Heaven help me

Heaven help me.

She looks beautiful.

And she's a natural. Really, I should push her to do the competition dance teams because she's the only one who remembers all the moves, timing, and smiles through the entire performance. I just don't know if my wallet can afford this talent. Or Jeff's patience to sit through a dance recital. {But I will admit, this year's dance recital being split into three different shows was awesome! Only an hour long!}

The tumbling routine. Pearl has improved so much over the year.

Is it just me or does anyone else find the teachers during the performance almost as fun to watch as the kids? It's so funny watching them move, bounce around, and smile at the kids to help them remember what they're supposed to be doing.

The fan club. Minus the boy who was too busy spilling water from the drinking fountain all over the floor and his shirt. Or was he doing cartwheels in his cowboy boots right now? I can't remember.

 

Pearl's super awesome and adorably cute dance and tumbling teacher, Ms. Cecily. I loved her! And may have wanted to set her up with my little brother. Doesn't she have the most adorable smile and squinty eyes?  

Despite her natural talent, the trophy she got, and how much she loves performing, Pearl decided she only wanted to do one class next year... Hip Hop. She likes the beaty music a lot better than the "slow ballet music."

After school program

Pearl had her After School Program year-end program today. It was kind of a bittersweet day. As a working mom, I know my kids have missed out on a lot because I'm not home with them. And I know nothing takes my place. But I am forever grateful that our child care has always worked out so perfectly for our little family. When Pearl went to first grade and wasn't in my office building's child care/kindergarten program anymore, I had no clue what we were going to do. Luckily, living in the poor part of town has it's perks. Namely an excellent school and an after school program that has been just fabulous!

Seriously. Pearl told us we weren't allowed to pick her up before 5 p.m. Ever.

The director, Shawnelle, is a young, energetic, always smiling, super awesome girl! The kids just adored her. She always had fun activities planned. All of the teachers were young college kids who were everything a parent could have dreamed of having in an after school program.

The program was such a blessing for us with our work schedules. Pearl had so much fun with her friends and Shawnelle. I am praying Shawnelle comes back next year.

Jackson Hole, WY {Day 2}

Jackson Hole puts on the largest horse-drawn parade in the U.S. {at least that's the claim}. We're not real big parade lovers, but I have to say this was probably the best parade I've ever seen! I absolutely loved seeing all of the beautiful horses, so pardon the many horse pictures. There was even a dog sled team that ran in the parade. 2014 marked the Centennial Celebration of the city and Memorial Day weekend was the big kickoff event.

For some reason, Cole just loved this bear seat. He wanted to climb in it every single time we walked downtown. Oh well. At least it meant he was willing to smile for the camera! Cole also had to climb up on every single wooden fence he could find. Boy did those two pipsqueaks have a blast!

And probably the coolest thing in Jackson Hole, a street named Pearl Street! What kid {heck, what adult for that matter} wouldn't want a street named after them?

We walked up and down main street several times a day. Our motel was so close to everything that it was really easy to just get some wiggles out and see the sights. We took the kids to the famous Jackson Hole Square arches. They weren't nearly as impressed as I had hoped they'd be. Oh well. I was having a blast!

It sounds really cheesy, but just being in Jackson Hole again brought back so many memories of when Jeff and I were first married and lovey-dovey. I even tried holding his hand a couple of times {he looked at me like I was kay-razy!}. Cheesy. I know.

Jackson Hole, WY {Day 1}

We shook things up a bit this year for Memorial Day. Instead of our usual voyage to Bear Lake - where we've typically been met with freezing cold, rain, and even snow - we decided to go to Jackson Hole, WY with our good friend, Nicole and her two girls. Jeff and I haven't been to Jackson Hole since our honeymoon 12 years ago. We invited Jeff's parents to come with us.... to keep Nicole's parents company. Nicole and her parents go to Jackson Hole every year for Memorial Day weekend and after our little getaway, we might just make it our new tradition too.

Quick stop to stretch our legs at Bear Lake. Oh how I love that view!

Even though Nicole and her parents go to Jackson Hole every year {and Nicole worked there for many years}, I was surprised to hear they don't go to the Bar J Wranglers! What? How does one go to Jackson Hole and not stop by for a good Chuckwagon dinner?

Cole was pretty tired and grouchy, but Pearl loved the cowboy songs! She even asked for a picture with the Bar J Wranglers after the show. It was a lot of fun and just like I remembered it from 12 years ago... even down to the "slop" line and banged up cups of lemonade.

We got a great deal ($70 per night) on the Rawhide Motel right smack Downtown. It did come with a few less than luxurious accommodations like the horrid pillows! But.... it was within walking distance from all of the fun and the kids absolutely loved it.