A Fun-Filled Family Day!

We decided a few days ago to venture out today and have some good family time. The weather is so nice here right now (we love it in the 90's), and knew it would be a great day to get outside and catch some rays. We started our day with a trip to the Phoenix Zoo. My parents got us a year pass for Christmas last year, and we try to go as much as possible. The kids love it there, and we all love looking at the many animals. Owen is getting so independent now, and was THRILLED to be able to walk most of the zoo. We even ran into some friends from Surprise while we were there, which - - -no pun intended - - was a nice surprise!



The zoo has a great children's area, and once Owen saw the slide - he was hooked. I had to grab him, howling and screaming, to get him to leave! We'll be sure to head back there many more times this year!



On the way home, we stopped off at the Mesa Temple to walk the grounds and take the kids to the visitor's center. Brandon and I are both giving talks in church tomorrow on families and the Temple, and thought it was an appropriate time to take the kids there again and teach them the importance and the holiness of the Temple. I just love this picture of the kids.....they are getting soooo big and sooo old!

Our big news this week is that we finally got Porter into a charter school we'd been on the waiting list for. I had checked out two different schools, and had him on the list at both...but was really hoping for one called Eduprize. We got the call a few days ago and were thrilled that he got in! He starts in August. We'll keep you all posted on how he likes it. We're excited for him to have a more intense academic program. That little boy sure loves to learn and simply cannot get enough. Our little NASA scientist in the making is sure excited for his new school!

We hope everyone is doing well and happy and we send our love on to y'all!!

xoxoxo

Tess' First Recital

Brandon and I received a call late Thursday night from someone in the bishopric asking us to give talks this Sunday. Naturally, Brandon said yes.....So, today - I'm taking the only NATURAL course of direction, and procrastinating writing my talk! Why, do you ask, do I do this? Cuz, I'm still mulling over in my mind, exactly what words I should share! So, what better way to use my time, than update the darn blog that has been so sorely neglected. Once again, I'll post several different events today to make up for the lost time.



Our sweet, darling baby Tess had her first dance recital a few weeks ago, and did a WONDERFUL job! She was in a tap number to the tune of "Singin' in the Rain." It was soooo adorable to see her up there on stage dancing with her little friends. We weren't allowed to take our camera inside, but we did manage to sneak a picture of the final bow. We are so proud of her and how well she is progressing in dance. She loves it, so we plan on keeping her in it as long as she wants.



As you can see, she's one of the few that actually got the concept of bowing!! Fafa and Punkin drove up here from Tucson to be with us at her performance, and that was such a nice treat for Tess. Our good friends, who are our neighbors as well, watched the boys for us, so Porter wouldn't have to sit through the recital, and Owen could play at home. THANKS GUYS!! Us adults had a blast watching all the performances, and had a whole slew of laughs in the process. Those little ones are sure fun to watch!

Good luck Miss Tess as you continue to progress in dance. We love you sooooo much!!

xoxoxo

Happy Memorial Day 2009

First off, I want to thank everyone in our family and our friends that are serving our country and have served our country in the military. We love and appreciate what you have done to ensure our freedom and our safety here in America. What a huge blessing and example you are to all of us. For our 3 family members who are away in Iraq and Korea - we love you and pray for your safe return. I pray our boys can grow up to be men like you.

After my race on Saturday, we headed down to Tucson to spent the long weekend with my grandparents. They have a pool in their community and we planned to spend the weekend relaxing. We made it to the pool 4 times! We had SO MUCH FUN......and were THRILLED when Fafa decided to join us in the pool. He doesn't usually go into the pool with us - so it was a REAL treat.......so.....FAFA - - - be prepared to swim with us AGAIN!




Just having fun in the sun!



Fafa on his way to see if Owen would swim with him. Owen LOVED the water.....but had it in his mind that he would ONLY swim with me!



Tess is doing so well swimming with her floatie. They start lessons on the first of June, so I'm excited to see how much she progresses this summer.



Porter is our little fish and loving jumping off the side of the pool into the deep end with his noodle!



Owen was sure a hard sell on leaving my arms....it took quite a lot of coaxing!

We had a wonderful weekend and want to say thank you to Fafa and Punkin for a great time. We hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. We send out hugs and kisses from everyone!

RACE DAY: May 23, 2009

Well, as most of you know I've decided to take up running seriously again, and this time I'm aiming at a marathon. After much advice from others who have taken the plunge and succeeded in completing a marathon, I decided to start with some small races. I ran my first 5k since college this last weekend and had a ball! I'm even super happy with my time. Here's a few pics, although not entirely flattering, of the big day!




Shortly before take off - I was way nervous.



And.....off I go......



Rounding the last corner before the finish line - This is what I call the "ugly and hot" shot!




Headed to the finish line!



I DID IT!! Walking back to the stroller and my supportive family! Thanks for being there you guys!

Papa and Grandma Came!!!

Well, much to our delight, my parents are moving back to Seattle to be closer to all the family out West, and for Papa to work for a new seafood company. We were ECSTATIC when we found out that their travels back home would include driving through Phoenix! They arrived here Friday afternoon and left this morning. We had a WONDERFUL visit with them, and we're already anxious for another visit soon. We felt especially lucky because this time, they were able to bring Lucy (the family dog) with them! The kids loved having her here......so.....we're thinking a four legged addition to our family might be in the works fairly soon!


Our rowdy bunch with Papa and Grandma!


Tess sure had fun hangin' out with Grandma! "Hey girlfriend.....ready to kick it??!!"


We've always said that Porter gets his good looks and his brains from Papa! Here they are making a telegraph together.


Lucy had a whole slew of attention while she was here. I'm sure she'll sleep all the way to Seattle!

We wish them well on the last few days of their trip, and pray they make it in safely. FYI: If you are looking for a gorgeous home in Brunswick, GA - let us know! We know a great one for sale!!!

Other than our visit from my folks, we're just doing our normal thing here. School is out on May 22nd, so we're looking forward to having Porter home during the day for lots of playtime. Brandon starts his new project - which is only 1.1 miles from the house in two weeks, so we're WAY excited for that. It will be nice for him to not have a commute for the next 10 months or so.

We hope everyone is doing well! xoxoxoxo

Happy Easter 2009

We had a wonderful relaxing weekend here at the MItchell household. Fafa and Punkin (my grandparents who have SWEET nicknames) drove up on Saturday from Tucson to spend Easter with us. We had a lot of fun coloring eggs and playing games. We really enjoy the time we have with them when they are here.

Easter morning brought our little hunt and some good old fashioned relaxing! We don't have church till 2pm, so we enjoyed our morning. The Easter Bunny brought the family a really cool Book of Mormon game, so we played that all day.

We hope everyone had a greatl Easter this year!





Owen sure loved coloring eggs.



Our happy painters!



The search begins!



Owen had a ball looking for all the hidden eggs!



Miss Tess had a good time too. She loved her pink basket even more!



Our sweet children with Fafa and Punkin. We sure loved having them here for Easter weekend!



Tessy and Punkin!



What a handsome group of men!