Summer Time!

Even though it is bordering on cold here, 

it was the LAST DAY of school for Julia!

She and her fellow fifth graders danced to a Spanish tune wearing colorful sashes, swinging their hips and skirts for the audience (which seems to grow bigger each year).

After the Dance Festival we headed inside to grab the last of her stuff and try to get a picture of the kids who were also in the classroom and with Mrs. Hatch her amazing teacher. I wasn't too successful but at least Julia and Mrs. Hatch are looking in the right direction :)

It's hard to believe summer break is now underway... it probably won't feel like it until the weather warms up. I feel like we've been living in the Pacific Northwest the past month or so. 

Emily is still in school and working hard. The twiners are starting back up at Seven Peaks despite my trying to convince them they don't need to or have to work there. 

I will be teaching summer school the month of June...yikes. It was a last minute commitment.

 I hope I'm not completely crazy for doing it... a few school teachers, upon hearing I was teaching summer school, said, "Bless you." I don't know if this should concern me?!
 Perhaps it has to do with the fact that I'm the only one having to teach 4 different subject/content areas divided into groups of kids ranging from K-5th grades. It should be interesting and I'm looking forward  to gaining more practical experience.

In the meantime, I'm so most excited to have more FAMILY TIME!

Another Birthday Celebration

I've decided when one turns sixteen, you can't have too many celebrations.

Over the weekend, Hilary and Hannah and their very best girlfriends went out on the town.

Of course, I had to capture a few photos at dinner and then later when the birthday cakes were lit with 16 + 16 candles.

Love, love, love all of these girls!

Hannah is thinking really hard about her birthday wish while Hilary waits patiently for me to get the candles all lit!

Both girls got their favorite cakes made...Hannah loves yellow cake with chocolate frosting and Hilary's favorite is a GF chocolate bundt cake. Needless to say we have eaten A LOT of cake and ice cream at our house the last two weeks.

This Week

Julia was awarded 3rd Place in Writer's Olympics for her story.

I still need to get a picture with her medal.

She loves writing and always works hard to participate in this event at school.

Hannah finished her road practice tests and successfully passed her driving test for her licence.

Thank you to Emily for being the required passenger/witness in the back of the car so I could be home.

Sadly, Hannah can't officially drive alone until June 30th. We were a little late getting Hilary and Hannah to the DMV to get their learner's permits. After this crazy week I finally conceded that I am really excited about having another errand runner in the house.

And without all the nitty, gritty details, Hilary got to finish up the school year early.

All I will say is that this girl is strong and patient and pleasant even in the thick of the difficulties of life. She is one amazing example to me. I have loved getting to spend so much one on one time with her, even if it always isn't fun.

Best news of the day...

the man of this house gets home...finally... after one LONG week of work in New Jersey.

I'm so grateful for modern technology that enables us to have constant contact and conversation! However, I really prefer him home :)

Back to Barcelona

After days of lots of walking and stairs, I coerced Dan into buying tour bus tickets that take you all around Barcelona, with stops at all the major sites. It was actually the concierge at the hotel that convinced us that we'd see a lot more of the city if we did this. So instead of heading to the metro, we boarded an open top bus on a beautiful, warm morning, our last day in Barcelona.

Gaudi is like a god in Barcelona. So much of the architecture can be attributed to him and his work and legacy can be found in every nook and cranny.

One of Gaudi's residential developments...notice the curves

Gaudi's work continues in this cathedral which has been under construction for decades. The size of this is spectacular and can be seen from all over the city.

We spent a good chunk of time at the Olympic Stadium where the Summer Games where hosted by Barcelona in 1992. This is a view of the Olympic Torch.

Outside of the Olympic Stadium

Inside the Olympic Stadium...this place is huge and much more impressive than Rice Eccles Stadium (sorry Salt Lake) where we attended the games in 2002.

A final view of our cruise ship in the harbor before we head home.

The trip was so much fun! However, we were ready to get home and see the kiddos for sure. A shout out to my girls, especially Emily, for her playing the role of mom, dad, and caretaker. It was a much longer trip for them I know than it was for us. Love you guys!!

Snapshots of Sardinia

Our last port of call was Cagliari, Sardinia.

We didn't know much about this island off the coast of Italy (and part of Italy) before we visited. We decided to conquer the city by foot. The weather was a little cool and overcast but the rain didn't descend until we were back on board the ship. I'd love to come back in the summer and enjoy the beautiful beaches.

We loved this place! 

Rome in Pictures

Colosseum

Spanish Steps

The azaleas were in full bloom...beautiful!

Arch of Constantine

Trevi Fountain

This proves that I'll be coming back to Rome

View from the stop of the Spanish Steps

We loved Rome...delicious food, gelato and friendly people!