Extracurriculars

This stage of parenting has been entertaining. My kids are old enough to be involved in a variety of activities. Figuring out what they like has been a cool process. Dance, soccer, and swimming have been consuming our time and I wouldn't have it any other way. Tball and basketball are on our list of things we want to try.

Dance

Dance is one of Isabelle's favorite things and unfortunately, it is over. It was extra convenient this year because dance was directly after preschool one day a week. Izzy got to stay 45 minutes longer on Tuesdays for dance which was a win-win situation.  Thursdays at preschool were always a letdown for Izzy because it meant no dance. 

Izzy has been doing tap and ballet. She has a pink outfit and looks adorable. To finish the year off with a bang, Izzy had a dance recital on Saturday, May 13. Boy was it a highlight. I giggled nonstop. The dance was to the song, "Car Wash" and it was a cuteness overload. Isabelle was very into it and knew her moves. She is quite good at dancing and doesn't seem to deserve the "Dancing Denning" nickname. After her 3 minute performance, my cheeks hurt from smiling and chuckling so much. Izzy got to wear makeup (as if her eyes need any more pop). 

Isabelle and Adrianna

In the car on our drive home, Izzy proclaimed while holding her new, shiny trophy, "I have been wanting one of these for years." A few breaths later, she expressed, "it was hard to be on stage performing without my trophy." 

On our way back, Izzy was extra protective and concerned about her 3 flower bouquets. They started to slip out of her lap and she made sure that didn't happen. She insisted that the flowers were displayed in her bedroom. It was sure great to have so much family support at the recital in Salt Lake City. Lindsey, Simon, and Esther came from Provo. Joel and Alexa watched too and Jessica, Chris, and George. It meant a lot to me to see how many people love and showed up for my daughter. 

Unfortunately, Isabelle's preschool is closing, so she will have to go elsewhere for dance next year. That's not going to stop this girl though. Izzy has a future in dance and I plan to find a new place to enroll her. 

We also recently went to see Esther's dance performance. We're trying to see her as much as possible before my brother's family moves to Indiana.

Soccer

The soccer season got off to a chilly start. The day before the first game, Utah had another massive snowstorm. The school was canceled on April 4. On April 5th the soccer field wasn't visible. Spring has finally arrived Although, mother nature seems to often pick Wednesdays for rain.  Last week, James' game ended early due to lightning. Last night, it was pouring rain and we sat in the car during a rain delay. Isabelle had a friend from our ward on her team-- Hayes.  Chatting with Ashley Hollis during Isabelle's games was always a pleasure.

Hayes

James continues to get better and better. Soccer cleats are in our future. We've been waiting to invest because we have had some dicey seasons. Season 3 is where it's at. Jess, Chris, and George came to watch the kids play one Wednesday evening and both kids were on fire. Isabelle scored twice and James scored 5x. What! He is sad the season is ending. We might need to stop promising ice cream after goals... 

And just a dose of reality... Isabelle asked one day if we were doing anything fun. I responded with, "You have soccer tonight." Izzy: "Soccer isn't fun!" Her feelings about soccer vary, but this season for her has been much more positive than last. Also, in one game James was just "too exhausted" he sprinted off the field throwing a tantrum and crying that he was too tired. He played a little too hard on the playground during Isabelle's game while waiting for his game to begin. He didn't have much energy left to give. Soccer isn't all goals and ice cream...

Hands clasped over mouth in awe after a goal. I do this when I'm excited too.

Jumping for joy right after scoring.

Cutest cheerleader

Last night was the last game of the season. Isabelle told me not to sign her up for soccer again. She is so wishy-washy but seems to enjoy it (for the most part) and is pretty good. James scored 3 goals in the first quarter last night and Izzy scored as well. The kids were super curious about their "swag" from the city and guessed all day. Last season, they got beanies. This season, they got mini soccer balls. Treats at the end of the game are also a big deal. Gatorade is coveted. This soccer mom can hardly wait for the fall soccer season. 

Go squirrels! Izzy was one of a couple kids on her team who would actually stay on the field and play.

Go Kangaroos!

Swim

The kids adore swimming and it helps that they are naturals! James is now good enough to be in the stroke school. I'm so proud of him! He is definitely one of the youngest kids in the class. He can hardly wait for Thursdays because of stroke class. I was shocked he is already working on the butterfly stroke. The dolphin kick is tricky. Isabelle is also excelling at swim and can float on her own! The kids are doing 3 swim sessions this summer too. 

They love it when Adrianna is in their class

Elijah and James. I mean look at that smile.

 

Temple Open House

Taking the kids inside the Saratoga Springs temple on Saturday, May 20 was a neat experience. It was gorgeous and I felt emotional walking into the celestial room with them, even though there was hardly room to breathe. It was jam-packed. The sealing rooms with stained glass windows were breathtaking. After, the kids explored a new park and we ate a  take-out picnic dinner. So glad that Jess, Chris, and George could accompany us. 

I am loving this journey of supporting my kids, rooting for them, and cheering them on even if it means I have to wear a winter jacket and bring an extra blanket or two.