Maseys Open House

We have learned a few things as we have moved out of Utah. One of those is that in the midwest they have open houses for the kids who graduate from High School that are alot like wedding receptions. Some are a very big expensive deal with rented tents and catered food. Masey said she would rather pass on the whole tradition. She is a quiet, reserved person who doesnt care for crowds of people and definatley doesnt like all the attention on her. Well, it worked out nicely that a few kids in the ward decided to do a open house together. Masey and 3 other kids had it at our friends home. It turned out very nice and if you look closely you can see her picture on one of the tables above. Masey recieved some great gifts that will help her get started for college.

More 6 Flags fun!

Notice Brooklyns excitement :)

This was the scariest ride we could get Kate on and it took some talking to get her on it. After riding it a few times she started putting her arms up. It goes from left to right: Kate, Brooklyn, Eli, some strange kid, Shekynah, and another strange bored girl.

We survived! This is most of us chillin while we wait for the rest of the crew so we can get outa there.

Six Flags

We spent the day after graduation at Six Flags in Gurnee, IL to celebrate.

Eli loved Six Flags. He wanted to ride every ride there. He tried to convince us that he was old enough to do the roller coasters. We did take him on one that he was tall enough for called the wizzer (thinking it would scare him and he would stop asking us to go on the big ones) Nope, he absolutely loved it. He got off and yelled "That was AWESOME". Fun kid.

Kate on the other hand wouldnt even go on the kiddie roller coasters or anything that looked a little fast. And she is our sassy, spunky, 'I can do whatever I like' child. Brooklyn wasnt quite sure where she fit in. She wasnt tall enough for big kid rides yet bored to tears on the kiddie ones. Its tough being in between because she really wants to go with
the big kids.

I was lucky enough to only have to bear a few kiddie rides before I got to go with the big kids on the BIG roller coasters. Loved the Superman but realized I am not 16 anymore after riding rollercoasters all day I had the worst headache. Man it stinks getting old!

Grandpa was the designated driver for the kiddie bunch. He was happy to watch the 4 little ones most of the day (he claimed it was so I could ride the roller coasters but I think the little ones are just his speed).

Hey they do like each other

Its fun to catch those few moments when the kids are loving and affectionate to one another!
Kate and Brooklyn on our road trip to 6 flags.

Hugs at the graduation.

Kate saw this picture and said "AWHH, I love Colby."

After graduation dinner

We ate at Red Robins after the graduation ceremony

It was rather late and the kids were getting sleepy. But we were glad Masey agreed to celebrate with family!

After the Ceremony

Proud Moma

Beautiful!

Looking up to Big Sis!
I love the way Kate is looking at Masey with such admiration.

Graduation

I know its hard to tell but thats my baby walking into the graduation ceremony between 2 green guys.

One thing that was funny about this graduation (unlike ones I had been to in Utah) is they asked that you do not yell or clap when your childs name is read...WHAT! Well, we are usually quiet, reserved, rule following people but what were they going to do...kick us out - take away her diploma? The first kids whose names were read were the valadictorians and honor society kids (you know all the kids with the special cords on and such). Well they are all from uppercrust families who obey rules... so... no noise at all. Soon after they started reading kids names who were the average students you started hearing a little whistling, then some clapping, then all the sudden some horns blowing and then the full white trash came out. When Masey's name was called we screamed, cheered, clapped, whistled, stomped our feet and completely embarressed her. Hey, she had family come from Arizona just to scream at her graduation. We had some heads turn but we had a good laugh and you only graduate once!

If you look closely you will notice her smiling as she walked off the field. I'm not sure but it could be because of the hollering coming from the stands from her brothers. She couldnt get out of there fast enough, she about knocked over the boy in front of her.

Masey Graduates from Seminary

I think this is a most impressive accomplishment. Especially for kids who live in the mission field and go to seminary at 6 a.m. Masey did it every morning without any complaints, in fact, she loved it. She would always say it was the best part of her day. Congrats kid!!! I am so proud of you, you continue to amaze me.

Seraphin is 13

Seraphins 13th birthday cake (carrot cake)

You can see what he chose to have for his dinner...Chinese takeout. He was surprised I knew how to make carrot cake. I have a few talents up my sleeve.

You know your child is a teenager when he asks for clothes for his birthday. ( Got to impress the women) We love watching Serph mature and grow. He is a fun and important part of our family and we sure love him.

Kate Graduates (from preschool)

Singing.

Getting diploma

Celebrating with friends

Lifes a Beach

One thing we love about Valparaiso is its close to the beach. I think it is beautiful and about the only way to view Chicago....(from afar).
Nothing like sitting on the beach watching the kids play in the sand and splash in the water, listening to the sound of seagulls and water crashing on the beach.

This kids fast

Brooklyn tearin it up on the soccer field. She is seriously fast.

She may be small but she can move. She is shy and reserved off field but on she holds her own.

Kates first bus ride and mom and me party

Kate on the bus learning what is going to happen when she starts riding the bus for Kindergarten. She and Eli were soooo excited.
(Kate, I hope you are as excited when your in high school riding the bus...)

Fun day and beautiful artwork!