MAYcember

I'm taking things a day at a time. With kids, May is one of the most hectic months of the year. Throw in an international trip and it's the perfect concoction for chaos.

• Dance Recital: Saturday, May 18

Isabelle is a surprisingly good dancer and she knows it. Her confidence is astounding. "Mom, I already know how to do all the dance moves, so I don't need to keep doing dance." She also asked me while watching American Idol, "Mom, are any of the singers as good as me?" Let's hope she keeps this confidence. Her dance recital this time around was at Olympus High School in Holladay. Isabelle's ballet class danced to the song: "Let's Go Fly A Kite."

Action shot captured by Debbie Ostler. What a small world to run into some of my parent's best friends there. (They were watching their granddaughter perform.)

Isabelle has been going to dance dutifully on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:15am since September. She even showed up the day after Penelope was born. The only day of dance she will miss this year happens to be picture day. I'm heartbroken. We will be in Brazil. Isabelle has participated in a dance class for over 2 and a half years now. This was our first year at Rocky Mountain Dance and they know what they're doing. I'm getting more used to the intensity. The 6 page recital packet was less overwhelming and Izzy got a ride to the mandatory dress rehearsal the day before which made things more doable. It helped that the recital length was significantly shorter than the last one.

Watching Isabelle's recital was a blast. Izzy's infectious smile was glued onto her face and of course, she was placed in the front row. I recorded the performance and keep watching it again and again. Izzy wants to try gymnastics and will this summer. We thought gymnastics would replace dance because I told Isabelle she could only pick one activity. I'm not ready to give up dance yet though. Isabelle is just too cute and naturally good coming from an unbiased mom. I'm glad I'll get to continue seeing the other dance moms and several people in our ward at each recital.

Preschool Graduation: Wednesday, May 22 and Field Trip: Friday, May 17

It's official. Isabelle is a preschool graduate. Izzy gave graduation her all and lead the class with her enthusiasm. Afterwards, another mom stopped to tell me what a performer Izzy is. When Isabelle introduced herself, she told everyone she wants to be a doctor when she grows up! Preschool this year was a fabulous experience. Izzy made some great friends and Mrs. B has surpassed all my expectations. I can't say enough good about her. She is extremely thoughtful and caring. When I had Penelope, she gave us a baby outfit. What teacher does that? Izzy has asked if we can have her over to our house. Mrs. B really listens to the kids.

At graduation, Mrs. B gave the kids a book of pictures from this year and Izzy hasn't wanted to put hers down. Izzy calls it her "blog book." hahaha How is little Izzy big enough for kindergarten? We went to kinder orientation and my heart just about burst. I'm going to miss my little buddy. She is ready though and will be going to full day kindergarten. (This is the first year UT is offering all day kinder!) Isabelle is reading! Isabelle has mixed feelings about kindergarten starting because she will miss her preschool friends lots. (Her preschool was in Riverton and we are in another city by one block, so they're going to a different school.) Izzy has already asked if we can go visit Mrs. B next year. Good thing we signed up for a few summer camps with Mrs. B.

Penny was a fan of balloons

Isabelle's preschool class went on a field trip to Wheeler Farm this month and Penelope and I tagged along. Izzy now claims that a pig is her favorite animal but was a little disappointed to see that the pig wasn't pink. 

• Soccer: Wednesday, April 3 through Wednesday, May 15

Isabelle played soccer again this spring which was her 3rd season. We signed up for soccer with Isabelle's friend, Quinn from preschool. Quinn missed one game and Izzy was out of sorts. Nobody signed up to bring treats for a couple of the games which resulted in big feelings. The weather was chilly at a few games and Penny wore her snowsuit a time or two. Isabelle determined that she is not going to play soccer this fall. Is it bad to admit that I was counting down games until the end of the season? The squirrels weren't the best and some of the games were excruciating and painful to sit through. One game was 30-0... but we're not keeping score.

Taylorsville Temple Open House: Saturday, May 11

The number of new temples being built near us is keeping us on our toes! We explored the new Taylorsville temple. It was similar to the Provo City Center temple. We met my friend Liz and her son Jameson at the open house. Isabelle wasn't feeling her best, but made it through. We are looking forward to new temples in Lehi and West Jordan too. 

James seemed left out in the post. Sorry bud! I promise there will be lots about him coming up! We ended up having to drop baseball after they gave us his schedule because we had too many conflicts. James is doing track and field this summer! Watching him race other kids is going to be hilarious and I can hardly wait. He is also enrolled in a basketball camp so his dreams of being an NBA Jazz player might be achievable. We watched James present an animal report about bats at school.

The icing on the cake this month was that Andrew got asked to speak on Mother's Day. He spoke so highly of me! Wow! He pampered me that day with breakfast in bed, a gourmet dinner (funeral potatoes, steak, salad, heath cake), and thoughtful gifts (candy and a subscription to book of the month). He looked extra spiffy for his talk in his new suit. His old suit was 12 years old and it showed. Due to the madness of the day, I forgot to take a picture when Andrew was wearing his pink tie and pocket square. This pic is from the next Sunday but will do. 

We made it through the madness and events. Deep breaths-- the dozen hour flight (wish I was exaggerating) with 3 children is going to be a walk in the park!