Catching up

The biggest thing that has happened in our house this month was saying goodbye to this guy:

The second week in March, his family had court and his aunt and uncle finally got all their paperwork done so he could move in with them in Green River. It was bittersweet for us. We miss the little guy, but let's be honest, life is much quieter and simpler now. Having just four kids has never seemed easier. And how great for him that he gets to live with family and see much more of his parents and grandparents. We found out recently that his mom has finally left his dad, so we have high hopes that Vinny will be back with her soon.

Garreth and I had a great Saturday morning date running a 5K in Green River. He has been running a lot lately, and even though I haven't been, I've been doing enough cardio that I was able to run the entire time and come in only five minutes behind him. If that's not a testimonial to the crosstraining effects of Zumba and spinning, I don't know what is!

I try not to brag too much on this blog, but just allow me to say that this girl continually knocks my socks off. Here she is with her award for having the highest Wyoming standardized test scores in her whole class.

We have never had a bad parent teacher conference with Grace, we always come out puffed up with pride and feeling like incredible parents. (Trying to ignore the knowledge that she just came this way and we really have nothing to do with it.) But in this last PT conference, her teacher told us two things that make us prouder than all the good grades and test scores. He said she is always kind to everybody and a friend to all. He also said how much he enjoys the perspective she brings to class discussions because she has traveled so much and seems to have a much broader perspective than most sixth graders.

Did I mention she is also a published chef in American Girl magazine?

(Recipe copyright: Papa)

And one last thing about Grace... she kicks some serious clarinet booty.

Love this girl.

In other news, our reluctant scouter has had some fun activities.

His alien cake brought a high bid of $95.00 at the scout cake auction.

And, while his Pinewood derby car did not win a single race, no one can deny its sheer flair.

And here's a little news about our preschooler.

When he's not waking up with rock star hair, you can find him swimming four mornings a week at the rec center, where he is quickly becoming a very proficient little swimmer.

He has been enjoying his days alone with Mom again. Dates at our favorite drug store lunch counter are a must when we have errands to run downtown.

Oh, and the biggest news with this guy? He is a reader! The kid cannot get enough and is whizzing through the Sam and Sis books like you wouldn't believe. Watching my kids learn to read has to be one of my very favorite things about mothering. Just seeing it click in their heads and seeing the confidence it gives them melts my heart. Sharing my favorite pastime and seeing them love it too is just purely rewarding.

And Super Sam.

I don't have as many pictures of this guy to share this time, but Sam stays busy just keeping things from getting too boring around here. He is not involved in as many activities right now - just being a first grader is enough. He has had some social struggles in school but is really doing great, thanks to the most wonderful, loving teacher we could ever ask for. He is at the top of his class in math and might have a little literary crush on Junie B. Jones. He stays after school three days a week for an hour, once for the Climbing Club and twice for the Stop and Think Club, which is exactly what it sounds like - the school counselor works with them on making good choices. We are seeing less and less impulsive behavior from Sam and are so proud of the strides he's made. He loves being with his friends - riding bikes and going to their secret hideout in the desert. Sam has such a tender heart and teaches me so much everyday.

I am very much in love with my children.