Happy Memorial Day!

We had a wonderful holiday weekend with Grandma Good! Thanks to a dear friend who works for Delta Airlines (Lisa), my mom was able to fly first class both ways on a buddy pass/standby. She arrived early Friday morning and left Monday night and it was an action-packed weekend.

The kiddos thoroughly enjoyed having Grandma visit their school on Friday morning for an hour of volunteering - they were so happy and proud to have her there :)  Some of our activities included:  catching up and conversing over MANY cups of coffee, sneaking in a quiet lunch at a local restaurant while the kids were at school,  letting Dave and I go out for dinner to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary (thanks mom!), attending an annual BBQ at my BFF's (Annie) home and singing old polka songs at the top of our lungs while mom played a mini-accordion; partaking in an uplifting Memorial service at our church;  sharing brunch with Uncle Ken and playing with cousin Jordan; grilling out at Camp Clark with our Aunt Mac, cousins Mitch and Alli and their sweet children; watching movies and home videos from the past (the kiddos were always dancing and singing!); shopping at our children's elaborate "pretend Gift Shop" (a project from school to help them count money and make correct change); and of course, slumber parties each night - LTD each got a chance to sleep with Grandma! We were sad to see her go but truly look forward to our trip back to North Dakota in early July for a week and maybe another quick trip back for Dave's 30-year high school reunion in early August. 

Next up, we are looking forward to a visit from Grandpa and Grandma Clark the weekend of June 7 for upcoming graduation celebrations of our two nieces, Ella and Carina. Can't wait. Dylan is already planning on "going fishing with Grandpa" :)

Dance Finale

This post is about 2 weeks overdue but nonetheless, worth mentioning. The girls had their Just for Kix Spring Dance Show a few weeks ago to close out their dance season. My advice to them was "have a blast, smile and give it your best effort." WOW, they did an amazing job of performing like never before! In fact, their entire team did such a fantastic job of "shining" and plain and simple, having fun. That's what it's all about!!! 

Check out the photos below. Since our coach is leaving Just For Kix, we have not decided what we want to do for next season......perhaps try out another dance studio, stay in gymnastics, etc. We have learned that we can't do it all and it's time to start making some decisions on what's most enjoyable to partake in. One thing we know, we are NOT into pushing our young children into "competition" unless that is where they truly want to be. We have seen too many horror stories of parents pushing their kids too far and living vicariously through their children. Dave and I want our kids to be kids, bottom line. If they would rather play outside, ride bike, throw balls, play with dolls, go to the park....that is ok with us. Whatever makes them happy, that's what we want most.

We Love our Uncle Bruce

Last week, we were blessed with a visit from my dear brother, Bruce (aka Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Kemmet), who lives in San Antonio, TX. He was travelling through Mpls and his way to Fort McCoy, WI, for an Army Reserves event. Even though we only got to share a few days with him, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. His loud laughter lights up a room and his humor and matter-of-fact attitude is so admirable and refreshing. The kids soak it up and I truly miss seeing him more often. I especially love sharing stories from our past and new ones as well. We may not talk often enough and the miles between us are long but the love, respect and admiration always remains incredibly strong. May God wrap His loving arms around Bruce and bless him and his family with abundant health, happiness, safety and success personally and professionally. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen :)

May Weather Stinks!

I usually pride myself on being a positive person and always looking for the good in situations and people. However, I must say Mother Nature is really starting to upset me in a BIG way. Snow in May? Whatever happened to "Global Warming" or should I be politically correct and say "Climate Change"? Whatever we want to call the madness, it's a crock and I believe we are seriously ready for a real spring. 

Baseball.....cancelled. Not even one practice in this year yet. Track.......we have only managed one practice and most likely our meet will be cancelled for tomorrow due to snow today; rain tomorrow. Come on sun, come out....we miss you and want to play!

Patience, patience, patience......I know. Unfortunately, it's not one of my strongest virtues but I'm working on that. I am posting a few photos from happier days in Mexico :)