That's a wrap!
Josh and I went with Matt and Michelle to the temple and it was lovely. We did initiatories and sealings and it was just beautiful to be in the temple and with our friends and also together and I just love the temple. We got a gift card from my sister for Cracker Barrel for Christmas so we decided to take the kids and go since as soon as we got home since we were actually all together and it wasn't until we were there that Josh realized he had forgotten the gift card so I suppose we'll be going back sometime. It was a nice evening though and I really love my kids.
Then it was Memorial day weekend and Curtis played in a tournament with the Junior league. His game and Brandon's were at the exact same time and I was so sad to miss Curtis's but it was 45 min away and there was just no way to make it work. Josh said Curtis had an amazing game though. He pitched and had a few strike outs and he hit a triple and he even received the game ball. Meanwhile I played the piano for the baptism of one of my sweet piano students and so Leisa kindly took Brandon to his game and we got there about 45 min in. He had an amazing game too; definitely his best of the season. He got a hit every time he was at bat, he caught the ball at first and made an amazing out and he caught a pop fly. It was awesome!
Monday was our ward picnic and it was raining but thankfully it cleared up about 15 minutes after it was supposed to start. I was in charge of games so I brought bubbles, hula hoops, and big balls for the kids to play with, along with face painting, which Lily so kindly did for me after I asked three other young women and no one responded to me. I also brought ladder ball and corn hole and ran a family kick ball game. It was busy but fun and gave me something to do which I appreciated. Josh and Curtis got there late because he had another game and they won, which made them the tournament champions and that was the end of his season. When we got home I watched the Memorial day concert that PBS shows from D.C. every year. I'd really like to go in person sometime; it is very moving and they tell great stories and the music is usually pretty good. I'm very grateful for all those who gave their lives and the many still living and missing them. It is so sobering to think about making that sacrifice.
Then on Tuesday Curtis had a track meet and he ran the mile, did high jump and ran the 400 M. He was disappointed with his running time (there was no break between the two events so he was tired for the 400 M) but he did his personal best in the high jump and came in fifth. Josh picked him up and brought him right to school for his band concert, which was so long. Mr. G talked and talked and made it drag on. However, Curtis played in symphonic band and jazz band and did a great job. The percussion ensemble was also fun. It was great to see Vera and the Wiests and some neighbors and STEM families. All of Curtis's good friends are continuing in STEM in high school so I'm grateful he'll still have his buddies.
Then this past weekend was stake conference. Josh was gone all day Saturday and the girls were at dance all day so Curtis and I went to Brandon's game, which was the first of the play offs. We had hope because they had beaten the other team earlier in the season but his team lost and his season was done. So the boys and I hung out and I made a ton of mini cheesecakes and then I left to go have dinner with Josh and Elder Pingree of the Quorum of the Seventy. It was just for the RS presidents and the stake presidency plus spouses so I felt a little out of place but it was nice to see Josh and have dinner provided, plus Elder Pingree was super nice. The adult meeting that night was so great and I felt very inspired and uplifted. We went back to the stake center Sunday morning and even though it was annoying that we both had to drive since Josh had to stay after, it was worth it to be in the same room with our leaders and feel of their love and spirit. Elder Pingree came and talked to my kids and shook their hands and it was so kind; I hope it is an experience they will always remember. Curtis said his talk was the best he has ever heard and the whole conference was just awesome.
Then that evening was my piano recital. I was pretty nervous but it all went well and my students played great. Two of them struggled a bit on their second song but overall, it was just wonderful. I have my students play two classical songs and then I pick a theme for the third song that is fun and this year was Broadway. Emma played Popular, Brandon played Be Our Guest, Lily played Evermore and Curtis played Don't Stop Believing (from Rock of Ages but really he just wanted to play it and luckily it has been in a Broadway show) and it was so fun. Ella (my senior) asked me to play Under the Sea with her as a duet so that was fun too. Then I served cheesecake and it went so fast; those kids were vultures. I am sad that the Kinneys are moving because it has been so fun to teach Lucy and Brooks. I am also losing Ella since she graduated and is off to Texas A&M. My Australian student is moving at Christmas so I don't have her for too much longer either. I've had a lot of students come and go and it is hard to believe I've been teaching now for 12 years. It was such a relief to have the recital over and Monday I pretty much just did laundry, read my book and watched Geek Girl, which is new on Netflix and super cute.
Yesterday was field day and I got to go hang out with Emma's class. I also ran into Brandon a few times and it was fun to see them with their friends. I got teary-eyed a few times watching Emma; she's really growing up and turning into a young woman.
So now piano is over, baseball is done, only two days left of school and then next week we wrap up dance. The show should have been this weekend but because of the availability of the venue it is next weekend and I really just wish we could be finished. Both girls are excited to perform and I can't wait to see them!
Sounds like a really productive, fun and busy few weeks! I hope your summer is fun and relaxing!
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