Aladdin!

I was honestly pretty surprised to hear that Parker wanted to be in the Drama Club this year. It just didn't seem like something that he would be interested in doing. At first he signed up with his friend to be the "behind the scenes" guy who moves the props and whatnot. As the play got closer and closer a few kids had to drop out for one reason or another and suddenly Parker found himself as one of the guards. He absolutely loved this experience. Next year he wants to try out for a big part! 

My friend and neighbor decided to start the Drama Club this year and has done an absolutely PHENOMENAL job. There are some people in life who don't know how to do anything halfway. She is one of those women. She said, "If we're going to do this.....lets go BIG."

The play was incredible....the props, the costumes, the acting. It made me so glad that we made the decision to switch the kids over to this school. LOVE this school!!!!

Bear Lake!

The weekend of May 17th-19th we decided to go to Bear Lake as a family. Nate had a bike race over there and suggested that we make a weekend of it. I have NEVER been to Bear Lake (that I recall.....maybe when I was little) and I was SO excited to go somewhere with my family and make some special memories together.

Bear Lake is relatively close to us....less than 3 hours away. It is absolutely positively GORGEOUS. We stayed in a very nice condo with plenty of room for us all, a nice kitchen included, with a deck of the back that we could step onto and look out over the aqua blue lake. We crammed a ton in as we usually do. Nate did well in the race...getting a nice 7th place finish with 60 some odd riders competing. 

We played on the beach, ate raspberry shakes and burgers, swam in the pool, went over to Logan and took the kids to the park and zoo over there. It was a GREAT weekend. One we will need to make a tradition in our family. I love my people. 

Now we just need a boat. ;)

Graduate

There really is something to be said about setting a goal and then achieving it. This running experience has taught me that I CAN accomplish goals... I'm not too old, too busy, too out of shape, too tired, too slow, or too selfish if I take some time for me. This goal doesn't end here for me either, it is just beginning. :) #couchto5Kgraduate

13 years

Happy Anniversary to us! Nate surprised me and came home early from his trip. He thought he would be gone until Saturday but was able to make it home Thursday night and since Friday was our anniversary it was perfect. He even took the ENTIRE day off so we could spend all day together!

We started out the morning by doing sealings at the IF temple. It was such a great thing to do and a special way to remember our day all those years ago. We went to lunch, did some furniture shopping, took an afternoon NAP, and went to dinner that evening. I love this guy. I am so grateful for him and for this life we have created together. Love you Mr. Starnes!

Tracy Aviary

After spending the day with my friends, Nate came down with the kiddos because he needed to catch a flight to Houston for work. I knew it would be a LONG week without him so I took my time getting back home. We spent Monday in Utah and I took the kids to Tracy Aviary with Ash and the girls. It was so much fun playing a little hooky from school and enjoying the SUMMER like temps down in Utah!

Women's Conference

Seems like every year I write, "Well, I didn't go to conference this year because I have a baby...but I did make time to see my friends!" And this year was no different! My sweet Boise friends went down to BYU for Women's Conference on Thursday and I met up with them to play all day on Friday. We shopped, ate out, stayed up late, talked and talked and talked, and we pampered ourselves. It was a fabulous mini re-charge for me. I always look forward to spending some good time with them. Laughing until your sides hurt always feels so good.

They also smooched on and loved Tyguy to pieces. He was such a little champ being dragged from store to store. Lucky to have such a sweet mellow little guy.

Landon's 7th birthday!

It is SO hard to believe that my little Landon is 7 now! He wanted an all things BASKETBALL birthday party this year! This was easy peasy since I had JUST thrown an end of season basketball party for Parker a few days previous. He had a few friends come from school and we played basketball, played musical dribbling, had a huge dance party in the front room to Jock Jams. It was fun. Landon was on cloud 9.

We surprised Landon with a a nice NEW bike! Now all of the Starnes boys ride on Specialized bikes! Landon wanted one that he could ride on the dirt hills right next to our house. Now he CAN because the weather is getting so nice!

My Landon Lou,

Happy Birthday big 7 year old! You are so fun, outgoing and kind. You are my all things "helper" whether it be running errands, carrying groceries, helping me bake and cook or watching Anna. You are a great athlete and are currently playing basketball. You score so many points every game that it is hard to keep track! You will be starting baseball in a few weeks and I'm excited to watch you play! You are always up for an adventure. You are not the cleanest kid, and need constant reminding to pick up your room and make your bed. I sure love you big boy!. I am so excited for all of our summer adventures which are just around the corner! I love you to bits!

Love,

Momma