This is Clark’s last “First Day of School” picture as he begins his Senior year of High School. I was telling him the other day that everything he does now is going to the be for the “last” time for me. He was quick to remind me that everything he’s done his whole life has been for the “last” time for me. True. Happy sad times all rolled into one.
Very spontaneously, we decided to drive up to Jackson Hole for the 4th of July weekend with four of my siblings and their families. We all got rooms close to each other and had a great time running the river, watching the parade, enjoying (BBQ program), and watching fireworks! In the picture below, I’m in the corner wearing the brown hat and Alan is in directly in front of me. Our family filled up 2 boats! My dad would be so proud of all of us…he loved river running!
My last child is now minus his wisdom teeth…6 kids down…no more to go! Wahoo!
Yup, Clark and I got another year older….we celebrated together with the family taking good care of us.
Clark starts his Junior Year at Waterford and is still willing to have his picture taken on the first day! The things kids do for their moms….
It was very fun to have everyone here Easter weekend…and the weather was gorgeous! When I asked Elliot (at BYU) if he thought the Easter Bunny needed to come to our house this year he said, “Well, I think the Easter Bunny still loves me…”
Apparently one of the things on Grandpa Wally’s bucket list is taking a ride down the Olympic Bobsled track. So during Spring Break, he invited Clark and off they went to Park City. Grandpa sat 2nd behind the driver and Clark sat 3rd behind him. Travelling at 88 miles an hour it only took them 55.6 seconds to get down the hill. New Olympic record?
Yup, it’s true. I’m getting older along with everyone else…happens every year. Actually I had a great birthday week with many nice Facebook messages, cards, phone calls, treats and gifts. I recognize that I have such wonderful, thoughtful friends and family and am very grateful for all of you.
To make it easier on the family, we celebrated my birthday and Clark’s birthday together. Somehow I lost the candle blowing pie photo, so just a few fun family pics.
Clark has been practicing hard and this week was able to perform a marimba duet, play in a marimba quartet and play jazz piano with 3 professional musicians. Of course it all sounds better in real life, but we did record a couple of the pieces for your listening pleasure, should you be interested.
Fugace by Claude Bolling
Alborada del Gracioso by Maurice Ravel
Happy Birthday to Clark, who is now old enough to drive, date, and become a Priest. Ha ha…sounds kinda funny for a Priest to start dating!
The day did finally arrive and I can say that while I congratulate Clark on receiving his driver’s license, I congratulate Alan and myself on surviving 6 student drivers and all that entails…driver’s ed fees, endless gallons of gas, driving 240 hours, 12 visits to the DMV, higher insurance rates and endless “exciting” moments in the passenger seat trying to make calm suggestions regarding braking, stopping, looking, looking again….
And so, after driving kids to and from everything for nearly 28 years, I am officially finished being the family chauffeur!
Also as a result of turning 16 years old, Clark was ordained to the office of a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. That Sunday, he, Alan and Elliot all blessed the sacrament together in sacrament meeting. It made my mommy heart happy!
