Basketball

 Thomas's team played their first play off game on Saturday and won!  They go on the the final championship game next weekend.  Robbie has been the main coach for the kids and he's had 4 parents ask if he would coach them again.  He's so good with the kids!  Hopefully he can do it again next summer.  It's been so fun to see all the boys working together on a team.

Universal Studios

 The younger kids had no school on Wednesday for parent/teacher conferences.  We packed their conferences in the morning (which they all did great) and headed up to Universal Studios for the day.

We stopped at this candy store in the City Walk.  It was huge and fun to walk around in.

When we got in the park, we found Halloween Hello Kitty.  Catherine really wanted a picture so the other kids were good sports.

Then we went to Hogsmead where we saw the Tri-Wizard show.  Afterwards they allowed people to come up for pictures with all the actors and Lydia was first in line.

Then we headed down to the lower lot and encountered a raptor.  He had a trainer of to the side keeping it calm- it was a dramatic meeting.  Thomas didn't want to be in the picture because he didn't want to turn his back on it.

We also saw Optimus Prime outside the Transformers ride.

The kids also played a a few of the playgrounds that we normally skip over.

 It was perfect weather and not a lot of people.  It was so fun to go mid-week!  Robbie has a day off school in April that the other kids don't get, so I told him we could again that day.

Saturday Night

 On Saturday night, Robbie and I attended the temple with the youth from our ward.  These are always enjoyable evenings.

While we were gone, Brian had 4 tickets to an Angels game so he took the littles and had a fun time.

 

Lydia was a big help, and they loved the great seats!

Lunch with a Loved One

Friday was "Lunch with a Loved One" at the elementary school.  Brian worked from home and we packed a picnic lunch to eat with each of the kids.  Catherine had lunch first at the kindergarten playground.

 

Then we headed over to the bigger playground to have lunch with Thomas. Tom wanted to play basketball afterwards, so Brian played with him a little bit before his friends came.

 

Then Lydia's lunch was last.  She coordinated with her friends to all sit together.  It was fun to meet some new parents.  She's got a good friend group here at this school.

For Brian and I it was a 2 hour progressive lunch break, and it was so fun to see the kids and eat with them during the day.

Catherine Talk

 

 

Catherine gave a talk in Primary on Sunday on temples.  She worked so hard to read it fast and fluently.  I think she did amazing!

Running For President

 Lydia ran for student body president last week.  On Friday, the candidates gave speeches and then the voting began.  She didn't win, but I'm glad she had the courage to run. 

 

She memorized her speech and gave it confidently!

Universal

We visited Universal Studios on Monday.  It was 105* that day, so we decided to go early and ride the water rides first.  

 

Then we visited Hogsmeade and Hogwarts.  We loved stopping at Honey Dukes for a few treats too.

We saw the Animal Actors and Special Effects show.  We also tried out the Secret Life of Pets ride.

We made it on quite a few rides.  I think the heat discouraged some of the holiday crowds.  We were done by 1 pm.  On our way out, Cat wanted a picture with this Voodoo Doughnut shop.

 

School

Last week on one of our hot days, the A/C in Catherine's class went out.  They visited the principal and found an empty classroom to hang out in while they fixed it.  I'm sure that was quite an adventure for her teacher!

 Lydia is running for Student Body President this week!  We hung posters yesterday and she gives her speech on Friday before voting.