I can't believe she will be a kindergartener in the fall. Her English has grown so quickly. She's probably been my fastest English learner. It's because she's not shy at all and just puts herself and whatever English she knows out there. It's helped her make good friends and increased her confidence. She's sad to leave preschool (it was a fantastic one), but eager to see what kindergarten is like.

Talmage is Talmage. He's got one more year at home before preschool.  I'll have to enjoy it while I can!

We had a ward picnic that became a little wet. He was very concerned about his sisters playing in the downpour. 

These events all seemed to culminate in The last month and a half, and on the last day of school we also happened to finish The Book of Mormon as a family. We've read it several times now, but it just seemed fitting we finish it that very day! I had asked Ginger and Ivy what we should do to celebrate (finishing the BOM) and Ginger said, "We should have a special dinner! How about fish?" So we did! We had fish for dinner and banana splits for dessert (for Violet who wasn't all that excited for fish).

Looking forward to spending more time together and making more memories this summer!

Reach for the Peaks

Violet and Ginger competed in Reach for the Peaks last week and they both did fantastic. Ginger got 1st place in her division and Violet got 2nd in hers. 

They were both so proud of their performances, as they should be. They've worked on them since the beginning of the year. We celebrated with a trip to the creamery.

Spotlight on Jaxon

 Jaxon's had a busy spring! He decided he wanted to join stage crew for the school play. Any opportunity to press buttons and flip switches...let's face it, he was born for this.

He also moved from district STEM fair to region. He won 1st place in the computer science category and $50! He was also eligible to continue to national level.

We are so proud of all the work and late nights he's been pulling. His efforts have clearly paid off.