Robbie's Birthday

 Robbie turned 18 yesterday!!  He wanted a quiet weekend at home, so that's what we did.  We had Olive Garden on Saturday, carne asada on Sunday, and he went out with Brian for breakfast to Black Bear Diner on Monday morning.  We played lots of card games as a family and soaked in our last birthday at home with this kid.

He wanted fudge for his birthday treat, of course!

End of Year Activities

Senior Awards Night

Robbie was acknowledged as a US Marine Corps Distinguished Student, Early College and AP Capstone student, Principal's Scholar, and Salutatorian!  He's worked so hard these past four years.

Lydia had a fun 8th grade field trip to Knott's one day last week.

Catherine had her Spring Music Concert.  She loves to sing all the songs at home!

Thomas was in band this semester.  He played 4 songs on the trumpet.

Lydia was honored as a National Junior Honor Society member.

Also, she received an award for having a 4.0 throughout junior high.

It's always a busy time of year, but I love seeing all of my children's accomplishments!

Seminary Graduation

 

Robbie officially graduated seminary yesterday!  He has spent countless hours on this accomplishment, and we are grateful for his hard work.

Mother's Day

For Mother's Day Weekend we took a family trip to Petersen's Car Museum.  The boys have been a few times and us girls wanted to check it out.  They had a fun art exhibit featuring Mr. Brainwash and car art.

All my littles

We found Lightning McQueen

Brian and the kids experienced a sim race.

F1

They had a Ken Block exhibit.  This is one of his Porsche's--the Hoonipig.

In the kids discovery section, they had this fun car for kids to sit in.

This is the art exhibit.  He made a rubix cube with hot wheels.

large matchbox toy that you could get in

modern boys bedroom--Van Gogh style

For breakfast on Mother's Day, the kids and Brian made me pancakes.  Mine was even heart shaped!

Track Meet

Lydia participated in her first track meet.  She's been participating in a running club hosted by Fullerton High School since we moved here 4 years ago.  They hosted a track meet and Lydia wanted to race in the 100 m and 200 m.

She was first in her heat for 100m

She placed 3rd in her heat for 200 m.

She got a medal for each event and we are so proud of her!

Lydia turns 14

Lydia turned 14 on Saturday!!  We are so happy to have her in our family.  She's helpful, kind, smart, and funny.  She's a strong leader and responsible in her learning.

Brian took her out for her birthday breakfast at Farmer Boys.

opening gifts

For her birthday, she just wanted a few friends over for a hang out.  Here's a few of them.

She made her own cupcakes and birthday dinner on Sunday.  She still loves to bake and cook.

 

Open House

Thomas and Catherine had Open House at their school this week.  It was so fun to see all their progress and learning.

Catherine drew this picture of a monster (bottom of pic) and local high schoolers sculpted the monsters for them.  They took a field trip to meet their sculptors earlier this week.  

She studied John Audubon in her class and drew/ painted pictures of birds.  She also wrote a report on flamingos- her favorite bird.

Catherine and her teacher, Mrs. Howell.  Mrs. Howell has been so supportive and encouraging of Catherine this year, and Catherine has just blossomed because she is so comfortable in her classroom.

Thomas reported on 2 Indian tribes.  One of the tribes he picked were the Seminoles who are from Florida and Oklahoma where his brother, uncle, and grandpa served or will be serving their missions.  He read the Hobbit with his class and has expanded the genres that he enjoys reading.

Thomas and his teacher, Mr. Waisanen.  Mr. Waisanen's demeanor is exactly what Thomas needed this year.  He let Thomas learn ahead in math and explore things he's interested in.  I've seen Thomas grow in his interests and skills in return.

 

Yorba Linda Temple Progress

 The youth in our stake went to visit the progress on the Yorba Linda temple.  The fencing and quite a bit of landscaping are installed now.  There are lights inside the temple.  It's getting closer and we can't wait to go inside!

Butterflies

 

Four of Catherine's caterpillars turned to butterflies this week.  We fed them fruit for a few days and then let them go in our backyard.  As soon as the net hit the sunlight, they all started to flap their wings!

It's been such an incredible learning experience watching them grow and transform!