ITALY

The first day we arrived in Venice I was amazed at all the bridges and canals. All the transportation is done by boat. It was nice to walk all over the city and not have to watch out for cars. It is a beautiful city and a hot spot for tourists. Lots of shopping, restaurants and gondolas. We walked around a lot and saw many interesting buildings and learned some of the history of Venice.

As we were walking around Venice, the Gondoliers were out in full force

trying to "sell" you a gondola ride. After we turned down an offer, one particular man yelled...no gondola, no romance, no VENICE!

This was outside our hotel in Venice. We loved our stay!

Italy

ITALY

The first part of May we went to Europe with our friends, Blake and Becky. We stayed in Venice for the first half. We took a boat over to Murano where they make glass. It was fun to wander the shops and watch glass making in action.

On our way back from Murano, we stopped at another little town, Burano. As we were walking into the town, our friends pointed out the grafitti on the wall. Great photo op! This was a cute little town filled with brightly colored houses, quaint shops and yummy pastries.

Spring Piano Recital May 2009

Kelsee and Abby participated in their annual spring piano recital.

They each played two pieces and did a wonderful job.

Kelsee played 2 songs: Bourree in A Minor and The Notebook

Abby played 2 songs: The Entertainer and A 16th Century March

Here they are pictured with their teacher, Michelle.

I AM A TOTAL SLACKER!

I have been a total slacker this past month. There has been much going on and not much blogging or photo taking. Jared and I were lucky enough to take a trip to Europe (pictures to come), Abby and Madison finished up spring soccer season (forgot to take pictures), they also started up slow-pitch softball (hopefully pictures to come). Bailey participated in a Mother's Day Tea party at preschool. Unfortunately, we were on our trip and I didn't send the babysitter with a camera. Bailey also attended preschool graduation (pics to come). Kelsee and Abby had their piano recital. Kelsee had her orchestra concert (we were also out of town for this event). Abby and Madison had a mother/daughter activity day (we were also out of town for this event...no photos.) Our babysitter, Ashley, did tell me that they kicked butt in the water balloon volleyball contest. Kelsee participated in a swim-a-thon to fundraise for her swim team. She swam 3 miles in under 2 hours...we missed this event too! Kelsee attended an honors night and received a few awards at school. Abby earned the Give Me Liberty award for memorizing many different things related to our country. She also had her final choir concert at school. All the kids finished school the Friday before Memorial Day so we headed up to Star Valley to visit mom and help decorate my dad's grave, attended an unexpected funeral for Jared's Uncle Butch who died of a massive stroke. Now we are home, school is out, summer has officially started and I have taken this past week to regroup. Abby, Kelsee and Madison will begin summer swim team tomorrow. I look forward to a little bit of a schedule...it helps keep me sane. Hopefully I will be able to have the computer to myself sometime this week so I can post some of the pictures of the past month.

Bailey Gymnastics

Bailey has been attending preschool 3 days a week. During that time, she gets to participate in gymnastics as well. She has done a great job .

Giving a "salute"

Waiting for her next turn..

The Bars

High School Softball

Kelsee decided to try her hand at softball this spring. She has done a great job and has made many improvements throughout the course of the year. Their team has struggled but they have held in there.

Hanging out in the dugout (Bailey took this photo..Jill and Kelsee)

Kelsee getting ready to steal 2nd.

Batter up!

Team meeting after a loss.

Glitter Balls

Have you seen these? The kids came home from school one day after Christmas break and were begging to have a glitter ball. They wanted me to take them to the store so they could buy one. They said ALL the other kids at school have them...ok ALL the kids? My friend and I looked and looked...none to be found...but after a couple weeks of looking in Target, my friend Becky found them back in stock. I recently asked the kids if they are still the hot item at school and they inform me no...the NEW rage...SKY BALLS! Go figure!